Guest Post: Courtney Williams | The Journey Pregnancy App
With your baby on the way, it's important to focus on your health, prepare your home, and gather the essentials for you and your baby. Here are some tips to help you get ready!
Health Tips for Mom
As your pregnancy progresses, your body undergoes significant changes, so maintaining your health is a top priority.
- Staying Hydrated: Drinking water supports fetal development and helps reduce swelling and fatigue.
- Exercising Regularly: Gentle prenatal workouts, such as walking, yoga, or swimming, can help reduce aches and pains, improve circulation, and support a healthy pregnancy. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or continuing any exercise routine.
- Managing Discomfort: You may experience back pain or swelling. Try sleeping with a pregnancy pillow, wearing supportive shoes, and elevating your feet to ease discomfort.
- Resting When Needed: Fatigue will become more common. Listen to your body and take naps or rest when needed. Your body is working hard to support both you and your baby!
Nutrition Tips
Your nutritional needs change as your baby grows. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet is essential to both your health and the baby’s development.
- Eat Iron-Rich Foods: As your blood volume increases, so does your need for iron. Include iron-rich foods like lean meat, leafy greens, and fortified cereals to help prevent anemia.
- Include Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3s play a crucial role in your baby’s brain development. Add sources like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts to your diet.
- Incorporate Calcium and Vitamin D: For healthy bone development, ensure you’re getting enough calcium (through dairy, leafy greens, or fortified products) and vitamin D (sunlight and fortified foods).
- Eat Small, Frequent Meals: This helps with heartburn and ensures you get enough nutrients comfortably as your baby grows.
General Wellness Advice
Preparing Your Home for Baby
As your due date approaches, it’s time to make your home baby-ready.
- Set Up a Nursery: Whether you have a dedicated room or space in your bedroom, create a calm, functional environment. Consider a crib or bassinet, a changing station, and storage for baby clothes, diapers, and other essentials.
- Safety First: Baby-proof your home by installing outlet covers, securing furniture to the wall, and removing any small objects or hazards.
- Stock Up: Begin a diaper stash and gather wipes, diaper cream, and burp cloths.
Clothing to Purchase for Mom and Baby
During your 2nd and 3rd trimesters, it’s essential to have comfortable clothes that accommodate your growing belly.
For Mom: In the second trimester, get maternity leggings, loose tops, and a comfortable bra. In the third trimester, prioritize comfort with maternity PJs, nursing bras, and bigger shoes.
For Baby: Stock up on onesies, sleepers, swaddles, and basics like socks and mittens. Babies grow fast, so 8-12 outfits for the first few months should suffice.
A great way to stock up is with Clover Baby & Kids’ footie bundle program!
Embrace the Journey
Preparing for your baby during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters can feel overwhelming at times, but it’s also an exciting journey! Focus on your health, create a nurturing space, and enjoy the process. The more you plan ahead, the smoother the transition will be when your baby arrives.
For more tips, visit our website and download The Journey Pregnancy app!
Good luck, and remember to take care of yourself along the way! Xx Courtney Wiliams
Emagine Solutions Technology, a female-led innovator in women’s health, created The Journey Pregnancy app to empower expectant mothers and improve maternal health with critical resources for a more informed pregnancy journey.
