Finding out that you're pregnant is exciting and frightening in equal amounts. Even if it's not your first baby, it's going to be a big change in your life. One of the most difficult things to deal with is often where you should go for advice and support during this time. There is a lot of information out there, as well as a lot of misinformation, and it can be hard to know who to talk to and who to listen to. You want to make this experience your own and secure the best outcome for your baby, but cutting through the noise isn't always easy. If you want to get the best advice and support, here are some things you can do.
Listen to Your Doctor or Midwife
Getting the best medical advice during your pregnancy is one of the most important things you can do. Medical professionals aren't always perfect, but they're your best source of accurate medical information. Working together as a team with your OBGYN, midwife or anyone else responsible for your medical care can help you to get the best support for you and your baby. They can talk to you about how to stay healthy and your wishes during both the pregnancy and birth.
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Speak to Parents in Your Life
Doctors, nurses, and midwives can tell you about the medical side of pregnancy and birth. But other parents can talk to you about the reality of being pregnant and becoming a parent. Speaking to others who have experienced the same thing as you enables you to get real-world advice that you can use. They can give you tips on everything from how to sleep comfortably to essential baby supplies. Just be careful of potentially outdated advice from older parents, who might not be up-to-date on the latest recommendations.
Join an Antenatal Class
Antenatal classes, such as Lamaze, are a good way to prepare for birth and being a parent, helping you to feel more confident and prepared. They're also excellent for meeting other expectant parents, and could even be the start of a friendship for life for both you and your child. There are several ways to find antenatal classes in your area. You might get some recommendations at the hospital or clinic where you are receiving your pregnancy care. You can also easily search online for classes in your area. You can attend them alone or together with a partner or companion.
Find Reputable Advice Online
Trying to find good advice online can sometimes be a minefield. There's plenty of reliable advice, but also a lot of misinformation that you can easily stumble into. Fortunately, it doesn't have to be too hard to find reputable advice. Start with sources like the National Institutes of Health and other reliable resources. As well as government resources, you can also seek information from charities or nonprofits. Plenty of baby brands can be trusted for casual advice, whether it's the Newton Baby Pregnancy Checklist: A Month-By-Month Guide For Expecting Moms or recommendations for which baby supplies to buy. It's important to be more cautious about medical advice and look for sources to back up claims.
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Read Books
Some people might prefer to learn what they can online, but there are still plenty of books that can be useful to read during pregnancy. Whether you pick up a paperback or read an ebook, you can find information about all sorts of pregnancy and parenting topics. 'What to Expect When You're Expecting' is still a hugely popular book, which includes information for moms and dads. It is pretty lengthy, but there's no need to read it all. For a more interactive book, '50 Things to Do Before You Deliver' is a great way to tick off some essential tasks.
Find Out About Your Rights
It's always important to find out about the rights available to you when you're pregnant. Whether that's your right to maternity care, abortion, adoption, maternity pay, or any other options you might want to explore. You want to ensure you're aware of what you could be entitled to, as well as how you deserve to be treated. This can be particularly important in relation to employment and potential discrimination while you're pregnant. If you do have any problems, try seeking organizations that can help you to clarify your rights and might be able to fight for them too.
Socialize with Other Expecting Parents
Meeting up with other expectant parents can be really helpful. Antenatal classes are just one way to do this, and you can explore other places to meet people. Some options might include support groups or meet-up groups designed for parents-to-be. As well as meeting people in person, you can find support online through forums and social media. This can be a good way to talk to others in your spare time, easily fitting it in between your own commitments.
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Stay in Touch with Your Employer or School
When you're pregnant, it's important to reach out to your employer or, if you're studying, your school. One reason is simply to let them know what's happening and keep them up to date, but it can also be useful if you want to make sure you're getting any available support. For example, many schools will have support for parents who are studying or can signpost helpful services and support resources that will help you to complete your studies.
Speak to Your Therapist
You don't need to be dealing with a mental illness or active mental health issue to speak to a therapist. If you don't already have one, it's a good idea to consider speaking to one. During big transitional stages in your life, everything can be very overwhelming. Having someone professional to talk to about your thoughts and feelings is a good way to process everything and feel more mentally prepared. It's an important way to look after your health, taking into account mental health and not just physical health.
Everyone should get advice and support when they're pregnant. With the right support, you can feel more prepared for the arrival of your baby.
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