Becoming a mother is a fantastic time in your life. You are about to embark on an exciting and daunting journey. About three million women become mothers annually, so you’re not the only one. There are so many things to think about and prepare for. Here are five essential activities every soon-to-be mother should do to set herself up for success.
Educate Yourself
The first thing you should do is educate yourself. If you don’t know where to start, here are three common stages of pregnancy you need to know about.
First Trimester
Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters, with the first trimester being weeks 1-12. This is when your baby’s organs and body parts begin to develop. Therefore, it is important to take prenatal vitamins, start seeing a doctor regularly, and make healthy lifestyle choices such as exercising and eating well. It’s also important to monitor the baby as much as possible since miscarriages often happen during this time.
Second Trimester
The second trimester is weeks 13-27; during this time, you will likely feel the best out of all three trimesters. However, you may start feeling your baby move around at week 16, and it’s essential to continue your prenatal care, including routine checkups and ultrasounds.
Third Trimester
The third trimester is from week 28 until birth. At this point, your baby’s organs are fully developed and will continue to grow and gain weight. It’s essential to attend all of your prenatal appointments, start thinking about labor and delivery options and create a birth plan.
It’s also important to stay educated on pregnancy-related health issues, such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia. And don’t forget about postpartum care for yourself, including taking care of your body and mental health after giving birth. You can find the necessary resources for these things on the internet or in self-help books.
Create a Support System
Having a solid support system is crucial during this time. Surround yourself with people who will be there for you, both emotionally and practically. These could be your partner, family members, friends, or even other mothers who have been through it before. People you can rely on will make the whole experience much more accessible. Here are some online communities you should join:
The Bump
This website has forums for all stages of pregnancy, as well as postpartum questions and concerns. In addition, it’s a great place to connect with other soon-to-be mothers who may be going through the same things.
What to Expect
Another fantastic online community is What to Expect, where you can discuss various pregnancy and parenting topics with other mothers. They also have a mobile app where you can track your pregnancy progress and get daily updates on your baby’s development.
Cherish Every Moment
Becoming a parent is one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. Cherish every moment, good and bad, because it will go by quickly! Before you know it, your little one will be all grown up. So enjoy this particular time in your life as much as you can.
One of the best ways to cherish every moment is through photography. You can take a picture of every stage of your pregnancy. Of course, you can do it yourself, but nothing can beat a professional at work. An experienced newborn photographer can capture all the emotions and joy you are feeling during this time and create beautiful memories to look back on forever. They can also make you look great in your photos without much preparation.
Get Organized
There is so much to think about when you’re pregnant, from what you need to buy for the baby to how you manage your time once they’re born. Getting organized and ensuring everything is in place before the baby arrives is essential. This will help you feel more prepared and less stressed. So make lists, budget, and start thinking about your childcare options early on.
Take Care of Yourself
Make sure to take care of yourself physically and emotionally during this time. Eat healthy foods, get regular exercise, and get plenty of rest. It’s also essential to find ways to destress and relax, whether taking a yoga class or spending time with loved ones. Finally, remember that it’s okay to ask for help if you’re overwhelmed—you’re not expected to do everything alone!
Becoming a mother is an exciting but overwhelming time in your life. There are many things to think about and do to set yourself up for success. By doing the essential activities mentioned above, you’ll be well on becoming a fantastic mom. Good luck!
