4 Reassuring Tips for Expectant Parents

Congratulations, you are going to be a parent soon! Once the excitement of learning about the pregnancy wears off, a million questions start to form in your head. The nine months between finding out you are expecting and the new addition showing up can be stressful. Uncertainty about what to expect takes over, and first-time parents start looking for answers.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

When you go in for the mid-pregnancy ultrasound, don’t be afraid to ask the technician and doctor questions. They are there to help you, answer questions, and make sure you have all the information you need. Additionally, this is the time to find out the gender (if you want to) and to check in on the baby’s development to see if there are any problems.

Get Everything in Place

Start making a list of things that you will need for the baby once you bring him or her home. In the first few months, they don’t need much—diapers, bottles, clothes, and somewhere warm to sleep. You don’t have to stock up on a three-year supply of diapers, tons of formula, and a wardrobe that rivals a movie star. Set up the nursery with the basics and take it from there. Further, look to your friends with kids for supplies, as many parents look to get rid of onesies, bottles, pacifiers, and other things their own children have outgrown.

Don’t Panic and Try to Relax

Like it or not, your life is about to change, and for the better. It won’t be immediate, and you won’t really see it happening, but it will. Take the time during pregnancy and do all the things that you love to do right now. Once the baby comes, you may not be able to enjoy them, or if you can, not in the same way as you once did. Spend time with your friends, go to a show, take in a ball game—make sure to get in whatever activities you and your partner like to share.

It’ll Be Okay

Don’t think that you need to read every book, scientific study, blog, and news article about babies and parenting ever published. Having a good base of information will serve you well and give you an idea of what’s coming. But don’t stress it—millions of years of evolution have given you the necessary instincts that will kick in once you hold your baby for the first time. Trust your gut and listen to the medical professionals, and you’ll be fine.