1. Laugh
2. Stay Relaxed
3. Save Your Pennies
4. Don't Read
5. Fill the Freezer
6. Switch Off
7. Another Child?
If you have another sibling, it can help to write a letter explaining that you’ve gone to have the baby in case you have to leave in the night. A small present for the sibling from the baby can help too! (See my separate blog post on meeting a sibling.)
8. Talk to Your Bump
As early as 18 weeks, your baby can hear the outside world from the womb. Chat away whenever you can; even partners and other family members can too as these voices will be very familiar when your baby arrives. Also, play music as it can calm your baby when they hear it again out in the big new world!
9. Morning Sickness
Tests have shown that this helps you stick to a bland, boring diet and away from toxins which can also help your baby’s future. Researchers have a theory: “2 hormones which stimulate a woman to vomit also act like neural fertilisers to the brain, the more vomiting, the more fertiliser (“Brain Rules” by John Medina).
10. Keep Appointments
11. Moisturize Your Skin
12. Watch Calories
Try not to overeat if you aren’t hungry. Tempting as it is (since you don’t need to worry about how tight your jeans are!) you will thank yourself later.
As a general guide (you’ll hate me for this!):
- 1st Trimester – no extra;
- 2nd Trimester – 340 calories extra;
- 3rd Trimester – 450 calories extra.
13. Hopes For the Birth
Have a think about your birth hopes and wishes, and be informed of any questions you may be asked at the time – you don’t want to make any rash decisions in the heat of the moment.
14. Rest & Eat Healthily
Your baby’s sense of taste begins to form at 8 weeks, and research has shown that your diet during pregnancy can affect their dietary preferences after birth … and you will both benefit from the extra nutrients.
15. Don't Worry About More Love
You will love another addition to the family just as much as your first baby if this is a new sibling, I promise. You might be panicking, or be upset, that your love is so strong for your first baby; but you’ll be amazed at what happens
