If you’re experiencing early symptoms of pregnancy, the idea of having a to-do list may be laughable at the moment. If you are surviving by doing the bare minimum before collapsing in bed at 7pm, you may not be up for creating a to-do list. If you can muster the energy, however, you may find it useful to have a to do list ready for your energy boosts of the coming weeks. Here are some things to add to your 9 weeks pregnant to-do list:
- Create a pregnancy exercise plan – this doesn’t need to be a colour-coded spreadsheet, but it is worth planning what exercises you will do. Exercise has lots of benefits, and this is especially true during pregnancy. Taking regular exercise can help you to get enough sleep, maintain healthy weight gain and prepare your body for labour. Find out if there are prenatal exercise classes available in your local area – aquarobics and prenatal yoga are popular classes. Swimming and walking are also great exercises during pregnancy.
- Start thinking about names – chances are, you’ve been thinking about baby names since you found out you were pregnant, but now is the time to get organised. Pregnancies have a habit of passing quickly, and you don’t want to reach the finish line without a list of possible names. Invest in a baby name book, or find an online site, and work your way through some names together.
- Plan your announcement – some couples choose to wait until the first trimester has passed before announcing the pregnancy to friends and family. If you have chosen to do this, in a couple of weeks you will be announcing the birth. Why not plan a special and unique way to announce your pregnancy?
- Make plans – if you’ve been victim to your hormones during this pregnancy, you will be pleased to hear that these symptoms should subside in a few weeks. The fatigue, nausea and mood swings of early pregnancy should make way for the second trimester. The second trimester is a great time to catch up with friends, make plans for the nursery, and take a vacation together to enjoy some quality time before the baby arrives.
- Plan your budget – there are things you will need to buy before the baby arrives, write a budget to avoid over-spending. Work out what you can afford, what you need and where you can save. Write the budget, and stick to it.
- Keep track of fetal development – Downloading a Pregnancy App, or buying a book that follows fetal development during early pregnancy can help you understand better what is going on inside your body. You may find the morning sickness slightly easier to deal with when you realize the amazing things your body is doing. Tracking your baby’s development can also help you to feel more connected with your baby during pregnancy.
Can you think of anything else to add to your to-do list during week 9?
Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.
