A Quick Look At your Prenatal
Month One
Even in the early weeks of pregnancy, your health and lifestyle can affect your baby's development. So now's the time to call your doctor to schedule your first prenatal visit. The good care you get now will help your pregnancy and your baby get off to a healthy start.
Month Two
Starting today, try to eat a more balanced diet of nutritious, satisfying foods. Choose healthy foods that provide the best nutrition for you and your developing baby. After all, it's never too early to start teaching your little one good eating habits.
Month Three
Maybe you exercise regularly. Or maybe you could never find time for it. But exercise during pregnancy is a good idea. Did you know that women who are active have easier deliveries? So be sure to talk to your doctor about how you can exercise safely during pregnancy.
Month Four
The activity for this month is an easy one: You're going to teach yourself to relax.
Your body needs rest throughout your pregnancy, so try to set aside time every day for relaxation. Here's an easy way to start:
- In a quiet room, play some soft music and sit comfortably or lie down.
- Take deep, slow breaths, letting go of tension as you exhale.
- If you have an ache or a tense muscle, concentrate on relaxing that area as you breathe.
- By the way, eating well in the second trimester will also help your energy level.
Month Five
You can tone and tighten your pelvic muscles with simple exercises like Kegels and "tailor sitting." Kegels work on the pelvic floor muscles that support your uterus and bladder. Tailor sitting helps make your back, thigh, and pelvis muscles stronger and more flexible.
Month Six
Have you thought about taking childbirth education classes? They usually start between the sixth and seventh months of pregnancy. You'll get a clearer picture of what happens during labor and birth, and you'll learn about birthing options, birthing positions, and how to develop a birthing plan.
Month Seven
Have you thought about what your little one will need when she gets home? It's good to be prepared for your baby's arrival with basic baby clothes and diapers. If you're planning on breast feeding, look into nursing bras and clothing designed specially for nursing. If you're going to bottle–feed, stock up on formula. And, of course, you'll need a crib or bassinet, bedding, and accessories. Just check safety standards before making any purchases. Why not take a minute to make a list of things your baby will need?
Month Eight
Your due date is just a guideline. The truth is, your baby's birth could happen any time now. So try to get some of these things in order at least three weeks before the scheduled big day.
- Choose a pediatrician.
- If you'll need childcare or help with housekeeping, start interviewing people now.
- Preregister at the hospital.
- Install an infant car seat and learn how to use it.
- Plan how you'll get to the hospital.
- Make a list of important phone numbers (hospital, doctor, ambulance, etc.).
- And don't forget to pack a bag with what you'll need at the hospital.
Month Nine
The exciting day is just around the corner. Now's a great time for some activities that you just might not have time for after your baby is here:
- Make a list of the people you want to send birth announcements to.
- Cook some healthy, hearty meals and freeze them.
- Double-check that you have everything for the baby's room.
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