Becoming a first-time mom is a life-changing experience filled with joy, challenges, and a lot of new responsibilities. Here’s what you can generally expect as a first-time preggy:
- Be prepared for weird mood swings.
- Start taking folic acid the day you decide you want to have a baby.
- Your baby doesn’t know you’re still having sex 😉
- Download a Pregnancy App to track your baby’s development every week.
- Expect to go up a shoe size. Extra body fluids will cause your feet to swell.
- Magnesium deficiency is a common cause of morning sickness so make sure that you take your prenatal vitamins every day.
- You need to put your name down for Antenatal Classes as soon as your pregnancy is confirmed and never miss a checkup.
- Pack your hospital bag early.
- Have a good, low maintenance hairstyle just before your baby is due. It may be a while before you have the time (and energy) to get your hair done.
- Don’t listen to other people’s “horror” labour stories. It will only scare you. Everyone is different.
- Don’t drink caffeinated drinks. Caffeine stops iron from being absorbed easily, and you need all the iron you can get.
- Don’t buy too many newborn cloth sizes because babies grow extremely fast. Onesies are more comfortable than two-pieces.
- Don’t panic if you notice some vaginal discharge unless it goes green, thick, smelly or blood-stained.
- Educate yourself about Caesarean Section and vaginal birth. Anything can happen. Don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t go the way you wanted it to.
- You’re either genetically disposed to get stretch marks or you aren’t and there’s not much you can do about that.
- Flaunt your pregnancy belly. Cravings, ultrasound scans and baby kicks are the best part of being pregnant.
- If you work, plan your maternity leave ahead.
- Quit alcohol and smoking.
- Pregnancy amnesia is common and can include anything from being slightly absent minded to full and major memory loss.
- Invest in maternity leggings or jeans, comfortable shoes and pregnancy pillow.
- No words or metaphor can adequately describe the sweet relief you feel once your baby comes out of you.
Remember, every baby and every mother’s experience is unique. What you can expect as a first-time mom will vary from person to person. Embrace the journey, enjoy the precious moments, and don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re embarking on a remarkable and fulfilling adventure as a parent.