Being a New Mom: Are You Going to be a New Mom?

Oh My Gosh I’m Pregnant!

Being a new mom can be very exciting, nerve-wracking, fear-driving, marvelous, breath taking, stressing, overwhelming, everything you can think of wrapped in one. So many questions can come to mind once a woman finds out she is pregnant. Questions like; am I ready to be a mom, how am I going to take care of this child, can I survive this pregnancy, will I survive the delivery, what is the sex of the baby, what will I name him or her, so many questions but whatever you think about, don’t think too hard because you wouldn’t want to stress yourself too much, for a stress-free mom-to-be makes a healthy baby.

Dos and Don’ts for New Mom

Dos

1. Take vitamins: it is important for expectant mothers to take some form of vitamins as it provides the body with the nutrients that supports the healthy growth and development of the baby. As an expectant mom, on your first visit to your healthcare practitioner you will be recommended multivitamins containing nutrients such as folic acid, omega-3, iron, calcium, etc. These are very important as they help with the healthy development of bones, blood, and brain, etc.
2. Have Sex as often as possible: sex can be somewhat beneficial, but remember to talk to your doctor so you can know if sex is healthy for you. Complications such as placenta previa or other complications may make you not able to have sex during pregnancy. Once it is safe for you to do so then have much sex as possible. Sex during pregnancy may aid in easier lobour, less trips to the bathroom, lowering blood pressure, stress reduction and helps you and your partner to bond.
3. Get plenty of rest: Pregnancy can take a toll on your body with the changing hormone level, the anticipation and anxiety; all of these can take a toll on you making you feel tired and sleepy. Ensure to get some sleep whenever you feel tired as it helps to make you feel less fatigue.
4. Keep active: exercise is good during pregnancy as it helps lower muscle pains, excessive weight gain, insomnia and so much other complains. If you are not the type of person who exercises, then try to do the activities you normally do for example regular house chores, but remember to do them in moderation and ensure not to lift anything too heavy.

Don’ts

1. Don’t Smoke: smoking causes birth defects, and babies born to mothers who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to be under-weight, have brain damage or even learning disabilities.
2. Don’t drink alcohol: Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to babies with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome; which makes them underweight, have behavioral problems, have learning disabilities and have a slouchy attitude.
3. Don’t consume too much caffeine: Caffeine when consumed by pregnant mothers may increase the baby’s heart rate; and may increase the risk of miscarriage.
4. Don’t take over the counter drugs: Always get advice from a physician before taking any kinds of over the counter drugs. Medicines can get into the bloodstream of your baby through the placenta and this may cause complications with the baby.

As for the many questions that you may have as an expectant mother, don’t be afraid to do researches and educate yourself. Just remember eat right exercise and get enough rest. There are so many other dos and don’ts when preparing to have a baby but whatever you do or don’t do just remember to kick back relax and take it easy; you will get over this in a matter of time.