If you have a pregnancy plan, you just follow some tips.
Once you get pregnant, you can follow a 1–9-month pregnancy plan. I have
clearly explained in the 1–9-month plan how you can follow it during pregnancy.
At the same time, I have given a chart that you can easily follow.
Months 1
to 3
- Attend antenatal check-ups
once a month. The first is the longest. Ask about special tests.
- Stop smoking and drinking.
- Make improvements in your
diet now, as this is very important for you and your baby.
- If you are employed, tell
your employer when you need time off for antenatal care.
- Start thinking about birth
options and get information about hospitals in your area.
Months 4
to 6
- Attend monthly antenatal
check-ups. Write down questions to ask the doctor in case you forget.
- Both nausea and tiredness
should have passed, so take advantage by getting fitter—go for walks,
swim, or join a pregnancy exercise class. Generally, fitter babies have
easier births.
- Write to your employer at
least 21 days before you stop work to retain your rights to maternity
leave and statutory maternity pay.
- Send for catalogues and
check for baby equipment. You will be too tired to trek around the shops
when you are eight months pregnant.
Months 7
to 9
- Attend antenatal check-ups
once a fortnight at least for the 7th and 8th months
and weekly for the last month.
- Go to an experienced fitter
for nursing bras. You will get better fit after your baby’s head has
engaged.
- Pack your suitcase about six
weeks before your due date. Buy or hire a car seat to bring your baby home
from the hospital.
- Arrange some outings for
after your expected delivery date; you could go overdue, and having things
to look forward to and keep you occupied will take your mind off the wait.
Practical pregnancy plan chart
| Component | Description | Free Online Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Preconception Health | Optimize overall health and well-being. | CDC Preconception Health - Mayo Clinic Preparing for Pregnancy |
| Folic Acid Supplementation | Ensure adequate intake of folic acid for fetal development. | March of Dimes: Folic Acid - American Pregnancy Association: Folic Acid |
| Understanding Fertility | Learn about menstrual cycle and ovulation. | The Bump Ovulation Calculator Fertility & Cycle Tracker |
| Nutrition and Diet | Maintain a balanced and nutritious diet. | ChooseMyPlate: Preconception Nutrition - Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Pregnancy Nutrition |
| Exercise | Incorporate regular physical activity. | American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists: Exercise During Pregnancy BabyCenter: Pregnancy Exercise |
| Emotional Preparation | Address emotional aspects and stress management. | American Pregnancy Association: Emotional Health - What to Expect: Pregnancy Stress Relief |
| Seeking Support | Connect with others and seek guidance. | Reedit: Trying for a Baby - BabyCenter Community |
Conclusion
In
this article, I have clearly explained how you can practically plan a pregnancy
at the same time, how you can plan 1 to 9 months. In my opinion, if you follow
these steps above, I have given you the you the same as the doctor also given.
