Giving IS CARE!
Once you get the two pink lines on the pregnancy test it can be overwhelming. Whether you’ve been planning and expecting for a few months or it’s a surprise pregnancy, it’s hard to know what to do first and what to prioritize. Also, there are fun things to consider, like shopping…
I’m a Midwife, Nurse, and Mom of three, so I consider myself an expert on what to do when you find out you’re pregnant. That’s in the UK. I can’t speak for other countries, but there will be similarities.
Get planning
When I get overwhelmed, I like to get out a pen and paper and make a list, brainstorm, prioritize and get everything out. That’s what you need to do when you find out you’re pregnant. I’ve always wanted to create the ultimate pregnancy planner to keep everything on track, so I thought my pregnancy planner and it’s designed with you in mind.
Register with a Midwife and GP
If you don’t have a GP, make sure you are registered with your local doctors. You can then self-refer to the Midwife attached to the GP practice. This takes some of the worry out of you as that will set up future appointments for you such as scans and any specialist care you may need. You don’t need an appointment with your GP to confirm pregnancy, home kits are now so reliable that they take your word for it. Note that you will not see your midwife until around 8-10 weeks for the first appointment booking.
Sign up for mother and baby websites
You will be inundated with people giving you their unsolicited advice whether you like it or not, and it’s best to nod and smile and then make up your own mind about it. Registering with your favorite mom and baby sites will get you weekly updates, offers, and freebies for you.
>>>Check out my post on pregnancy freebies you deserve<<<
Check what benefits you are entitled to
Your benefits may change when you are pregnant.
- You are entitled to free prescriptions during pregnancy and until the baby is one year old. Your midwife will give you the prescription exemption form, until then if you need a prescription you can just tell your pharmacist you are pregnant.
- You can get free NHS dental care and treatment during pregnancy and until the baby is one year old, you should have a check-up during pregnancy, as it can affect your gums and teeth.
- Check if you are entitled to a definitely start the maternity grant.
- Women receiving certain benefits and all pregnant women under 18 will get free milk, infant formula, vitamins, and fruits and vegetables under Healthy Start scheme.
- You will be entitled to paid time off for maternity appointments, no matter how long you have been in your job.
- You are entitled to a minimum statutory maternity pay.
Take your vitamins
There are two supplements that are currently recommended when you are pregnant. The most important is folic acid, which supports the development of the neural tube and prevents defects such as spina biffida. You need 400mcg of folic acid per day as a supplement. Vitamin D is needed to help us absorb calcium and is good for growing bones. Most of us in the UK are slightly deficient in vitamin D, especially in the winter months. You need 10mcg of vitamin D per day. It can be capsules or as a spray. Of course, there are many pregnancy vitamins in stores, all claiming to be the best, but folic acid and vitamin D are currently the only ones recommended.
Get vaccinated
As part of your antenatal care, you will be offered the flu vaccine during the flu season, the whooping cough vaccine from 16-32 weeks, and the covid vaccine at any time. The flu and the covid vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy.
Consider antenatal classes
Depending on where you live in the UK and what NHS trust you are assigned to, you may be offered antenatal classes as part of your midwifery care. Some trusts have Saturday and evening classes to suit you, while others have moved online or not at all. There are many other options, such as online antenatal classes. Here are some of my favorites:
Let’s talk about birth and baby
Keep active
Don’t suddenly stop being active and exercising just because you’re pregnant. It is important to keep the body moving and have optimal blood flow. I know pregnancy is very tiring, especially in those first months, and of course, you have to listen to your body and rest when you need it. If you are currently exercising, continue, if you go to a gym or classes, let the instructor know that you are pregnant and they can tell you about any adjustments you may need to make. The fitter and leaner you are, the better birth you will have.
Start researching baby gear
I know it’s early but think about the big purchases you’ll need. What type of bed do you have, what pushchair will be practical for you and your partner, and will the car seat fit in your car? Will you need a bigger car? These are the kinds of questions you need to ask yourself.
Start baby proofing
Is your house ready for a baby? I know they aren’t crawling out but birth is only a few months away and it’s better to start planning for it now while you still have time. Think about where your cleaning supplies and your first aid cabinet are and adjust the locks. Is your garden ready for a family? Maybe you have a rough fence or a pond that needs fencing or filling in before the baby arrives. If you start thinking about babyproofing now, your future self will thank your present self, trust me.
Prepare your pets
If you have particular dogs, start getting them used to the idea of a new baby coming into the house. There are different ways to prepare your animals for a new life. It’s better if you get used to them sooner. Get it expert tips on how to prepare your pets for your new baby and the transition will be nice and smooth. You don’t want to worry about rehoming your pet once the baby arrives.
I hope I didn’t overwhelm you with too much information! Just take it slow and you can do little by little. Hope my pregnancy planner helps you, let me know if you use it and if you have any additions you would make to it or any suggestions to improve it. Oh, and come and follow me on Instagram @lifeandthelords
~❤~
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