Pregnancy Advice

When I first announced I was pregnant, I got some WONDERFUL advice from other pregnant, or recently pregnant friends. This page is just a list of some great tips and resources for you other soon to be moms! I am also excited to have this if/when round 2 comes along :) This page will be updated often throughout the next few months!

Disclaimer: Always remember- your pregnancy is NOT like anyone else's. What worked for me or other's may not work for you :)

Thinking about Becoming Pregnant

• Read "What to Expect When You're Expecting" You'll feel like you're getting a little ahead of yourself, but that is ok! There is so much info in there it is good to know as much as you can before the time comes!
• Take prenatal vitamins! The most important time to take these is 3 months before conception all the way through your 1st trimester. It is great to continue taking them later, too! PLUS- they'll make you have great hair, skin, and nails!
• My experience and opinions are different than everyone else's but you may want to consider going as all-natural as you can...no medicine (can't have this during pregnancy anyway), using homemade non-toxic house cleaners (not harmful if inhaled), wean yourself away from caffeine and alcohol, etc... pregnancy will be easier if you're already in the habit
• Exercise. Statistics show you'll have a healthier pregnancy and delivery, less of a chance of stress marks, healthier baby...SO many great reasons. Get in the habit NOW! Try for 30 min 3-4 times/week of walking, jogging, yoga, etc.
• Eat well. Before, during, and after your pregnancy. A lot of problems with infertility have to do with what you are eating! Read Beautiful Babies- Kristen Michaelis for more information. 
• Read up on increasing your changes of fertility here or just google it. 
• become a part of a mom's group on facebook. This info was just as good or better than reading about becoming pregnant, pregnancy, and parenting. My recommendation is the DFW Crunchy mom's facebook group- if you're into the all-natural way of living :)

First Trimester

• start your baby registry (it gets overwhelming the longer you put it off)
• register for childcare, if needed (lists fill up fast)
• exercise, eat well, etc...
• morning sickness tips: pepermint essential oil, gingerale, keep your tummy FULL! 
• read all the pregnancy stuff you can!
• become a part of a mom's facebook group if you're not already (see section above)

Second Trimester

• drink a little caffeine before your 20-week ultrasound. It will make the baby move around so you can really see if it is a boy or girl!! I did this, though and didn't feel like it made a difference...
• Start reading baby 101 info, like breastfeeding books, "What to Expect During the Frrst Year", etc. 
• use cocoa butter or vitamin e oil (really greasy, but moisturizes all day! Put on at night under an old t-shirt. Find it in the vitamin isle at the store) to prevent stretch marks (also exercise helps).
• Start writing a birth plan to share with your practitioner or midwife
• buy a Snoogle. you won't regret it. 
• go maternity shopping! check out the "Wardrobe Tips" section down below.
• google free baby classes in your area. We went to a cloth diaper 101 class. They have many other types too! 
• sign up for birthing classes at your hospital, birthing center, or other locations
• make sure you're not gaining too much or too little weight. use this as a guide. 
• collect addresses for baby shower

Third Trimester

• start your birthing classes! http://birthbootcamp.com is a good one. 
• pregnancy exercises to help through labor: taylor sitting, squatting, butterfly stretch, kegels, pelvic rocking- use youtube as an example.
• after 36 weeks: drink red raspberry leaf tea, take evening primrose oil (to help start labor)
• make a packing list of what to bring to the hospital/birthing center. 
• Pack bags as early as you feel comfortable- mine were packed at 31 weeks :)
• buy nursing tanks, bras, pillows, nursing pads, pump...I got it all at target.

Helpful Websites When Pregnant

What To Expect -so much info!

Baby Center - similar to WTE, so much info!

Simple Registry- start registering NOW! On this site you can register from multiple places all in one spot!
Pinterest- If you've never used this site, it is the BEST website on the planet for planning events and trips, getting info on baby stuff, new recipes, and so much more. Just ask me and I'll give you some hints :)
http://www.pinstripesandpolkadots.com  Helpful info on Cloth Diapering
DFW crunchy mom's facebook group I can't say enough about the things I am learning in this FB group!
iherb best prices on all natural things (essential oil, makeup, nuts and seeds, vitamins and supplements)


Good Reads
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding- Diane Wiessinger (if there is only one book I would recommend it is this one!)
Christ Centered Childbirth- Townsend
What to Expect When You're Expecting- Murkoff (a must!)
Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy- Iovine (kind of out of date, but a fun read)
Beautiful Babies- Kristen Michaelis (nutritional guide)

Pregnancy Wardrobe Tips

Shade Clothing maternity clothing website with FREE shipping, FREE returns, and prices starting as low as $4.99! REALLY! I just ordered 2 tops and a pair of shorts for a total of $21

Pink Blush maternity clothing at a reasonable price. They have some cute things and some special occasion things.

thread up is a website that you can buy or sell clothing. CHEAP! They even have maternity!!

Ross has a good/cheap maternity selection.

 Target and Old Navy are good choices...

This blog has a great list of pregnancy wardrobe locations

Consignment sales and shops! Also, goodwill! Google them in your area! Find used clothing in great condition for hardly any $$

Don't forget to just shop in non-maternity clothes. You'll find things that work for maternity that will also be cute later. Accessorize! Buy a few little belts you can put over maternity shirts and dresses.



Tips for buying baby things CHEAP
Baby Cheapskate is a website that will alert you on sales of different items

Babies are Us Trade In Deal this happens twice a year. bring something old for a coupon for something new!
consignment sales search in your area for these! Great way to buy used baby items to save $!
Pinstripes and Polka dots is a cheap place to buy cloth diapers and accessories. Also they have good tips on laundering!
No Better Deal is a website for all things baby. They update it every week. It is new items that have been opened or returned.
Groupon the "goods" section of groupon sells things like new baby monitors 1/2 price! check it out!

Overall Health tips
*don't take any medicine or all natural remedies without consulting your OB or midwife!*

Heartburn: papaya enzymes (all natural), tums
Energy boost?: Try Floradix (Iron and herbal supplement)
Nausea: try inhaling  peppermint essential oil or rubbing it on forehead, keep tummy full with snacks
digestion: drink more water than ever and eat lots of fruit...it really is just a diet thing. oh and exercise.
UTI: drink cranberry juice or take a cranberry supplement (found at most grocery stores)
Hydration: even if you think you are hydrated enough, you aren't. Especially Summers in Texas! Drink smart water. It has added electrolytes which help keep you hydrated!

NOTE TO SELF:
*this section is for me to remember some things next time around*

• Run Longer. I stopped running around 30 weeks pregnant and regret it. I kept walking, but next time- keep running!! My doc said the best patient she had ran 3 miles the day before she gave birth!
• buy a few bigger sizes for the last month or two of the last trimester :)