Pregnancy Preparation for Parenting Success ... The Yorkshire Dad Blog ...

It is a moment unlike any other: you hold your new born baby in your arms… and stare. You feel love and a fierce sense of protection, but you are also gripped by anxiety, aware of your own vulnerability. This new born infant did not come with an instruction manual and you have no idea what you are doing.

flickr.com/photos/bibbit/4273713594

This feeling is overwhelming because it is not just about getting through the next few days, but about the rest of your life. You are expected to nourish and nurture this little bundle from being new-born to teaching him or her to talk, walk, feed, wash and so on.

But before you get to the stage of worrying about adolescence and how you will pay for their wedding, getting the basics ‘right’ will make you feel far more confident. And this means preparing for pregnancy.

Be Prepared

There are many issues during pregnancy that are relatively common. For example, some women find that they leak urine from early on in their pregnancy, usually because of surging hormones. This means looking at the range of women’s incontinence products suitable for pregnancy.

For others, it can mean debilitating morning sickness. Knowing what these problems are and ideas of how to make pregnancy more comfortable is key to preparing for pregnancy and parenting success…

#1 Get Reading

Pregnancy is a wonderful time – or it can be, if you know what will happen and when. No one knows everything about pregnancy, labour and birth so get reading. And this means both of you!

As well as great pregnancy and birthing manuals, there are all kinds of websites that offer fascinating insights into the journey of pregnancy and birth. But, always make sure that you are reading this information of websites that are of the highest quality and have their information from reputable sources.

As well as great information, there are many websites that carry stories and articles that ‘scare monger’. If you are not sure about a fact, check it out with your midwife.

#2 Get Exercising

Pregnancy is not the time to start a new exercise regime. In terms of exercise, it is about staying active so that you look after your mind, body and soul. Your body will go through many changes in nine months and you want to know that it can physically and mentally cope with the demands of pregnancy.

Walking is a great form of exercise, and swimming is perfect for supporting joints as you move. Many women enjoy the relaxing nature of yoga and Pilates; look for sessions and classes specifically for pregnant women and new mums.

#3 Eat Well

Increasing your folic acid intake to 400mg a day is important as this helps to minimise birth defects. You can take folic acid supplements or you can increase folic acid in your diet naturally by eating folic acid-rich food.

Snacking on fruit and vegetables as opposed to biscuits and sweets will also help your body to cope with the demands of pregnancy.

#4 Common Pregnancy Issues

There are many issues that are common to pregnancy;

· Bladder issues – women’s incontinence products can help manage accidental leaks of urine, something that many pregnant women suffer from. If this is accompanied by pain, speak with your midwife.

· Bowel problems – constipation is common for many women too. As well as eating soluble fibre, upping your intake of water can help prevent constipation.

· Morning sickness – common in the first few weeks of pregnancy, this is caused by a sudden surge in early-pregnancy hormones. It eventually passes, but nibbling on a dry biscuit can help settle the feeling of nausea.

· Backache – as your baby bump grows, muscles and ligaments stretch and for many pregnant women, this means backache. Taking plenty of rest and making sure your back is supported when you sit or lie down can also help alleviate the ache.

· Low mood or depression – although you may be looking forward to meeting your bundle of joy, there are times when you may feel depressed. This is perfectly normal and is the result of hormones, as well as sometimes feeling fed-up and ‘cumbersome’ with a growing baby bump, sore feet and ankles etc. Talk to your partner or a friend. If you have specific concerns, talk to your midwife.

Being prepared is key to an enjoyable pregnancy. This may mean having women’s incontinence products to help manage bladder problems or having your friend on speed-dial when it all feels like it is getting too much.

HARTMANN Direct supply a range of women’s incontinence products suitable for pregnancy and beyond.