Tips for Your First Pregnancy

Finding out that you are having a baby for the first time is incredibly exciting. But it can also be intimidating and confusing to navigate pregnancy for the first time. There are many resources with info meant to help provide clarity about pregnancy, but often it can be overwhelming to be met with so much info at once.

We’ve compiled some of the basic first steps you should take. These are simply things you can do to help make pregnancy less overwhelming and intimidating.

Taking vitamins can help decrease the nausea that often accompanies pregnancy. And these vitamins can also help ensure your baby’s health. You should begin taking prenatal vitamins even before you become pregnant.

Your OB provider will be working with you throughout your pregnancy to ensure that everything goes well and that you and your baby stay healthy. Because this doctor will be working so closely with you, it is important that you find a doctor who you feel comfortable with.

Discuss any concerns about pregnancy with your doctor. It is also good to let your doctor know about any chronic health conditions, any family history of health conditions or birth defects, and any medications you are taking. Making sure you and your doctor are on the same page about your health, your needs, and your concerns will help ensure that you have support throughout your pregnancy.

During pregnancy, your diet and exercise goals may look a little different than they usually do. Your doctor will be able to recommend a healthy weight for you to maintain during pregnancy, but usually the average woman should gain between 25 to 35 pounds during her pregnancy. 

It is also important to stay active as long as it is safe for you to do so. If you already have an exercise routine, you can keep up with it and adjust it as you progress in you pregnancy. If you don’t already exercise regularly, it is a good idea to add some cardio and weight training into your routine. Talk to your doctor about what type of activity you should do if you are unsure.

Sleep is important both before and after delivery. You may find that you feel more tired than usual while you are pregnant. Listen to your body, and rest when you feel tired. Likewise, many new mothers find that they aren’t getting enough sleep after their baby has been born. But it is important to prioritize sleep so that you can stay healthy and recover from delivery.

There is so much to look forward to when it comes to having your first baby. With the right info and support, you can navigate this new season with confidence.