Jess’ (so far) Guide to Pregnancy

I woke up realizing that I’ve learned a lot about being pregnant over these past 8 months. So I thought I’d write some things down to help me in the future, help my current pregnant friends, be an early read to my not yet pregnant friends and a guide to live on my blog for anyone to find. So here we go.

Clothing

• If you’re not comfortable, it’s not worth it. Wear clothes that fit instead of squeezing into your last non-maternity shirt.
• Non-maternity clothes make you look larger than you are – they aren’t made to fit your new curves.
• Invest in some maternity jeans and put less money into the tops so you can get a bunch of them.
• Ask around! Lots of people will be willing to give you clothes, even just to borrow, if they have some.
• Large t-shirts are perfect for bed…especially when it’s hot and the last thing you want is to be wearing clothes.
• Buy lots of solid, layerable shirts. Get the fitted tees with the bunching on the side…you can wear them at any month that you’re in! A great investment. Buy them in the winter w/ a few shirts that can go over it.
• Be careful of the help you get in maternity stores. They want to help but they’re still sales people. Try on everything and only buy what you love. You’re not investing in clothing at this point…you’re buying clothes to get you through a few months.
• Buy bigger bras as soon as you need them and then get bra extensions to make them last. Instead of buying bras over and over again these cost a whole $1.50 each and give you the extra help you need.
• Maternity pajama shorts are worth buying…they’re comfy and are light weight.
• Take care of yourself. As you get bigger you’re going to feel unattractive at times. Get your hair done, do your makeup, wear cute flats…it’ll make you feel better.
• Sweats are made for the house. Yoga pants can be worn anywhere – especially with a cute top.
• Maternity leggings are comfy and perfect to throw on under long tops and dresses!
• Just because someone gives you something, doesn’t mean you have to wear it. Wear what fits and what you like.

Learning

• It’s good to read What to Expect but only read the month that you’re in. It’s too overwhelming any other way.
• Do join some baby center/what to expect type websites. Don’t join all of them. Many times they’re all saying the same thing anyway.
• Stay off forums and pregnancy boards. Most of the people posting on there contradict each other and themselves. Many just want to complain. If you have a real question, ask your doctor or another mom. Or find a real medical website…don’t rely on strangers you don’t know.
• Learn to do some pregnancy stretches. It helped me with all of my back problems.
• Read some baby books and then move on. Don’t lose who you are because you’re having a baby. Chances are you’ll know what to do when you need to do it (or so I hear!)
• Listen to others or don’t. Friends always want to give advice but half the time what worked for them won’t work for you. Take opinions lightly.
• Listen to your body…it will tell you most things you need to know.
• Learn the difference between crying for no reason and not being able to help crying. I’ve found that sometimes my hormones are crazy and I feel like crying – but I don’t HAVE to. Save it for when you cry and you really can’t help it. No one likes a cry baby!
• Complaining is normal…but so is pregnancy. Women do it all of the time. And non-pregnant people WILL get tired of hearing it fast. Learn to get over things yourself.
• If you’re craving something, it may not be WHAT you’re craving that’s important…take a look at what that food provides you with. It’s usually the vitamins/fiber/salt/sugar that your body is craving…not the actual food.

Eating

• My favorite quote that I’ve lived by. “Yes, you’re eating for two. But that 2nd person weighs between 2 oz. and 4 lbs. most of your pregnancy…it only needs 300-400 calories. That’s 2 sodas.”
• Don’t emotional eat. Treat yourself, yes. But find a different way to deal with your hormones. Like going for a walk or writing or crying or watching a movie. I enjoyed watching Father of the Bride 2 while pregnant.
• Fruit is your friend but it’s also like giving your baby a red bull at times. Don’t forget that fruit is loaded in sugar.
• Skip the caffeine, go for the fruit. It’s a natural energy high. So is ice cold water.
• Carry a water bottle with you – thirst will sneak up on you.
• Eat healthy: what you eat, your baby eats.
• Don’t forget, this is the one time in a woman’s life that dessert is guilt-free. Treat yourself…just don’t do it every day.
• Keep eating. If you’re hungry, baby is hungry. You wouldn’t not feed him/her when he/she is here, would you?
• Heartburn is not fun but neither is giving up your favorite food. Choose wisely.
• You can make exceptions to the “do not eat when pregnant” list…but think about it, that list is there for a reason. Don’t be so selfish.
• You’re not fat, you’re pregnant. Keep repeating to yourself until that baby bump is obvious to all.

Get Comfortable

• My body pillow is my best friend at night. They’re much cheaper than buying what’s in the maternity stores. I got one at target and it has washable, removable covers. It’s perfect.
• Beware of your posture and the way you hold yourself. It’ll help wonders with your back and any pains you have. Shoulders back, neck straight, tailbone under. Straighten up – especially when sitting!
• Pillows are amazing support on a couch.
• Take advantage of people helping you and doing things for you. Then do the same for others when you’re not pregnant.
• If you’re tired, take a break. Don’t push yourself if you want to stay healthy.
• Learn to laugh at yourself. It’ll really help when you lose your balance and start wobbling for what seems like no reason.
• Exercise is good but don’t go crazy. You’re not trying to lose weight…just to keep healthy!

Well that’s all I’ve got for now…hope it helps someone. The biggest thing to remember is to take care of yourself, let others help you, know that things ARE going to change and there is nothing you can do about it. Just learn to listen to your body and enjoy the ride.