Every pregnancy is specific, but all first-time moms-to-be out there share one thing - they overthink! And how not, you might ask, when our bodies and lives are soon about to change like never before? You already know that all fears and anxieties come from a lack of experience, which is easily solved. How? With some kind pieces of advice, cordial and professional support, and one detailed pregnancy checklist. Pregnancy trimesters and checklist and why we need themIt is much easier to track fetal development if the pregnancy is divided into three stages. It's also because each stage is marked by characteristic developments in the fetus and a woman's body. Hence, each group of changes corresponds to a trimester.
At the end of the third trimester, at 36+ weeks, a pregnancy is considered full-term. It means that babies born before week 36 are considered premature and may need to spend additional time in an incubator to grow and fully develop. A pregnancy checklist is designed to help a future mom find herself in the coordinate system of pregnancy and help her focus on tasks vital for her and the baby. Also, it is paramount to note that a checklist is only a reminder, and it should be regarded as such. There's no alternative to regular checkups and tests. Remember that every pregnancy is unique, and only a dedicated physician can give you guidance explicitly designed for you. The "Now what?" and "What next?" of pregnancyNutritious food, light exercise, and sufficient water and sleep are the four pillars of a healthy lifestyle that become vital in pregnancy. Forget about smoking and alcohol, and consult your physician if you take any therapy. Find some books on pregnancy and preparation for childbirth, as learning how to prepare mentally and emotionally is critical. Trimester 1. Month 1.
Trimester 1. Month 2.
Trimester 1. Month 3.
Trimester 2. Month 4.
Trimester 2. Month 5.
Trimester 2. Month 6.
Trimester 3. Month 7.
Trimester 3. Month 8.
Trimester 3. Month 9. *If there is a risk that you may deliver early, consider checking these off in month 7 or 8.*
Finally, relax! It's all set. If you consult your pregnancy checklist, physician, doula, and everybody who works in your and your baby's best interest, you're on the path to a more informed and calmer pregnancy. Support and care are what you need and what you deserve!
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A new baby in the home changes the entire dynamic of your household and learning to manage remote work with a newborn or baby can be quite the challenge to even experienced parents. Take steps to ensure the experience is a positive one for everyone involved. Use these tips to help succeed with both your baby and your job as you learn to navigate this new world. 1. Create a Schedule You Can Stick To Humans of all ages benefit from a schedule and when you have a newborn, you have a unique opportunity to establish one that can work for you both. Things like feeding times, naps, and diaper changes should be scheduled and you should do your best to arrange your work schedule around your baby’s needs. If possible, arrange for more intensive work times when your baby is napping or after they have nursed when they are most content. Pay attention to when they seem to have the most need of you throughout the day and do your best to schedule the least demanding work responsibilities during those periods. Understand that even with the perfect schedule, parenthood is unpredictable, and there will inevitably be times when you have to rearrange things to care for your baby. Go easy on yourself when this happens. It is a natural part of life and you are doing your best. 2. Keep Your Baby Busy During the times when your baby isn’t feeding and sleeping, plan activities that are engaging but require minimal supervision such as time in their bouncer, their activity mat, or other stationary play stations. Consider wearing your baby while you work when possible in a wrap or baby carrier so that they are still close to you and you can keep an eye on them. 3. Let People Help You Caring for a baby is deeply rewarding, but even without a job to distract you, it is a lot of hard work. It’s easy to feel like you have to do everything on your own or else you are a bad parent, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Humans are community creatures and historically, new parents have had any number of people to rely on to help them raise their babies. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it from your support system and trained professionals. According to Mental Health First Aid, not only is it important for your mental health to feel supported, but it is also good for your baby to learn they have a group of people they can depend on for love, care, and attention. Additionally, don’t take on too much at work. Now is not the time to be taking on extra tasks. Learn to say no to extra hours and more responsibilities. You have enough on your plate. 4. Consider a Career Switch If your job is overwhelming you or you no longer feel it is the right fit now that you have a baby in the home, consider a career change. With degrees available online in almost every industry and many that span multiple sectors, there’s no reason you can’t go back to school from the comfort of your home to make it easier for you to find something that works for both you and your family.
You are capable of rising to the challenge before you. Prepare when you can, ask for help as you need it and make changes as you need to. Both you and your baby will be grateful for it. If you are planning a move while pregnant, you want to ensure that you have coordinated as much as possible in advance. If you have children who can help, it will actually make it better for you and them. Involving them in the process helps everyone be less stressed. Love In Motion Doula Services shares some tips on how to navigate the moving process when you’re expecting:
For most people, moving is a very stressful and time-consuming activity. For people with small children, the stress is even greater, and for people who are expecting and already have small children, moving can be so stressful that it may seem like an impossible task. However, a little bit of preparation and a lot of patience can make getting through the experience a lot easier. Raising a child to age 17 costs an estimated $233,610, according to a study by the USDA. The newborn and toddler years add up with the cost of delivery, diapers, and clothes they outgrow quickly. Make preparations for a budget-friendly pregnancy to start saving money early. Staying Healthy on a BudgetGoing into the pregnancy as healthy as possible can reduce complications and make the pregnancy easier. You don't need expensive prenatal exercise classes to stay healthy. Simply walking or swimming on your own is effective. Prenatal exercise benefits include less back pain, decreased constipation, better sleep, and shortened labor, according to Mayo Clinic. Check with your prenatal care provider to ensure exercise is safe for your situation. Check on prenatal vitamins from different sources. You can get prescription or over-the-counter prenatals, so compare the costs to find the cheapest option. Choosing Affordable ProvidersThe mean out-of-pocket expense for childbirth in Colorado is $2,300 for people with insurance, according to the Health Care Cost Institute. Your costs may vary based on your insurance coverage. Call your insurance company to verify your coverage amounts and find preferred providers, which can lower your costs. Midwives can often provide a more cost-effective option if you have a low-risk pregnancy. Total birth costs are typically about $2,000 cheaper with a midwife. Writing a Birth PlanPlanning the birthing process can help you deliver how you want. This planning also helps control costs by deciding where you want to give birth. If you use doula labor services, your doula can help write your birth plan Sorting Out Your FinancesReworking your budget to account for things like childcare and diapers should happen now. If your current home isn't big enough, consider moving. Research the loan options and practicality of buying a new house on your current income. Use a mortgage calculator to determine your options based on your down payment and the current average mortgage rates. Another option is a home improvement loan for an addition or remodeling your current home if moving isn't feasible. Stocking Up EarlyOngoing expenses add up quickly. Expect to spend about $75 monthly on diapers and wipes and $70 to $150 per month for powdered formula if you don't breastfeed, according to New York Life. Stock up now to spread out the costs, but check expiration dates on formula before buying. Joining Mom GroupsBecoming active in Denver mom groups helps you meet other local parents who can give you advice and share affordable parenting hacks. Some groups, like locally-based Moxie Moms, offer discounts at local retailers and schedule free events with other parents. Shopping ConsignmentMaternity clothes are expensive and you don't need them long. Shop consignment stores for affordable maternity clothes, or connect with other moms to borrow maternity clothes. Consignment shops also save you money on baby clothes and gear Affording a BabyPregnancy preparation gives you time to find the support team you need while sticking to a budget. Whether you want a home birth, birthing center, or traditional hospital setting, having experts to help you along the way makes it easier. Explore labor doula services from Love in Motion if you're planning a pregnancy in the Denver area.
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