Preparing for pregnancy can help you make your life a little easier while you’re pregnant.
You must first take care of yourself before you can care for your new baby.
Pregnancy invariably necessitates planning and purchase. As you reflect on the changes in your life and consider the necessary purchases, such as a new crib or a stroller, don't overlook the little things that might make your life a little easier, more pleasant, and more joyful throughout your pregnancy.
10 pregnancy essentials every expecting mother should have
Ten pregnancy essentials every expecting mother should have include:
- Prenatal vitamins: During pregnancy, a woman's body requires additional vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, and most women require up to 500 additional calories each day. Maintaining a balanced diet throughout pregnancy is critical for a mother's health and the growth of her baby. Every pregnant woman should take prenatal vitamins because folic acid helps prevent neural tube abnormalities and iron promotes the baby's growth and development. Prenatal vitamins often contain more folic acid and iron than conventional adult multivitamins. Look for folic acid, calcium, iron, and vitamin D in prenatal vitamins.
- Pregnancy pillow: Sleeping comfortably might be difficult with a growing tummy. This cushion envelops your contours, so the only thing that disturbs your sleep is frequent trips to the restroom.
- Safe skincare products: Your skin absorbs whatever you put on it, which eventually affects the baby. Although most regularly used items are safe, there are a few substances that pregnant women should avoid. These include retinoids and vitamin A–related products.
- Maternity jeans: When you are pregnant and your belly grows to the point where you can't wear conventional trousers, all you truly want is a comfortable pair of jeans. Motherhood Maternity pants are an excellent purchase.
- Comfortable footwear: You may find it difficult to use regular shoes, especially the ones with heals during pregnancy. Soft slippers keep your feet warm and pleasant without requiring any effort.
- Crackers: If you have morning sickness, several foods might help alleviate the symptoms. Crackers are essential, and saltines work like miraculous nausea relievers in the morning. Because morning sickness is typically worse on an empty stomach, put a sleeve of crackers next to your bed so you don't have to get out of bed to deal with it.
- Pregnancy journal: A pregnancy notebook may be a wonderful method to document your thoughts, experiences, and health if this is your first child. You will be able to compare and contrast if you have more children later on. It's really beneficial to compare the symptoms you had during your first trimester with your first kid to the next and recall some of the things you did to feel better.
- Heartburn medicine: When you get pregnant, your body undergoes many crazy changes. You may require assistance in controlling your bowel motions. It is usual to experience heartburn during pregnancy either by indigestion or your uterus pushing up toward the ribs.
- Comfortable stretchy pants: With an increase in gas in your stomach, you feel super pregnant even in the early stages. Stretchy pants and elastic bands keep you comfortable at all times.
- Prenatal heartbeat monitor: A handheld fetal doppler equipment will give you your baby’s heartbeat in the comfort of home. When you connect the fetal doppler equipment to your phone, you can record your heartbeat and track your heart rate each week.
QUESTION
The first sign of pregnancy is most often:
See Answer
6 items for your hospital bag checklist
You will need a long list of things to put in your hospital bag for labor and recovery.
Here are six essentials that you should always carry in your hospital bag:
- Comfortable clothes: Pack a nursing bra or tank in your suitcase if you want to nurse after giving birth. Wear your tank top with joggers or lightweight sleep trousers that are soft and loose. Postpartum leggings may be quite comfortable. One of the nicest postpartum apparel pieces is a cozy robe. Slipper socks are ideal for keeping warm in footwear. Bring slip-on shoes that are easy to slide on, such as flip-flops, for the trip home. Because your feet may be swollen from pregnancy.
- Sanitary pads and adult diapers: The hospital will provide pads and mesh underwear for bleeding that occurs post-delivery. Several parents have reported adult diapers are more comfortable and secure. A perineal spray is a valuable addition to your postpartum toolkit.
- Toiletries: You will need a hairbrush, regular or dry shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm, additional hair ties, and face wipes. If you wear contacts or glasses, have extras in hand. Nipple creams will soothe your nipple cracks that are common during breastfeeding.
- Pillows and bath towels: You are advised to carry your own pillows and towels because towels provided by the hospital are often small, thin, and scratchy. You will be glad for bringing towels from home for your first post-delivery shower.
- Nursing bras: When your milk comes in, which can happen at any moment within the first few days following birth, your breasts are likely to feel sore and swollen. A decent bra can offer some relief, and nursing pads can be used to absorb leakage.
- Snacks: You will probably be hungry after several hours of labor, and you don't want to rely exclusively on hospital food. Bring your own crackers, fresh or dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, or whatever else you think you'll like. If you've had a cesarean delivery, you should be able to drink fluids within an hour, but your provider may advise you to wait eight hours or so before eating anything.