It is so fun to see that deep shade of blue on the stick for the first time. It's an exciting day - kind of like standing in line for a fun, but somewhat scary roller coast ride. Anticipation, happiness, hopes, fears and questions may start rattling around in your mind all at once. And there are many decisions to be made; here are some you may want to start thinking about to begin with:
Who do you tell and in what time frame? (work, family, friends)
What kind of care do you want? (hospital, midwife, home birth, birthing center)
What kind of lifestyle, diet or exercise habits may you need to change?
What are the best resources for you as you learn about pregnancy?(internet, books, movies, family members, friends, classes)
There is a lot to learn which can be overwhelming. Narrow it down to a few things to focus on especially if, as most women do, you are in the middle of a full and busy life that continues to march forward with responsibilities to attend to.
The first thing we usually think of when we think of pregnancy is feeling sick. Actually, everyone is different. Early pregnancy feels much like pre-pregnancy days for some. For others nausea may begin even before you miss your period! Each has its pros and cons. Those who don't feel sickness are lucky in that they don't feel sick, but may be concerned about the health and well-being of the developing baby because they don't feel any differently. Those who are sick are probably thrown immediately into the game of trying to fend off nausea and second appearances from their swallowed meals (even brushing your teeth might make you gag if you find yourself in this category), but can rest assured that something is going on in there. Meanwhile those in between these two extremes may just feel more fatigued, have a few headaches or just occasional bouts of nausea. Here are a few suggestions of things to remember whatever your situation:
Make sure to get plenty of folic acid in your diet - directly from food is best, but most health care providers also suggest a pre-natal vitamin.
Eat as nutritionally as possible (smaller meals more times a day may help if you're nauseated).
Try to keep exercising, even if it's just a 30-minute walk 3-5 times per week (this may help with nausea).
Remember you may feel more emotional than usual, especially in the third month, so be aware of your stress levels and the fact that you probably have a few expectations that will have to be discarded (for example: being pregnant may not bring you and your partner closer at first like you expected; if he wants to celebrate at a nice seafood restaurant, and the thought of fish - or any food at all - makes you want to hurl it may be difficult for him to understand your lack of enthusiasm. His experience of pregnancy may be quite different than yours in general, so find ways to help him feel involved and learn about pregnancy in a way that works for him).
If you're sick, don't be too hard on yourself; just do the best you can; it's typical for your second trimester to be easier on the stomach.
A woman's situation, experiences, goals and her unique body all contribute to making this experience wonderfully special to her. Thankfully she will have many things in common with other women as well which can help her build relationships with other women in her same situation and allow her to make some educated guesses about the exciting, but unknown path ahead of her.
Who do you tell and in what time frame? (work, family, friends)
What kind of care do you want? (hospital, midwife, home birth, birthing center)
What kind of lifestyle, diet or exercise habits may you need to change?
What are the best resources for you as you learn about pregnancy?(internet, books, movies, family members, friends, classes)
There is a lot to learn which can be overwhelming. Narrow it down to a few things to focus on especially if, as most women do, you are in the middle of a full and busy life that continues to march forward with responsibilities to attend to.
The first thing we usually think of when we think of pregnancy is feeling sick. Actually, everyone is different. Early pregnancy feels much like pre-pregnancy days for some. For others nausea may begin even before you miss your period! Each has its pros and cons. Those who don't feel sickness are lucky in that they don't feel sick, but may be concerned about the health and well-being of the developing baby because they don't feel any differently. Those who are sick are probably thrown immediately into the game of trying to fend off nausea and second appearances from their swallowed meals (even brushing your teeth might make you gag if you find yourself in this category), but can rest assured that something is going on in there. Meanwhile those in between these two extremes may just feel more fatigued, have a few headaches or just occasional bouts of nausea. Here are a few suggestions of things to remember whatever your situation:
Make sure to get plenty of folic acid in your diet - directly from food is best, but most health care providers also suggest a pre-natal vitamin.
Eat as nutritionally as possible (smaller meals more times a day may help if you're nauseated).
Try to keep exercising, even if it's just a 30-minute walk 3-5 times per week (this may help with nausea).
Remember you may feel more emotional than usual, especially in the third month, so be aware of your stress levels and the fact that you probably have a few expectations that will have to be discarded (for example: being pregnant may not bring you and your partner closer at first like you expected; if he wants to celebrate at a nice seafood restaurant, and the thought of fish - or any food at all - makes you want to hurl it may be difficult for him to understand your lack of enthusiasm. His experience of pregnancy may be quite different than yours in general, so find ways to help him feel involved and learn about pregnancy in a way that works for him).
If you're sick, don't be too hard on yourself; just do the best you can; it's typical for your second trimester to be easier on the stomach.
A woman's situation, experiences, goals and her unique body all contribute to making this experience wonderfully special to her. Thankfully she will have many things in common with other women as well which can help her build relationships with other women in her same situation and allow her to make some educated guesses about the exciting, but unknown path ahead of her.
Information about the Author:
Art Gib writes and contributes for many baby, child, family and parent online publications including HugaMonkey. Art is an avid baby sling supporter because of the positive impact it can have on families. For more information regarding baby slings, visit www.hugamonkey.com
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