Whether pink lines, a plus sign or a doctor’s diagnosis is the way you discover you are pregnant, a multitude of thoughts and emotions are sure to follow. Some women are excited and receive the news with great anticipation. Others are afraid of what their future might hold and aren’t sure how they are going to deal with the days ahead.
Pregnancy is different for everyone and so are the circumstances associated with it. A thousand questions run through every expectant mom’s mind as she begins her journey down an unfamiliar road. Even if she’s had a baby before, each pregnancy is different and so each pregnancy comes with questions.
And although we realize there are a ton of questions, here are 10 things every pregnant woman should consider:
1. Choose a good doctor or midwife and go early in your pregnancy. While there are an array of variables that should be considered when choosing a healthcare provider (including what type of risk factors you might have, what type of birth you plan on having, where you plan on having your baby and what your insurance will and will not cover) it is important to research the health care providers you are considering and then interview at least two or three of them before you make a decision. Remember, you are hiring them to care for your health needs and your baby’s health needs throughout your pregnancy, so be sure you make the wisest, most informed choice possible. You will also want to go ahead and find the pediatrician you will want your baby to go to once he/she is born.
2. Your actions affect your baby. Many expectant mothers continue to function as if the little life within is unaffected by her actions. If she smokes while she is pregnant the baby is affected. If she drinks alcohol or does drugs while she is pregnant, the baby is affected. Pregnancy means that little life is dependent upon his/her mom for everything and everything she does affects her baby.
Here are a few facts about negative affects on a baby because of negative actions of his/her mother:
- Smoking – decreases oxygen to the baby, increases carbon monoxide, baby’s heart has to work harder to get oxygen in his/her system, constricted blood vessels on mother’s side of placenta causing less oxygen, decreased blood supply, eye disorders and decreased nutrients resulting in low birth weight and slow growth. Not to mention the plethora of chemicals released into a baby’s system and the nicotine addiction that little one has before he/she is ever born.
- Alcohol or Drugs – causes birth defects, fetal alcohol syndrome, miscarriage, still-birth, low birth weight, facial and physical defects, brain damage, learning disabilities, poor attention span, A.D.D., poor memory, muscle control problems, higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome, premature labor and withdrawals from the addiction he/she develops within the womb.
3. You and your baby need nutritious meals, vitamin supplements and moderate exercise so take care of yourself. As stated above, what you do affects your baby. Talk to your doctor first about what your physical limitations are and what your nutritional needs are, but when you are pregnant, moderate exercise can not only help the baby’s breathing movements and nervous system but it can also help you have an easier delivery and recovery. During pregnancy, a woman’s need for nutritious meals and vitamins also increases. Most doctors recommend a prenatal vitamin but expectant moms may also want to look into adding fish oil and omega 3 (found in salmon and tuna) and Folic acid (found in leafy green vegetables) into their diets as well as assuring that they have the recommended dose of Vitamin D.
As much as you crave junk food try your best to avoid it during your pregnancy and when you are nursing.
4. Relax and rest. Your body needs more rest and less stress during pregnancy. You may notice that you start nodding out around 2 – 3 p.m. – that’s normal. If you can, take a nap. If you can’t, try to get rest when your body ‘tells’ you that you need it. Also, studies have shown that severe emotional stress during the first months of a woman’s pregnancy can impair nuero-development. Stress happens, but try to avoid allowing yourself to stay stressed out.
5. Drink water and avoid caffeine. If you’re like me, this one is easier said than done… but it’s definitely not only doable, but needed. Your body needs plenty of water, so drink up. On the other hand, neither your body nor your baby need caffeine. Small amounts of caffeine (300 mg or less) do not seem to show any adverse affects however, caffeine is a stimulant and 500 mg or more causes increased heart rates, premature labor, heartburn and may even keep your baby from sleeping.
6. Bonding begins in the womb. It’s natural to see an expectant mom caressing her bulging belly. Bonding begins while your little one is still in the womb, so talk to your baby, sing to your baby and rub your belly. When your baby is born he/she will recognize your voice and know your love.
7. Teach your baby. Believe it or not, as babies develop in the womb they can hear you. They recognize and respond to sounds they repeatedly hear and some research has shown that babies who were read to while still in the womb were more proficient readers with better comprehension levels and a higher self-confidence. So read to that sweet little one. You may just be carrying the next Einstein.
8. Educate yourself. There’s a lot of information out there about how to take your new journey through pregnancy. My friend, Erin MacPherson wrote a book called The Christian Mama’s Guide to Having a Baby that can help you enjoy your pregnancy. And there are a ton of other books that can help you with understanding your pregnancy from a medical perspective as well as books that help you know what to expect.
9. Prepare yourself to become a mother and begin to look for a mentor (if you don’t already have one). It’s easy to get caught up in the wonder of the pregnancy and forget the responsibilities that lie ahead. But moms don’t just happen… especially good moms. I’m not sure why we think that just because we had a mom that we know how to be one. Learning to be a mother is vital to the lifetime that is before you so start preparing to be a mother while you’re pregnant.
This is also the perfect time to find a mentor who can walk with you through not only your pregnancy but through this new season of life as a mom. We weren’t meant to do life alone and women need each other. Now is the time to seek out that Titus 2 to mentor to help you become the best momma you can be.
10. Pray. There is no greater work than prayer… so pray daily for that little one you are carrying… pray daily for yourself… pray daily for your husband… pray daily for your other children (if you have any)… pray daily for your child’s friends and future spouse. Pray for wisdom, pray for protection and direction, pray for your child to have a tender heart that will come to know Jesus at a young age, pray for your child’s integrity, faith and righteousness. Pray. Pray. Pray.
If you are expecting, I know your heart is full and you mind is racing. There are a ton of things to think about before the baby comes. But as you face the coming days, I hope these 10 things will help you consider what a miracle that little life within is. Yes… that precious bundle of joy is a Divine design – carefully crafter by the Creator of the universe and He picked you to be that baby’s mama.
If you’re pregnant now or planning to be, what do you wish was included in the list?
If you’ve already had your baby take a few minutes and look at the list above. What would you add to that list? What do you wish you would have known when you were expecting?
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