Must Do's for Pregnant Mommies!

Being pregnant can be overwhelming! So much goes through your mind. How will I pay for this baby, which room should they go in, what hospital should I have the baby at, can I take care of another human being, what doctor do I go to, etc? The list goes on! Here is a list of some beginning items to take off your list!

1) Find an OBGYN that you either know and trust or with good reviews. Do your research. Ask around. You want someone who listens, who is cautious, and with a good reputation. They will be taking care of YOUR life along with your baby's life! Its very important. Now is also the time to decide if you would like to have your baby with a mid-wife instead of an OBGYN. I have heard very good things about this experience. However, you need to weigh the pros and cons of both.

2) Going along with #1, you need to find a doctor fairly soon but not immediately. Most doctors want to see you around 8 weeks gestation. Many women find out at about 4-5 weeks gestation that they are pregnant. So, you have around 3-4 weeks. Call and tell them you are pregnant and you need to make an appointment. They will fix you up and tell you when to come in!

3) Figure out your insurance. If you have insurance, call them and talk to them so you have a good understanding of how all billing will take place during the pregnancy. Understand what will be expected of you to pay upfront and what they take care. If you do not have insurance, call the hospital and talk to someone there. They have options for you to pay out of pocket. These are usually pretty reasonable prices.

4) Decide with the baby's father when your announcement will come. I know this seems silly, but you need to be on the same page about when you will tell people, how you will tell them, and who you will tell at what point. It is hard to wait to tell people, but I suggest waiting until you are 12 weeks gestation to tell everyone. We told our family and very close friends before this, but it did not go "Facebook official" until 12 weeks. I did this and it was not too bad. Despite the days I had to walk away from a group of friends or I was going to explode with the news! At 12 weeks gestation the risk for miscarriage drops. My husband and I personally did not want to have to explain and talk about a miscarriage to everyone if it happened. While this was our position, I do know some people who tell before 12 weeks knowing the risk of miscarriage. They feel like they would like the support of others if that did happen. It is based on you and what you are comfortable with. Just be on the same page!

5) Begin your prenatal vitamins if you have not already started them. Your doctor may want you to take other vitamins as well, like DHA, but you will most certainly need prenatals. You can begin those before you see your doctor. These are very important for you and your baby! Take them daily.

6) Being eating healthy and exercising. Make sure you put healthy things in your body, especially if morning sickness is hitting you. Both you and your baby need lots of healthy nourishment. Cut out caffeine. You can have small amounts throughout the week. You just do not want cans of coke or mugs of coffee a day. Water is your best option! If you do not already exercise, just begin with brisk walking daily. If you already exercise, continue your exercise as you do. However, if your body begins hurting or not feeling right, see a doctor. Your body is more apt to injuries while pregnant.

7) Begin praying for your baby. Pray daily for your baby and their development and yourself as you carry them. This will make more of a difference than you know! It will also give you peace of mind!

There are many more things to do, but this is a great start!

Have a great day Mommy-to-be!