Three weeks post-delivery and I am still in awe. Fulfilling being a mum to a sweet angel, Grateful for how God saw me through the journey, and glad I am recovering fine. First-time pregnancy is a totally new experience, and you don’t know what to expect. It marks the beginning of a new phase in life, filled with love, joy, and responsibilities. Finding tips that can help you through pregnancy is important but before I delve into this, I’ll like to share a bit of the pregnancy plan.
My husband and I spoke about children during courtship and we decided to wait a year after marriage before getting pregnant. Our reasons then were to understand each other and settle into the marriage before bringing a child into the equation. Fortunately, we moved to a new country immediately after marriage. After the move, we were more sure we needed the one-year plan before pregnancy. As God will have it, I got pregnant two months before our first anniversary and it was the best news ever. We were mentally and emotionally ready and we also prayed for God’s help through the journey.
Now I’ll share 6 things to remember during your first pregnancy journey.
Take care of yourself
If this is your first pregnancy, you may not know that self-care is super important, although at times it can feel impossible. While carrying a baby for the first time is a lot of fun, it can also be quite challenging.
It is beneficial to stay active and get involved with activities that ease the mental and emotional stress pregnancy brings. It can be an activity as simple as getting dressed, going out, playing music and dancing, eating right, and exercising.
If you have constant morning sickness or joint pain, it can be difficult to fit in a workout, but you must remain active during the nine months.
Spend time making a birth plan
Several people get anxious at the thought of giving birth and the reason is not far-fetched. Childbirth is one of the most painful experiences anyone can go through. You are better prepared when you understand the process of giving birth and options you can choose from.
Spend time preparing where you will give birth, the method of birth, the usage of pain relief, things to take with you to the hospital, and who will be present during labor. With this, you will be less stressed during childbirth.
Ask for help
You shouldn’t be too scared to ask for help. Ask for help at home, at the workplace, and the hospital. People are always ready to help if only you can speak out. Lean on your partner and friends. Let them help with house chores, financial burdens, and emotional stress.
Pregnancy can be overwhelming and you sometimes need a break or feel emotional, that’s absolutely fine.
Stay hydrated and avoid certain foods
When pregnant, you need more water than the average person to enhance digestion, carry nutrients and flush out waste and toxins. If you have a hard time getting enough water daily, you can increase your fruit and vegetable intake, and drink juice, milk, and tea. Apart from the health benefits, it also helps in softening the skin.
Foods to avoid during pregnancy include liver, raw fish and eggs, caffeine, and fizzy drinks. Doctors might advise against certain foods depending on medical conditions that might arise during pregnancy. A good example is Gestational Diabetes.
Speak Positively
Talking to our babies while pregnant is incredibly beneficial. During pregnancy, a mix of emotions and sensations flood our minds. We feel excitement, fear, and uncertainty. Speaking positive affirmations help to assure the mother and the baby. One way to demonstrate love is to stimulate the baby through loving dialogue.
Enjoy the Process
Pregnancy is such an incredible time in your life, so why not enjoy the process? Create memories throughout the journey, and connect with other expecting moms. No one can define how pregnancy “should” be for you, and there’s no wrong or right way to feel. If you feel up to it, take as many pictures as possible and document your feelings and thoughts during various stages throughout the journey.
Acknowledge your emotions, cry when you have to, recenter yourself, and get help when needed. It’s all part of the process.
Wonderful read! 👏👏
Wow
Thanks for sharing
What a great journey
🥰
This is awesome! However, it is important to state the reasons why certain food like liver, raw eggs and fish should be avoided in pregnancy. Knowing the reason to abstain from these, if at all beneficial, would further convince the reader on the need to avoid them. Overall, it is a good content and I recommend it for all mothers and not limited to primigravida
Will do so. Thank you.
“Enjoy the process”, my favourite part.
A beautifully curated post
Well done dear
Nice Write Up.
So refreshing to read.
Thanks for sharing dear.
Beautiful read
Nice one!