Pregnancy is a special phase in a woman’s life. Along with happiness and excitement, a slew of decisions faces every pregnant woman. The difference between relaxed motherhood and an anxious one is your preparedness before childbirth. Moreover, making significant decisions during pregnancy will give you enough time to consider every option carefully, thus letting you choose the best for yourself and your little one. So pull out a chair, take a sip of your favorite beverage, and read on to know the top 10 decisions you must take when you’re expecting.
- Who should be my gynecologist?
This is one of the undeniably important decisions you must take during the early months of pregnancy. Not every woman would ponder over this question for years in advance, so it’s helpful to take recommendations from your friends and family. Prepare a list and shortlist a few based on their reputation and the location they’re based at so you can pay a visit anytime you need. Book an appointment with the gynecologists you have shortlisted and question them exhaustively to find the one you wholeheartedly trust.
- When should I take maternity leave?
This is an important decision facing working moms-to-be. Many organizations in India offer compensated maternity leaves. Talk to HR to understand the policies completely and decide when you will avail the maternity leave. Plan your tasks and don’t hesitate to ask for help, because the last thing you need is work tension nagging you when trying your best to cater to your child.
- What should my daily diet plan look like?
The food you eat is the main source of nourishment for the fetus. Having a proper pregnancy diet plan will ensure a consistent intake of necessary nutrients. Pregnant women need more Calcium, Folic acid, Iron and Protein than women who are not pregnant and here’s why
- Calcium – Helps in the growth of bones and teeth in the baby.
Foods rich in Calcium – Milk, yogurt, cheese, salmons, and leafy greens.
- Folic acid – Prevents birth defects in the baby’s brain and spinal cord.
Foods rich in Folic acid – Cereals, beans, and citrus fruits.
- Iron – Regulates the supply of oxygen in the blood.
Foods rich in Iron – Beans, peas, poultry, and meat.
- Protein – Helps build important organs in the baby’s body such as brain and heart.
Foods rich in Protein – Eggs, nuts, tofu, and fish.
- What kind of clothes should I wear?
It is the second trimester when you will find that most of your clothes won’t fit you anymore and wish you shopped earlier. Pregnancy shopping is both exciting and tiring. It’s is common for many women to feel uncomfortable about how they look, but luckily a variety of maternity clothing choices are available today that are comfortable and stylish. Here are a few things to keep in mind while shopping for maternity clothes:
- Opt for soft and breathable fabrics. Your clothes must absorb sweat and avoid skin rashes.
- Ensure that your clothes are easily washable which will come in handy once morning sickness sets in.
- Consider buying pregnancy panties that give support to your bump.
- When buying bottoms with elastic, make sure they are soft on your skin and not too tight.
- Go for clothes that can accommodate your growing belly.
- Which baby brands should I buy from?
We hear you! This may not seem like an important decision to make when you’re pregnant. Visit any retail baby shop or e-commerce store and you will thank us for adding this to the list. From pacifiers to diapers, there are countless options to choose from. It is not uncommon for moms-to-be to stock up on baby essentials. Shortlisting a few baby brands you can buy from will let you make informed buying decisions later. There are several things to consider when shopping for your baby and Quality tops that list.
Be it bottles, teats, or finger brushes, it is important to ensure they are made of non-toxic materials. Opt for products that are both 100% EA and BPA free. Today, BPA-free is not enough. BPA is just 1 of 564 backlisted EA (Estrogen Activity) chemicals. Plastics containing EA chemicals can leach into food when heated or used for a long time. EA chemicals lead to hormone-related illnesses and growth and development issues. As moms, you have to make sure you give the safest products to your child.
- Should I sign up for prenatal counseling?
Prenatal counseling can help you navigate through the many tough decisions that pregnancy throws at you. Talking about your insecurities to a prenatal counselor can go a long way in making informed decisions later. With prenatal counselors increasing in India lately, finding an experienced counselor in your locality could be just a Google search away. Keep in mind to attend the free demo sessions the center might offer before signing up.
- What changes should I make in my home?
Prepping your home before the arrival of your little one can give time for you and the people in your home to get used to the changes. Moreover, it’s easy to get your house in order than when you’re sleep deprived later.
- Who will be my child’s pediatrician?
When it comes to choosing the best pediatrician for your child, try to eliminate the trial and error method. Just like you will choose a gynecologist, ask for recommendations from your friends and family. Make sure the practitioner has updated knowledge on child upbringing methods. Don’t forget to take the location of the clinic or hospital into consideration as you may need to visit more often during the first few months of your little one.
- Should I bank my baby’s umbilical cord blood?
Umbilical cord blood is rich in stem cells that could be later used to treat leukemia and a range of metabolic disorders. On the contrary to what some parents may think, collecting cord blood doesn’t cause pain. If you decide to store your baby’s umbilical cord blood, find a blood bank that can do it for as long as you want and within your budget.
- What should I name my baby?
Choosing a name for your baby is a monumental decision. Some parents-to-be may even find this extremely confounding. It is always good to have a shortlist of three baby names per sex to make this whole task exciting rather than overwhelming.