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10 top tips for pregnancy
By Nicola Conville
Being pregnant for the first time is thrilling and terrifying all at the same time. You are bombarded with information from all sides and it’s hard to know what is the best advice to follow. We spoke to mums and asked them to share some of their invaluable insights into coping with the most important nine months of your life.
Read up on newborn care before the baby is born so that you have some knowledge in advance. Once you have the baby there is little time for this. If possible read a few different viewpoints on topics such as baby care, feeding and settling so you can make an informed decision on a method that feels right for you." - Heidi Moodey, mum to Thomas, 8 months.
"Try and relax and enjoy your maternity leave. Spend time alone, see a movie, see friends, read the paper, wander the shops, go out for coffee and generally do things that will be harder to do for the first month or two after your baby is born." - Gail Virgona, mum to Luca, 5 and Leo, 2.
"Don't stress too much about what you eat in the first trimester if you have morning sickness. A lot of books talk about the absolute importance of not giving into any cravings and how you may cause permanent damage to the baby if you don't eat a perfect diet. It's so much pressure to put on yourself. Giving in to your craving may alleviate your symptoms so you can eat something healthy. I used to eat something very greasy or sugary, and then be able to stomach a bowl of vegies and some meat. Talk to your doctor if you are worried about your diet, but for me doing the best I could and taking a pregnancy multivitamin was enough." - Samantha Leah, Mum to Edward, 5, Josephine, 3 and Vanessa, 2 weeks.
“When you’re pregnant, everyone from your mother-in-law to strangers at the bus-stop will comment on your size, try to touch your belly or guess if you’re having a girl or a boy. Try to develop a bit of a thick skin and don’t take it personally. Once your baby is born, people will start to judge your parenting too, so my best tip is, smile and nod and do what’s best for you. People will judge you whatever you do, so you may as well do it your way!” – Sarah Masterson, mum to Levi, 4 and Sunny, 2.
“Book a babymoon with your partner, even if it’s just a long weekend away at a little cottage in the countryside. It gives you a chance to bond, sleep in and just connect with each other before bub comes along. Around six months is a good time to go. Any later and you won’t be as mobile, and if you’re lucky enough to be travelling overseas, flight restrictions for pregnant women kick in around seven months too.” – Zoe Smith, mum to Annabelle, 9 months.
“Involve your partner in your pregnancy as much as you can. Dads can get a bit left out because all the focus is on you and that lovely bump. Get him to come to at least some of your check-ups so he can ask questions too, try to ensure he comes to all of the scans and encourage him to talk to your growing bub, especially after the 20-week mark, when your baby starts to hear sounds outside the womb.” – Yvette Doyle, mum to Sebastian, 20 months.
“Don’t go crazy buying expensive cots, slings and all the other paraphernalia that pregnant women get sucked into believing they need. Buy second-hand, accept hand-me-downs from friends and borrow where you can. Certain items, such as capsules, car seats and cot mattresses, should be purchased new, but eBay and Freecycle are fantastic resources for new parents. Remember that your baby needs you, not things.” – Geraldine Beauman, mum to Robbie, 14, and Liam, 7.
“Prenatal yoga classes are a great way to get some gentle exercise, connect with your bub and meet other mamas-to-be. I started going when I was eight weeks pregnant and it was great to be able to talk about my pregnancy when it was still in the early stages and I hadn’t told anyone apart from my partner. I felt like my classes were a safe haven.” Aleta Markson, mum to Andy, 4, and Christina, 2.
“Pack your hospital bag a month or two before your due date. If bub arrives early, this is not a task you want to be rushing with, or worse still – one to leave to your partner. Pack comfy pants, singlets, underwear, t-shirts and sanitary pads. Also put together a small bag of toiletries that contains mini bottles of shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. Pack a little bit of make-up and a face mist to help you feel fresh for visitors.” – Jenna Collins, mum to Ryder, 7 and Tully, 3.
“When I was pregnant I found that most maternity clothes are really expensive, so I wore lots of loose dresses and paired long tops with leggings – much cheaper!” – Amy Rollins, mum to Zara, 5 and Zia, 15 months.
“Keep a couple of spare laundry baskets around the house and toss in towels, toys, magazines and all the various other bits and bobs that you find lying around the house over the course of a day. When the kids are in bed, spend 15 minutes putting everything back where it belongs. This helps keep your home tidy and stops you from feeling like you’re picking up after everyone else all day long.” – Bec Chadwick, mum to Daniel, 7, and Poppy, 3.
This article was written for Birth by Nicola Conville