Pregnancy can be a massive deal for many upcoming mothers, and there will come a time when you’re only counting the days before you give birth to your firstborn. However, those same days are considered to be the most important days of your pregnancy.
You must start preparing for it many months in advance. Did you know that about half of the pregnancies in the US aren’t planned? Unplanned pregnancies are the most vulnerable for miscarriages because they are least prepared for the later stages of pregnancy. Avoid that from happening by knowing what to prepare for during motherhood.
Be Aware of the Dangers of Your Home
The very first thing you should consider is the dangers of your home. A couple of months into your pregnancy, your womb is going to be more fragile than ever, and you should make changes to your home to better cater to your mobility while fixing any hazards that may come your way.
Better Lighting
The very first thing you should change is the lighting of your home. Dark spots can be a huge hazard for you and your baby simply because you don’t know what you’re stepping on and where you’re going. Changing the lights of your home to ones similar to efficient commercial lights can fix this problem. These kinds of lights are great for long hallways leading to the stairs or places that you often visit around the house. Alternatives to this are bringing in more natural light into your home through a skylight. This can be costly to install but worth doing in areas like the living room or even your bedroom.
Anti Slip Tiles
Tiles can be your worse enemy as an upcoming mom. They can be twice as dangerous during the later stages of your pregnancy because they can be pretty slippery even if they aren’t wet.
This is why you should start installing anti-slip tiles in your home. These tiles can do wonders in the bathroom, kitchen, and even your living room. You’ll never have to worry about slipping on these tiles every again. It’s also excellent preparation for your future child when they learn how to run.
Fewer Walls
Walls can get in your way once you’ve ballooned in size during the later stages of your pregnancy. However, bumping into these walls can be detrimental to your baby’s health, so it’s time to get them removed.
Consider having an open-floor plan months before you plan to have a baby with your partner. An open floor plan can undoubtedly give you the freedom of movement you need once you get pregnant. It will also give you the sufficient space you need for exercising. There are many benefits to having fewer walls in your home, and most of it is centered around your safety.
Once you’re aware of the dangers in your home, it’s time for you to concentrate on some healthy lifestyle changes for an upcoming mom.
Avoiding Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a fairly common occurrence among mothers right after they’ve given birth to a child. This is when they experience wild mood changes and physical exhaustion because of shifting hormones in their body. This can be a challenging moment in your life as a mother. But, thankfully, there are ways to prepare for it.
Studies have shown that preparation for pregnancy plays a big role in avoiding the severe symptoms of postpartum depression. Partners who discuss and plan their pregnancy are most likely to avoid it than those who have an unplanned pregnancy. Social support systems also play a big role in alleviating some of its symptoms. It’s always good to have someone to talk to about the hardships of pregnancy. Lastly, giving time for yourself and doing some light exercises can also alleviate postpartum depression, so give yourself time as a first-time mom.
Self-Compassion
Not a lot of mother knows how to show self-compassion. Yet, it is a vital trait you should have before becoming a mother. Why do you need self-compassion? Because motherhood is a lifetime process, and you’re going to make a lot of mistakes.
Mistakes and pessimism can lead to complications during pregnancy. It can lead to anxiety, depression, and self-harm. Some mothers sabotage their pregnancy in rare instances because they’ve realized that they hate themselves too much to have a baby. This is why self-compassion is important. Know that you’re going to make mistakes, but you can always fix them. Be kind to yourself, and know that pregnancy is a humbling process. It is also one of the most satisfying moments in people’s lives that many won’t achieve in their lifetimes.
The Transition
We’re going to conclude this article by stating that articles and studies can’t explain most things about motherhood. Most of the things you’re going to learn from will come from experience. Every pregnancy is unique, and you can’t plan for everything. Just trust yourself because you’re much stronger than you think.
