Top Tips for Expectant Mothers

If you and your partner are planning to start a family, there’s a lot to consider; it’s an exciting time for both of you and your way of life will be forever changed when you become a parent. Preparation is definitely the name of the game as far as parenthood goes and in order to help you prepare for your arrival home (with baby), here are a few tips from veteran mums.

• Take pre-natal vitamin supplements – Your body requires extra nutrients when baby comes along, which is why you should start taking a daily pre-natal vitamin & mineral supplement. This is available over the counter at any pharmacy and you are advised to start the day you find out you are pregnant.
• Create a birth plan – A birth plan is a record of what you would like the birth to be like; you have choices when it comes to giving birth; some women prefer to give birth without anaesthetic, while others are more comfortable with an epidural or nitrous oxide. Writing a birth plan helps a mother-to-be prepare for a very special time and while it isn’t essential, it does help you and the medical professionals who will be present. Who do you want to be present during labour? If you want your partner with you, note this in your birth plan. Think about where you want the birth to take place (at home or in a hospital), feeding preferences and who you would like to be around for support.
• Online solutions – When looking for Australian maternity activewear, look no further than the online maternity store, where you find the best products at the lowest prices. Everything you could possibly need can be found online, from baby products to maternity clothing and most offer free delivery.
• Wear shoes with good support – Your weight will increase throughout your pregnancy, which means you should wear comfortable shoes, as your feet and ankles have to absorb more weight. Click here for post-birth fitness tips.
• Stay hydrated – It is important to drink six 8-ounce glasses of water per day; spread out over the course of a day, this is not an unreasonable amount to consume, perhaps even more if the weather is hot.
• Eat smaller meals more frequently – If you are two-meal-a-day woman, now is the time to make a few changes to your eating habits; eating 4-5 times a day, with small portions allows your body more time to derive the goodness it needs to support both of you. Click here for Australian government information for pregnant women.
• Avoid alcohol – If you are a wine lover, abstain throughout your pregnancy to give baby the best possible start to life. Keep a bottle of your favourite wine in the cooler and celebrate your homecoming in style. You and your partner can toast your partner to celebrate baby’s arrival.

Of course, your partner will want to be involved as much as possible and you should encourage their participation, as you will need additional help and support.