Preparing For Parenthood: 5 Things To Do When You Find Out You’re Pregnant
Congratulations! If you just found out you’re pregnant, you’ve definitely got a lot of exciting times ahead. Before the baby arrives, there are a few steps to take to make sure your pregnancy goes smoothly and that you have everything ready for when the little one arrives. Here are five things to do when you find out you’re pregnant that will help you prepare for being a new parent:
1. Make an appointment with your doctor or midwife.
One of the first things you should when you find out you’re pregnant is to book an appointment with your healthcare provider (the Southampton maternity hospital is at Princess Anne) so they can monitor the health of both you and your baby throughout the pregnancy. Your doctor or midwife will be able to answer any questions you have about what to expect in terms of symptoms, nutrition, exercise, labor and delivery, and more. Your doctor will then suggest you register with the hospital of your choice to give birth at.
2. Research childbirth classes in your Hampshire area.
A few months into your pregnancy it is ideal to sign up for childbirth and antenatal classes. Taking a childbirth class can be incredibly beneficial as it will provide information on how best to manage labor and delivery, as well as some tips on how to care for a newborn once they arrive home from the hospital. Many hospitals offer classes but there are also many private courses available as well.
NCT offers great courses where I’ve had many clients make lifelong friendships as they bonded over their pregnancies. If you prefer online courses there are lots of different options like a very informative hypnobirthing course from The Positive Birth Company that I took myself when I was pregnant with my first. Birthing With Confidence, is a great option for private antenatal classes that can be tailored specifically to your needs like if you’d like to learn how to cope with pain during labour or a caesarean birth.
3. Start a prenatal exercise routine (if approved by your doctor).
When you first find out that you’re pregnant it is best to start eating healthier and exercising. Exercise is important throughout pregnancy – not only does it help keep up muscle tone in preparation for labor but it can also reduce stress levels (which let’s face it – expecting moms need!). However, always consult with your doctor before starting any type of workout routine during pregnancy as some exercises may be too strenuous for certain women at this stage. Check out my Southampton Antenatal Services page that I have collected which recommends many services that provide exercise like yoga instructors or swimming.
4. Create or adjust a budget for baby expenses.
When you first find out you’re pregnant it is important to start saving for all your baby expenses. Having a baby can get expensive quickly so it’s important to plan ahead financially and start setting aside money if possible now that will go towards nappies, formula, clothes, furniture down the road when the baby arrives. Making sure all needs are accounted for now will give you peace of mind later on when life gets busier with a new family member!
5. Enjoy this special time!
Last but not least – don’t forget to take some time out each day (or even better each week!) and just enjoy being pregnant! Whether that means taking a leisurely stroll outdoors or having lunch with friends – savour this unique experience while it lasts because before long it will all be over! I found my favourite thing to do to fully appreciate and commemorate my pregnancy was record it with photographs.
I booked quite a few maternity and family photography sessions with my favourite lifestyle photographers to fully embrace my last pregnancy as I knew I would miss my bump. I love looking back at these images of my body creating a little miracle and hope my children enjoy keeping the images as family heirlooms too. Maternity photography sessions are best done around 32-34 weeks before you get too uncomfortable! Having a professional capture them ensures they capture you in your best light and get the highest quality images.
Now that you know what five steps to take after finding out that you’re pregnant, get ready — parenthood awaits! From scheduling appointments with healthcare providers to researching childbirth classes in your area — taking these few simple steps beforehand can make all the difference during those nine months and beyond once your bundle of joy arrives! Good luck!