Preparing For Pregnancy: Maternity Needs

While you are in the planning stages of a pregnancy you probably don’t quite yet realize the vast amount of changes your body will undergo. In a manner of nine months you will not only go through a huge physical change – but will endure many levels of comfort zones – meaning it will take more time and effort to find ways of relaxing and resting. The nine to ten months it takes your body to build a baby is considered the prenatal, or maternity, time.

Thinking ahead to what you will need during your pregnancy is important. Before you know it your body will be changing and, along with it, your lists of needs. Here is a starter for the list for pregnancy.

1. Clothes – Even if you lose weight in the beginning, you will reach a point where your belly and breasts bloom out. You will definitely need a change in wardrobe.

a. Maternity clothes – buy these in your normal size. Maternity clothing can be an expensive investment for the short amount of time you actually wear them. Sometimes you may know somebody your size who will loan or give you their maternity clothes. A lot of second hand shops will have maternity clothing for sale. Watch your newspaper classifieds for yard sales with maternity clothing for sale.

b. Buy regular clothes a couple sizes larger – such as stretch-waist pants and T-shirts. These work real well as maternity clothes and are very comfortable.

c. Maternity and nursing bras – Bra sizes are extremely hard to guess at. You may need to change bra sizes several times during pregnancy and again afterwards – whether you nurse or not.

d. Underwear – You can purchase maternity panties or you can buy panties 2 or 3 sizes larger than your normal size – these will work well throughout the entire pregnancy.

2. Shoes – It’s not uncommon to increase a shoe size while pregnant. During pregnancy the feet swell. Find shoes that are comfortable – avoid heels and narrow toes – go for comfort and support.

3. Pillows – Resting – whether it be for naps or bedtime the use of pillows can greatly increase the comfort zone. Have at least two or three extra to place under your feet, between your knees and at your back (for side-lying).

4. Prenatal vitamins – This should be something you are already taking daily. Prenatal vitamins are a vital part of a healthy pregnancy.

5. Time to rest – If there’s ever a time in your life when naps would be extremely beneficial it’s during pregnancy. Be sure to allow yourself time every day to catch a few winks.

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