Finding out you're expecting a baby can be both exciting and scary at the same time. One minute, you can't wait until that little bundle of joy is in your arms, and the next, you're wondering why you ever wanted to get pregnant in the first place. Am I right? Sure I am! I just found out I'm expecting my second! There are so many different feelings that these raging hormones love to throw out, so I never know what mood I'll be in for the day. But I do know that when this little blessing is safely in my arms, I'm going to enjoy "him" as much as I am enjoying my little 3-year-old. Since all this is fresh on my mind, I'd like to share with my fellow mommies-to-be a few great tips that will make this journey a bit easier!
Snapshot Survey
Snapshot Survey
1. Take It Easy
Girl, this is your time to rest and get ready. Once that little one is here, your entire life will change! So make this time about you. Take warm baths all the time and indulge your cravings. Go out on special dates with your sweetheart. Re-discover the nap! Whatever you do, lose the stress! Make this special time in your life something that you will cherish for years to come.
2. Exercise
I know I just told you to take it easy, and you totally should. But do make time for a little exercise. It's good to keep in shape for a great delivery when the time comes. Doctors say the best exercise for a pregnant woman is walking, so try to get a 30 minute walk in every day - at least. If you can spare an hour, go for that! Not only does the walking make you feel good, the fresh air does too! You can do other exercises if you'd like, but it's recommended that after the 1st trimester, you not do any exercises on your back. Yoga is another form of exercise that is really good for you!
3. Eat Good
I know that morning sickness can put a damper on good eating, but if there is any part of the day that's better on you eating and keeping it down, take advantage of this. You should be eating foods that are good for you and your baby. Try a diet rich in fruits and veggies and whole grains. Don't be afraid of sandwich meats, just be sure to heat up your meat before making your sandwich. And remember, never diet while pregnant!
4. Watch Those Hormones!
Oh dear! With this pregnancy, I'm finding that my hormones are taking over! I'm usually a pretty laid-back type person. I prefer to back down and leave rather than offend people. Here lately, however, I've found it much easier to tear into someone who upsets me rather than backing down. While it's good to stand up for yourself, take care that you don't cause major trouble with your new 'tude! If things get too heated, it might be best to take five minutes to practice your breathing!
5. Have Fun!
It's so much fun to create gift registries and dream about your new baby. Some places, like Babies R Us will even give you a free goody bag when you create a registry with them! So go have fun! Scan the barcode to everything you'd love to have! Chances are, you won't get everything, but a girl can dream, right?
6. Pick Names
It's never a good idea to wait until your baby is born to come up with names. With my first, my husband and I couldn't agree on anything! It was terrible! And then, my son was born early, so we were forced to pick a name. Try your best to come to an agreement on names before the time comes that you need it. Trust me, it's a lot easier!
7. Be Prepared for Anything
Please, please, don't make a birth plan! You're only setting yourself up for disappointment! It never goes the way you hope. My water broke at 35 1/5 weeks, so there was no standing and walking through the pain like I wanted, and there certainly wasn't no warm bath like I had wanted either! Nothing went like it was supposed to. This time, I'm going into this pregnancy with the motto, "anything goes." We're taking this baby story day by day, and in my opinion, that's the only way to do it!
I would sure love for you to leave a comment if you're expecting a little one too! I love to find new women who are going through the same things I am! And hopefully, these great tips were helpful to some wonderful mothers-to-be! Good luck!
Top Photo Credit: ~ Julia Sysoeva ~