Pregnancy for first time mothers is a life changing experience. Bonding with your unborn baby even before she/he arrives is something you need to create time for, talk to your baby and pray for the baby while inside of you. As your pregnancy progresses, a miracle takes place inside of you and with a Pregnancy to - do list, you will have a stress free pregnancy throughout the first, second trimesters and track all your tasks and decide what name your baby should bear. This article will put you through on how to keep a reminder while preparing for your baby’s arrival. Read on.
First Trimester (Week 1 – 12)
If you suspect you are pregnant, wait for at least 8 weeks before going to see a doctor for confirmation. First you need to prepare yourself for question like when was your last period (first and last day) to help determine your due date and if there are any medical histories. Then go for an ultra sound scan to see what the fetus inside you looks like.
As soon as it is confirmed that you are pregnant, start taking good prenatal multivitamin that contains iron, 600 micrograms folic such as pregnacare, eat healthy and avoid self-medication.
When you are 10 weeks gone, you can take a test to be sure your baby does not have chromosomal abnormalities like Down Syndrome, genetic disorders, and neural tube defects.
Quit smoking to avoid the risk of cleft lip or still birth, avoid places where you can inhale chemicals and rigorous work
As your pregnancy progresses, your breast enlarges and some of your regular clothes may not fit as usual, so you need to Start shopping for maternity wears such as extra firm full cup Bras and foot wears (flat shoes and slippers).
Second Trimester (Week 14 – 28)
Look for a good hospital around the area you reside and register for antenatal. At antenatal classes, you will be given some Labor & Delivery Guide. It is important and it will do you a lot of good if you attend the antenatal classes, there you will meet and relate with other interesting women who can help motivate you to stay on track. Most women enjoy the prenatal exercise classes like the dance class – they see it as a place to have fun and learn a lot too. Prenatal exercise helps you build up strength, improve your flexibility to prevent your muscles from tightening, with all these are getting prepared for labor and at the same time it will help you maintain a good posture while pregnant.
When fatigue sets in, just do yourself a favour and take a nap to regain some strength, say 15 –to 20 minutes will do.
When you are 3 to 4 months, changes in your body become obvious. At this stage you may realize you're more comfortable in maternity clothes, and will need more at different stages of your pregnancy but I advice you shop for just a few pieces to fit at a time and more as your belly grows.
Ensure you moisturize your belly with Sheer butter or petroleum jelly to avoid scratching as this will help reduce stretch marks and belly itching too.
Make a list of baby names you like, go for ultra sound scan to know your baby's gender.
But if you wish to see an animated look of your baby, a 3D ultra sound scanning machine will do the magic!. With an ultra sound scan, you will be able to detect if you are carrying multiple pregnancy, your baby’s location or size. This will help figure out how and what type of baby clothes to buy.
Preparing for a newborn baby is an added responsibility in that it involves money, such as baby shopping like clothes and baby furniture and nursery accessories, hospital bills, baby sitters salary, school fees e.t.c. Make a list of what you consider the must have baby items to avoid spending unnecessarily and running into money problems.
Congratulation! You are 20 weeks gone; you're halfway through your pregnancy. Now you should monitor your baby's movements and inform your doctor if you notice your baby’s movement has reduced. It could be a sign that there is a problem. You must sleep on your side instead (especially on your left side and avoid sleeping on your back to reduce swelling and improve blood flow to your placenta. Try placing a pillow in between your legs, under your hip, and behind your back makes side-sleeping more comfortable.
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- Must Have Baby Items for first time Mothers (A Guide for Nigerian Mothers)
- Newborn Baby Shopping List: Everything You Need to Buy Before Your Baby Arrives
- Hospital Bag: What to Pack in My Hospital Bag in Preparation For Labour and Delivery of a Newborn Baby (Guide for Nigerian Women)
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Pregnancy To-Do- List First and Second Trimesters(A Guide for Expectant Mothers)
Now you know what things an expectant mother needs to buy and when to start planning and buying baby stuffs during pregnancy in Nigeria. Try doing kegel exercise, it helps prevent urine leakage during and after pregnancy, averts hemorrhoids and improves the muscle tone of your vagina and also helps tighten the virginal after delivery.
Hope this guide was helpful, please leave us a comment.
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Enter your comment...wow very helpful. Pls can u list some simple exercises that can be done in d home if when pregnant
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