You're pregnant? Congratulations. We'll show you what you should do now to get the most out of your pregnancy.
1. Go to the gynecologist
Do you think the appointment with the gynecologist can still wait? Better not. Making an appointment with a gynecologist is the first step you should take after you learn about the pregnancy. Your doctor must first check whether the egg has nestled in the right place, whether a small embryo actually grows in your stomach. He will also use a blood test to determine your current week of pregnancy.
2. Announce the news to your loved ones
The family, especially the partner, to announce the news is one of the most beautiful moments in pregnancy. Now a new chapter begins for you and your loved one, so you should take your partner with you on your trip. So involve him (and your family) in as many moments as possible to prepare yourself for the big change in your life.
In addition, shared joy is the most beautiful joy!
3. Relax
Constant exposure to pregnancy can have a negative impact on the psyche of the newborn. With a constantly high level of stress, the likelihood increases that children can behave more anxiously and more sensitively and can even develop depression. Therefore – take a deep breath and find relaxation. Enjoy being able to sleep well (still), treat yourself to a massage and take your time for the things that are good for you.
4. Get your vitamins …
With a balanced diet, only two vitamins are essential during pregnancy: Folic acid and iodine.
Folic acid supports your body and your baby and prevents an open back, a malformation of the central nervous system during embyro. It is recommended to supplement folic acid with high quality supplements. Of course, the vitamin is also found in bean sprouts, broccoli and wheat germ. Folic acid is usually prescribed by the gynecologist – another argument why a visit to the gynecologist should not be missed.
Iodine also ensures the child's healthy development by preventing malformations. For this reason, foods made with iodized table salt, such as bread, should be consumed regularly.
Additional tip: Vitamin B6 is particularly important for the nerves and brain during pregnancy. In addition, it is effective against pregnancy-related fatigue and nausea.
One banana a day already covers the need for vitamin B6. The best thing to do is to talk to your gynecologist about which dietary supplements make sense for you personally.
5.… and get healthy
Now that you are eating for two, you should pay close attention to how you design your diet. A balanced, varied diet is particularly important so that your baby can develop optimally. It also supports your body in getting through pregnancy as best as possible.
Good news: Pregnant women should 250 to 500 kcal more per day consume. Those who now cheerfully reach for the chip bag should read on …
Two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables, lean meat, complex carbohydrates and three servings of dairy products should be on the daily menu. Meat should always be fried, but salami or raw fish are an absolute no-go!
If there is insufficient nutrition with fresh food, one should also ensure that vitamin A to K, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, calcium and zinc are otherwise ingested through dietary supplements. However, you should always prefer fresh food to the pill pack.
Important: alcohol and cigarettes, let alone drugs, are poison for your baby and should under no circumstances be consumed. You should also consciously dose our beloved coffee – A maximum of three cups per day are a guideline here.
6. Be happy about your baby bump
Even if it is not always easy to get through everyday life with the new rounding, you should enjoy every moment with your new companion. Always keep in mind that a little being is growing in you, kicking and boxing and is incredibly looking forward to seeing the light of day soon. So consciously perceive the feeling and enjoy it.
7. Sex it up!
Enjoy freedom with your partner for as long as you can. Once your newborn is there, it will no longer be so easy to live out the beloved togetherness. A child needs a lot of care and even in advanced age it restricts privacy enormously. Sex according to your mood? Nothing. So enjoy the calm before the storm and have fun again.
8. Inform
Especially women who experience pregnancy for the first time should take enough time to inform themselves and to exchange ideas with other women. This connects and can help to better deal with the unfamiliar situation and associated side effects.
You will also find out what paperwork you can count on: informing the health insurance company, finding a daycare place, applying for maternity benefit or notifying the employer are just a few items on your checklist.
Would you like to read more about the topic and exchange ideas with other women? Then check out the "Forum for Love & Relationship: Children & Family" of the BRIGITTE community!