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A Collection Of Indispensable Items To Make Your Pregnancy A Little Easier And Very Special

For your convenience, this pregnancy checklist is divided into the following categories:

• A Little Easier Pregnancy Checklist, and
• Making It Special Checklist

Pregnancy is such an exciting time, especially if it's your first.

Your body is changing, your emotions are up and down. A precious little creation has invaded your body and is taking over!

The list that follows is my compilation of pregnancy essentials.

Selected with you in mind, each of these items will help to make your pregnancy a little easier, or wonderfully special...




Despite the fact that you will be glowing and flitting around like a firefly after seeing those two precious lines on your home pregnancy test, you will soon realize that pregnancy can have it's rather uncomfortable drawbacks.

Use the items on this pregnancy checklist, to minimize your discomfort and maximize your pleasure at carrying a new life around inside you.


1. Pregnancy Vitamins

Your doctor should prescribe these - Make sure you take them. They're really important for baby's development, and for your continued well-being.

Enough said - I'm not a doctor, and I hate taking pills!





2. A Back 'n Belly Contoured Body Pillow

This nifty invention is an absolute lifesaver in your last trimester. Getting and staying comfortable during the night in the last stage of your pregnancy is somewhat of a challenge to say the least. Turning over under the duvet with a pillow behind your back and another between your knees is a real mission.

The body pillow solves this problem. From neck and back support, to padding between your knees, it's got everything you need on both sides - so you turn over and leave the pillow where it is - it's great! No more pillow fighting at 3am.




3. A Wheat Bag

After four pregnancies, my wheat bag has become a firm best friend. An absolute must for easing all those minor aches and pains associated with pregnancy.

Whether it's your back, your neck or your feet, I can guarantee you, that at some point during these nine months, you are going to be glad of this little goody - It's a wonderful aid during labour too.






4. A Birthing Ball

What can I say - I love mine! Primarily used as an aid during labor, it's also wonderful for backache during your pregnancy.

Sitting on the ball regularly during your last trimester can also help to encourage opening of the pelvis, ready for delivery.

As far as labour is concerned, if you are planning a natural birth, you absolutely must get one. Another one of my best friends!

(Note: Some hospitals have these in their labour wards - check before you get hubby to drag yours all the way there!)




5. Maternity Clothes

Buy yourself a few well-fitting maternity outfits. Sure you can get by with hubby's T-shirts and sweats, but by the time you're ready to give birth, you'll feel more like a sack of potatoes than a woman.

A woman's pregnant body is a beautiful thing - you don't have to hide it under a sack.






6. Stretch Mark Cream

The last thing you want at the end of your pregnancy is a bunch of stretch marks. You can minimize the chances of their occurrence by using a good cream or oil.

Use daily from around three months, or whenever your stomach stops rebelling from morning sickness.

It's a great idea to get hubby to rub the cream in. If he's not shy, he can talk to baby at the same time, and get used to the idea of being a dad.







7. Baby Books And Magazines

When it comes to pregnancy, labor and birth, knowledge is power. The more informed you are, the more confident and relaxed you will be. And a relaxed mommy makes for a contented newborn.

It really is true - the more you stress during these nine months, the more your baby will fuss during the nine that follow - and you know what that means - no sleep - right?

Read as much as you can, and relax. Make this a time of joy to remember.

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There are few things, if any, in this world that beat the wonder of bringing forth a new life...

No matter what you do during your pregnancy, you will think of it fondly during the years to come. But there are a few things you can do to enhance your memories and make your pregnancy unforgettable...


1. Make a Keepsake Box

It doesn't have to be fancy - even a decorated cardboard box will do. Just make sure you do it early, before you start losing things.

Into this little time-capsule, put every little reminder of your special baby-carrying months. (You can add keepsakes of baby's birth too if you like.)

Examples...

• Your home pregnancy test with the two lines - you won't want to forget that day!
• The cork from the champagne you popped when you told your family the news. (It doesn't matter that you weren't allowed to drink any!)
• Baby shower notes, cards, ribbons etc.
• Prints of prenatal scans and photos of the pregnant mom.

2. Buy a Digital Camera

If you don't have one already - for taking pictures of the bump.

Try to co-ordinate your snapshots with your scan pictures. It's really fun to compare how you were looking inside and out on the same day.




3. Find a Good Pregnancy Calendar

This online pregnancy calendar is a wonderful way to keep track of the changes taking place for both you and your baby. Receive a weekly e-mail in your inbox with information about what to expect during each week of your pregnancy - images too!

Another great idea, if you can find one, is a printable calendar with informative notes for each of the 40 weeks.

Hang it on your bedroom wall and record thoughts and events in the margins.

You'll know what to expect through each stage of your pregnancy, and it makes a delightful addition to your keepsake box after baby is born.







4. Keep a Pregnancy Journal

Again, it needn't be over the top. Some people are more into writing than others. If you are - go for it.

If not, just keep it nearby. You'll be surprised at what you'll jot down from time to time. Remember, those emotions are going to be rocking and rolling!




5. Buy or Borrow a Good Baby Name Guide

- Earlier, rather than later. If you really want a stressful experience, you'll leave choosing a baby name for the last minute - not a good plan, I promise you.

There are some amazing baby name resources available on the internet. Make the most of these. They contain a wealth of baby name ideas.

However, a good old fashioned baby name guide is still a wonderful little book to keep next to your bed. You never know when the perfect name will strike you, and you'll want to look it up with hubby straight away. (Be patient by the way. It will strike - sooner or later.)




6. Beg, Borrow or Steal a Doppler

A doppler is a clever little device that let's you tune in and listen to your little one's heartbeat. No more waiting for your OB/GYN appointment to hear that incredible sound.









7. Make a Belly Cast

You can buy a kit, or make your own from scratch, but this is a must do. What a perfect reminder of this wonderful time.

If you have other children, they may like to help you and hubby with this. They'll remember this experience for years to come.

Decorated belly casts make beautiful nursery decor too!














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