First Time Mom: I'm pregnant. Now what?

     So, I wanted to switch things up a bit today by doing a post for moms-to-be. Firstly, let me say congratulations if you've peed on a stick and come up positive! Good work. If this wasn't planned it can be quite a lot to take in, and if it was planned-still probably a lot to take in.

     The next few months of your life will probably consist of a lot of planning and a lot of people asking you questions such as: Is it a boy or girl? Do you want a boy or a girl? Have you picked a name? Are you sure that's the name you want to pick? Please be prepared for some wild interrogation. It's kind of a right of passage. These questions will most likely at one point come from a stranger who believes your new belly is public domain. I am of strong belief that a swift swat of the hand is completely called for in these situations. But most importantly, this time should be full of anticipation and happiness.
 
       It's very important that you schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. They like to see you in before the three month marker. This appointment will consist of them confirming the pregnancy, making sure you are set up with prenatal vitamins and folic acid, doing a pelvic exam and possibly some blood tests, and probably scheduling your first sonogram. The sonogram may be to confirm how far you are into your pregnancy and they also have elective testing they can do for some disorders by way of sonogram if you would want to have time to be prepared with resources, knowledge, and what not in the event the baby would have a disorder. This part is elective though, doesn't test for all disorders, and as far as I'm aware it isn't 100% accurate. You will frequent the doctors through the rest if your pregnancy for blood tests, glucose testing, weight checks, nutrition information, and possibly more precautions if you are at higher risk or if you have a particular situation.
 
     Some moms choose not to go with the modern medical way and opt for a midwife instead. This is normal practice in many parts of the world. We are a unique country in the way we handle our pregnancy and  afterwards. Do some research. Really look into your options, and weigh out what is best for you. A big deciding factor may be what your insurance will cover so contact them if you're questioning anything about your financial responsibilities. Parenting.allwomenstalk.com has weighed out some of the pros and cons of docs vs midwives and you may agree or disagree with these so I urge you to dig around and do further research on the matter.
   
     I do know, however, that our traditional "lay down in the bed to deliver" method is not very effective and it really doesn't make sense if you know anything about gravity. So another thing you may want to keep in mind is calling the hospitals in your area to see if they allow you to birth other ways. Some have the balls you can sit on which helps through contractions, soaking in hot water helps, walking, and pushing while upright are all much more helpful than lying on your back. Some actually allow water births from what I hear. If water birthing or having a home birth is what you prefer, that may be your deciding factor in the midwife vs doctor debate, unless you can find a doctor who will do a house call.
   
     There are a ton of things to consider just during your pregnancy and delivery and fortunately for us, there are loads of resources at our fingertips to help us through. Here are a few:

• Babycenter.com is probably my favorite resource for pregnancy. You can sign up for weekly updates on your baby's development and what s/he looks like at each stage. There are answers for almost every question.
• webmd.com is another great place to find pregnancy answers
• crouse.org explains the different types of midwives and various alternative birthing techniques.
• kidshealth.org has a lot information on breast feeding as well as www.who.int. it's important to note that in the elsewheres of the world, it's not uncommon to breastfeed up to two years and is actually recommended.
• If you need help with clothes, doctor bills, or anything else it may be helpful to contact your local social services, welfare office, your church, or United way. Here is the link for the United Way website.
• www.ncsl.org has a list of states and their maternity and family leave laws and other helpful information.
• And of course don't forget about amerimommy for all your mommy needs! :)

     I hope this was helpful and possibly nostalgic for vet mommies. Thanks for tuning in! As always, leave comments and questions!



Love the blog? Click the link below to vote it up in the Top Mommy Blog directory!

Posted in: