I’m Pregnant! Tips for Preparing for a New Baby

When a woman discovers she is going to be a mother, excitement, joy and curiosity are just a few of the many emotions she might feel. Among the many questions she will wonder about, a few of her primary concerns are proper nutrition, how to prepare for a newborn, and medical next steps.

Below you will find a few tips to help answer some of these important questions so that she might feel peaceful and prepared during her 40-week journey to motherhood.

• Maintaining a Healthy Diet and Lifestyle
• Scheduling Doctor Appointments
• Taking Prenatal Vitamins
• Sharing the News
• Budgeting for Baby
• Updating Your Health Insurance
• Researching What to Expect While Pregnant
• Enjoying Pregnancy

Maintaining a Healthy Diet and Lifestyle

Eat nutrient-rich foods, drink water, and sustain a moderate exercise routine to maintain a healthy body during your pregnancy. In addition, understand how beneficial pregnancy superfoods, such as eggs, Greek yogurt and sweet potatoes, will help ensure proper nutrition for you and your child. Be sure to learn, too, about foods to avoid while pregnant. Get plenty of rest and quit any harmful habits, such as smoking and drinking alcohol.

Scheduling Doctor Appointments

As soon as you learn of your pregnancy, schedule a doctor’s appointment. Scheduling an appointment as soon as possible will help make certain that you are on a healthy pregnancy track. Depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy term, your physician will advise you on when to schedule follow-up visits.

Taking a Prenatal Vitamin

Even if your diet is “perfect,” prenatal vitamins are recommended for you and your child’s health. Prenatal vitamins are widely available and are an important factor in giving your unborn baby the nutrients he or she needs. If you are currently taking an adult vitamin supplement, consider switching to a prenatal vitamin, which contain the additional folic acid and iron that are important for a baby’s development.

Sharing the News

Your partner should be the first to know, but some women may wait until week 12 or 13 before sharing the news with other family members or
friends. There is no right or wrong answer for when is the best time to tell, so simply choose the timing that is right for you and for relishing the happy moment with others.

If you’re looking for inspiration on ways to share your new baby news, enjoy these reactions to a few surprising baby announcements.

If you are working, you will also need to check with your Human Resources department to determine how the news should be shared with your co-workers and to begin discussing a plan for your maternity leave.

Budgeting for Baby

Tiny babies can require mature finances, but creating a budget to help you prepare for a new baby doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start developing your budget now – from diapers and baby gear to bottles and childcare – so that you are not surprised by the financial changes that a new baby brings. Discuss your budget with your partner so that you can make a plan for sticking to it.

There are a variety of ways to save money and keep costs at a manageable level. Try asking friends and family if they have clothing, strollers, highchairs and other “must haves” that their children have outgrown. Shop for vintage furniture for nursery décor, and consider repainting or recycling second-hand pieces to save money. Also, try searching websites such as Pinterest for more ideas on saving money.

Updating Your Health Insurance

Discuss maternity options with your health insurance company so that you fully understand your insurance coverage and any necessary coverage updates that you will need to make once your new baby arrives.

Researching What to Expect While Pregnant

Will you give birth in a hospital, a birthing center or at home? Now is the time to research the options. There are many resources available to help you plan for your new arrival. Reputable websites and blogs, as well as pregnancy books from the library and conversations with your doctor, will provide wonderful material to help prepare for the birth of your child.

Gerber Life Insurance Company is proud to be partnering with Big Belli for their upcoming full-length documentary, “40 Weeks,” the first documentary to delve into each week of a woman’s pregnancy by filming and interviewing real-life moms and soon-to-be moms all along the way.

Enjoying Pregnancy

Don’t forget to take time to relax. There is much to do, but you still have plenty of time. Go shopping, spend time with your partner, visit with friends and family, or do whatever lets you take joy in these exciting moments.

Congratulations, you’re going to be great!