So, You're Pregnant? Here's a Brief Guide on Preparing for Motherhood

I remember the first time I realized I was going to have a baby – that divine feeling of creating and nurturing a life! Looking at my baby today, it still fills me with joy to think of the day I first knew he was growing in me!

While taking a trip down memory lane, I thought of discussing a few essential tips for everyone preparing for motherhood:

• Do NOT stress about the consequences of pregnancy. Yes, there will be weight gain, hormonal changes, several discomforts, and things will change. BUT you need to remember that unnecessary stressing will not do you any good. Instead, it may lead to more stress, worse mood swings and may evenaffect the baby's health growing inside you.

• Startexercising regularly. Mild to moderate aerobic exercise is a must for moms-to-be, and I tell this from personal experience. Exercising during pregnancy is not something you do to maintain that perfect physique – it is what you do to strengthen your body and make it flexible enough to cope with the physical changes it is about to undergo in the upcoming weeks.

• Make sure you express exactly what you need. Being honest with your family and especially your partner is crucial to having a healthy pregnancy. It will help you remain stress-free and help your partner provide you with everything necessary to get you going.
• If you are a single parent, ensure you attend parenting classes. They help you prepare yourself for the upcoming days.

• Take good care of yourdiet – ensure to add plenty of fluids, less refined or processed food, more whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and everything that is nutrient-dense. The food you eat should be properly cooked, especially meat and seafood, as they tend to cause allergic/toxic reactions if undercooked.
• Always remember, a healthy weight will help you keep your body relaxed and stress-free when you have an entire human growing in you! I'm sure you don't want your bones to give away even before they start bearing the weight of the unborn.

• Give up on smoking, excess alcohol, spending excess time in front of your screens, and any other habit likely to harm your system. Your health should be your priority.

• Journaling can help you keep going—whether it is a list of your thoughts, a plan for postpartum life, a baby budget, or even a list of maternity clothing, it helps! Going through pregnancy books and manuals also helps.

• Make regular visits to yourdoctor and keep him/her updated on whatever happens, usual or unusual. Please do NOT skip this step! Home care is good, but professional help is the best!

I hope you have the most stress-free pregnancy ever! AtHubble, it is our duty to guide you through the process. Once the baby is born, monitoring your newborn is our responsibility!