As soon as you send out that pregnancy announcement, it feels like everyone comes out of the woodwork with advice, telling you how you should act, what you should eat, and everything you should expect for the next 40 weeks. Looking for “professional” advice can be just as overwhelming because savvy writers and marketers have spent decades turning pregnancy advice into an industry.
Skip that mess. Here are six things that all pregnant moms need to know to help you sort through the deluge of information.
1. You Will Get More Stuff Than You Need (Or Could Ever Possibly Use)
Baby showers are fun-filled events with games and maybe even mimosas for everyone except the mom-to-be. They’re also a great way to get everything you’ll need for to start out with a new baby, from clothes and diapers to furniture and treats for mom and dad. It’s also important to note that you’ll likely get more stuff than you could ever possibly need or use. When I had my baby shower for my oldest, I got boxes and boxes of diapers, including newborn size. When my child came out at more than 8lbs — too large for the newborn diapers — I found myself with a ton of stuff that I couldn’t even use.
2. Everyone Will Have an Opinion (And Not Everyone Will Be Nice About It)
Everyone and their brother will have an opinion about your pregnancy, how you should act while you’re pregnant, and how you should raise your kid once you give birth. Even people who don’t have their own kids and have never been pregnant in their life will have an opinion that they insist on sharing with you.
The best advice I got about pregnancy advice came from my own mother. She told me to be polite — smile and nod — and then do whatever I was going to do anyway. Don’t pick fights that you don’t have to. Just smile and nod, and let their words go in one ear and out the other.
3. Don’t Skip Your Dental Appointments (Trust Us On This One)
We expect frequent doctor’s appointments throughout a pregnancy, but one thing that we often end up overlooking is the need for dental appointments throughout your pregnancy. Hormone changes can affect your teeth and gums, causing gingivitis and periodontal disease if left untreated. Morning sickness, and especially vomiting in the first trimester can also damage your teeth, with stomach acid eating away at your tooth enamel. Make sure you’re checking in with your dentist as recommended during your pregnancy.
4. Due Dates Are All Guesswork (Don’t Let Them Bully You)
We base our due date estimates on the date of our last menstrual period. Your OB/GYN is estimating your due date based on baby measurements. It’s all estimates and guesswork, and even the best laid plans don’t pay attention to when your little one decides to come out. They may offer to induce you based on their estimate, only to find out that it’s actually weeks early. Keep up with your doctor’s appointments but don’t let them bully you into a procedure you feel is unnecessary as long as your baby is still healthy and active.
5. Pay Attention to Your Diet (No Raw Foods Until After)
Sushi and steak tartar might be some of your favorite snacks, but if you’re pregnant, you need to shelve them until you deliver. Raw or undercooked meat could increase your risk of developing toxoplasmosis which can cause a variety of complications. The same thing goes for soft cheeses and other similar foods. If you’re concerned about your diet, talk to your doctor. They’ll be happy to help you figure out what is safe to eat and what you should avoid until afterward.
6. Your Pregnancy Will Be Yours (It Doesn’t Have to Be Like Everyone Elses)
We can offer you all the advice in the world, based on both scientific research and our own experiences, and your pregnancy may be just a little bit different from ours. Don’t compare yourself to everyone else and don’t expect your experience to be exactly like you see in the movies. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing but it is something to be aware of. If you’re concerned about a symptom or something that’s going on, talk to your doctor. They’ll be able to give you the best information to help you stay healthy during your pregnancy.
Enjoy Yourself While It Lasts
You’ve got 40 weeks of pregnancy and while that might seem like it will last forever while you’re counting down the seconds until your due date, it’s just one small step on the pathway toward being a parent. Enjoy it while it lasts. When they’re walking and talking and you’re struggling to keep up with them, you’ll look fondly back on those weeks when they were still kicking and flipping in your womb.
