New Pregnancy - Checklist

If you are in the planning stages of a new pregnancy you may not realize the awesome changes your body will have over the next 9 months. In this time you will undergo a complete transformation. As time goes on you will have to really work at finding a good comfort zone, especially when you are relaxing and resting.

Pregnancy is such an exciting time. With proper preparation and planning you can start your pregnancy on the right foot. Below is a list of items to make the most of your new pregnancy.

1. Clothing
   This is a given, you will most certainly need a complete change in wardrobe at some point.
    
   1. Maternity Clothes. These are specialty items made just for a growing belly. Maternity clothing is usually a little more pricey than regular clothing. You may know someone who has a maternity wardrobe you can have or borrow. Look in second-hand shops and watch your newspaper ads for garage sales.
       
   2. Maternity/Nursing Bras. Bras are a hard item to buy, especially if you don't know what size you may end up being. You might have to purchase several different sizes in band and cup sizes as your pregnancy progresses and especially if you breastfeed your baby.
       
   3. Regular Clothes. Sometimes if you find the right type, such as stretch-waist pants and stretchy T-shirts you can buy them a size or 2 larger than your normal size and they work very well as "maternity" clothing.
       
   4. Underwear. Take it from me and purchase underwear in a size or 2 larger than your regular size. Either bikini or "grannie" panties do well, depend on your preference.
       
2. Pillows. To me pillows were a life saver when it came to proper rest. I would use a minimum of 3 pillows at night - under my feet, between my knees and at my back / under my head.
    
3. Prenatal Vitamins. These vitamins are very important in maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
    
4. Shoes. Your shoe size may increase during pregnancy. The feet will swell at some point, so it's important to have shoes that are comfortable. Nice flat shoes with good supports are best.
    
5. TLC - Pregnancy is a time of great change in the body and the best way to accommodate this change is to get plenty of rest daily. This includes taking naps and getting plenty of sleep at night.

Begin your pregnancy prepared. Use this list as a starting point in making a comfortable pregnancy.