{Photo credit: With A Red Bird On My Shoulder}
You see those two pink lines and you instantly fall into a euphoric state of pregnancy bliss. You begin daydreaming about decorating the nursery and shopping for sleepers. And then, as instantly as it came, that feeling of bliss that has taken over your entire body has turned into morning sickness, swelling, fatigue and irritability. As good as laying on the couch for the next nine months sounds, the following is a list of things you should try to do during your pregnancy to not only prepare yourself for what lies ahead, but to commemorate the journey itself.
Take weekly pregnancy photos
As unappealing as it may sound to force yourself to pose for a photo when you feel anything less than spectacular, you will thank yourself later when you can look back on the weekly progression of your growing belly and your little bundle of joy inside. These are some great tips for taking pregnancy photos.
Keep a pregnancy journal
This will become one of your most cherished possessions after your baby is born. Write down how you are feeling each week, how your body is changing and what you are looking forward to and fearing. You can even write a letter to your baby each week and have your partner do the same.
Research baby items
It’s so easy to get caught up in the overload of cute things that are being shoved into your face from every baby retailer out there during your pregnancy, but really take this time to research the baby items that are best for your baby before adding things to your registry. Look at reviews, get recommendations and most importantly, make sure the items you register for are both safe and healthy for your baby. A significant amount of children’s products are made with harmful chemicals and metals, despite U.S. regulations. A great site to reference is www.healthystuff.org
Catch up on your reading
{Photo credit: With A Red Bird On My Shoulder}
The second that stick turned pink, you ordered every pregnancy-related book on Amazon. Now, read them! Also, make sure to get a head start on the baby books. You won’t have time after your little one arrives! This is a great list of books you can start with.
If reading really isn’t your thing, the “Laugh and Learn” DVD series in very informative and filmed in a casual style. Pop them in and watch them with your partner.
Exercise and eat well
This should go without saying, but during the course of a pregnancy, it is sometimes easier said than done. Numerous small, well-balanced meals throughout the day will help curb morning sickness (along with these other helpful hints), and daily exercise will keep your body in shape and help prepare it for the biggest workout of your life… birth!
