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Having a baby is never going to be an easy ride. Throughout your pregnancy, you are probably already thinking about the giving birth element, and how scary that prospect will be. You are not alone. So many women fear giving birth and those first days of motherhood, and it is completely normal to do so. However, one of the big issues that fuels that fear is the unknown, and sometimes ignorance isn’t really bliss when it comes down to it.
From conception right through to birth there are a number of things that you need to think about to ensure that you are prepared. While you can never fully prepare for every eventuality, knowledge can be a great tool to have. Especially when it comes to monitoring your health and wellbeing, both physically and mentally. With that in mind from conception to birth, here are some of the things that you need to consider.
Trying to conceive is not what they show you in the movies
If you have never tried to conceive, then you may be under false pretences as to how easy it can be. In a film, it may seem like a couple can get pregnant within a month of deciding they want to have a baby, and while this can happen, the truth is it can be rare. For some couples, it can take months before you get a positive pregnancy test. The best advice is to let nature take its course, do what you can, and be in the best shape you can be.
The importance of vitamins and supplements during pregnancy
It is important to ensure that you take good care of yourself once you are pregnant and one of the best ways to do that is through taking vitamins and supplements. Options like Feel Pregnancy are a great all-rounder that can cover all bases. When you are pregnant your body will need specific nutrients. After all, your body is working twice as hard. You will also need an increase in things like Folic acid that can help the fetus develop. Using a supplement from places like Feel Pregnancy will help you to feel assured you are doing what you can.
Be mindful of the hormones
When you are pregnant, and also for weeks after giving birth, your body will have hormones racing around that will affect your mood, thoughts, and how you feel. It is worth remembering that this is completely normal. For some people, it can make them angry or moody, for others tearful and sad. It doesn’t necessarily mean you are going to struggle with your mental health during your pregnancy or after birth, but it does mean you need to take extra care.
Hormones can affect us all in different ways and it is a completely normal side effect of pregnancy and birth. It’s important to remember that these hormonal fluctuations are completely normal, and hormone testing can offer insights into your body’s specific needs during this time.
Taking good care of yourself
A good tip is to take good care of yourself while trying to conceive, during pregnancy, and after birth. Having a healthy and balanced diet and drinking as much water as possible are both good things to do. If you exercised before getting pregnant try and keep that up or ensure that you remain as active as physically possible during your pregnancy. Taking care of yourself allows your body to take good care of your growing baby.
The birth plan may be out of the window
One of the things you prepare while you are pregnant is the birth plan and what you want and how you want to give birth and for so many first-time mums, that may go along the lines of little to no pain relief and birth that is as natural as possible. While this is always going to be something to aim for, prepare yourself for the fact that things may not go your way. You may want to get in the birthing pool, but your baby might have other plans. You may want a home birth, but you might need the help of medical staff in the hospital. Just be aware of the things that you might need to change.
Who will be your birthing partner?
Your birthing partner is a crucial person at this moment, so make sure you pick wisely. In many cases, people choose to have their partner with them, to witness the birth of their child. But sometimes this is not possible, so who might you want instead? Your mother, a friend, a doula, or a professional. Think about your options ahead of time so the necessary arrangements can be made.
Those baby checks and what to expect
Once you have had your baby, you may not be aware that several checks will be done to ensure that your baby is healthy. From prick tests for blood to a hearing test to check that all is as it should be. Sometimes at this stage issues can be raised, such as potential damage to your baby’s eardrum or canal, where hearing implants may be needed at a later stage to help your child hear. Of course, lots of these things are explained at the time, but it good to have some extra knowledge on what to expect when the time comes.
Be aware of all your options
Take some time to be aware of all the possible ways that you may have to give birth. From cesarean section to it being an emergency delivery or intervention. Sometimes these things happen and we don’t expect them to, and with them come a different level of recovery and things to consider after the event. It isn’t about being afraid of what is to come, but more about being informed so that you can remain calm in what can be a very overwhelming situation.
More children?
Finally, while you may be wondering whether you will want any more children after learning what to expect or indeed going through childbirth, many mothers will tell you that the ordeal is soon forgotten about. Your baby and the newfound love you have in your life takes over, and often you can forget all about how it happened and be fully ready for the next one.
Let’s hope that these tips help you when it comes to your pregnancy journey, don’t forget to check out Feel Pregnancy.
