Before anything else, a big congratulations, mama! You’re pregnant! Any child is a great blessing, and while it can be overwhelming to think about how drastically your life is going to change, it’s a beautiful thing to be able to raise another human being and all the possibilities that come with it.
You can be rejoicing with your loved ones or completely freaking out over the fact that your pregnancy test came back positive, but no matter how you’re reacting to your pregnancy, it’s completely valid, mama. Let your feelings sink in and accept how you feel about it. Then, once your emotions have settled down, here are six things you should do to make sure you and your little one are healthy throughout your pregnancy:
1.) Calculate your baby’s Due Date
When is your little one arriving, mama? Your due date is something you’ll be counting down from the moment you find out you’re pregnant. It’ll also be a date that many people will ask you in the coming months, so it’s best to remember it.
There are several due date calculators online, or you can download an app to help you track your pregnancy as your little one grows in your womb. It’ll help you stay on track and remind you of the things happening inside you as weeks go by – it’ll show you how big your baby is estimated to be at a certain date, when you could hear your baby’s heartbeat, find out about their sex, and many more.
2.) Contact your Doctor (or choose one)
It’s best to have your prescribed prenatal vitamins as early as possible for you and your baby to get all the vitamins and nutrients you need. If you already have a chosen obstetrician, schedule your first prenatal appointment to make sure you have all the information you need as you go through your pregnancy.
3.) Decide when and how you want to announce your pregnancy
There are many factors that affect a mama’s decision to announce her pregnancy. Some choose to wait until after the first trimester when the risk of miscarriage lessens, while others choose to announce it to their loved ones right away. No matter when you want to announce your pregnancy, it’s entirely up to you. Of course, if you have a partner, this should be a joint decision so that you’re both on the same page.
There are many ways to announce a pregnancy nowadays. While some choose to say it point blank, there are others who like getting creative. Some create video reels on social media with clips of their early pregnancy days, while some take a photo of their first ultrasound. There’s no right or wrong way to announce your pregnancy, and it should happen how you want it to happen. You do you, mama!
4.) Read up on what to expect every trimester
If you’re a first time mama, it can be quite overwhelming to think about all the changes you’re about to go through. Reading up on what to expect during the first, second, and third trimester of pregnancy can be helpful to know what to expect. If you’re anxious about labor and delivery, there are also many helpful articles and videos online that can help ease your worries.
5.) Make a pregnancy to-do list/checklist
Whether you’re used to making to-do lists or not, now’s the best time to have one, mama. There are many things you need to do before your little one arrives, and getting a head start can save you a lot of stress.
Here are some checklists you can use to help get things going for you:
6.) Connect with your Mama Tribe
During your pregnancy, it’s important to be as stress-free as possible. Remove yourself from stressful situations and surround yourself with people who make you feel good. Identify your mama tribe, or the people you can talk to and count on to support you throughout your pregnancy. Having a great support system before, during, and after your pregnancy will be beneficial for you and your raging hormones.
No matter what you choose to do next, mama, always remember to put you and your baby’s safety first. Do what works for you and take things one step at a time.
