I'm Pregnant! What to do?
Ladies, let’s admit it. Whether the pregnancy is planned or not, we still have that fear-- the fear of uncertainty.
If you’re reading this, most probably, you just found out that you are pregnant through a pregnancy test or you have a strong feeling that you are pregnant. So, let me welcome you to PREGNANCY.
Pregnancy is worth celebrating. Why? Because it is a 9-month journey of a new God-given life. And you are chosen to be the giver of that life. It is so precious, exciting yet terrifying. But you know what? When it ends, you may say “It’s worth every sacrifice”
So here you are, sexually active & delayed for 7 days with a positive pregnancy test. What’s next? First, relax and read below!
1. PRENATAL CHECKUP – Find an Obstetrician ASAP. They will be the ones who will take care of you and your baby while you are pregnant. There are a lot of them in the country. You may ask for any recommendation from your families & friends. Some moms prefer female OBs while others don’t really care. For me, what matters is that you and your OB are in one goal—and that is the welfare of your baby inside and to deliver him/her safely.
If you are near Taguig and Pateros, I recommend my OB Dra. Lorelee Reyes-Vicente of ACE Medical Center- Pateros. She’s kind and good. She knows exactly what I needed during my pregnancy days. The good thing is, she has already a pediatrician partner who’s also kind and good like her, Dr. Reynaldo Cano III. They are heaven-sent for me. We are really taken good care of.
If you don’t have the budget for a private OB, the government has positioned many health centers in the country. Go to the nearest one. There will always be an OB.
Prenatal checkups are very important in checking and monitoring your health status as well as the baby’s. It is during these times the OB will let you do some laboratory tests and ultrasounds, give you vitamins to take, measure your weight and fundic height, & the most exciting—hear the sound of your baby’s heartbeat. During the course of my pregnancy, it took me 4 ultrasounds. First is transvaginal Ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy. Second & third is the Congenital Anomaly Scan—done at 20th and 28th week. Fourth is the BPS Ultrasound –done at 41st week. Please note that it is always case to case basis.
2. LET YOUR EMPLOYER KNOW—If you are employed, tell it ASAP to your employer or your husband’s employer with the proper proofs (i.e, Ultrasound & Medica Certificate). Why? Because they need to file it at SSS for you to get the Maternity benefits. It will help you financially.
3. DIET—PLEASE don’t eat for two. What you need are additional nutrients, vitamins and minerals to promote good baby development. Avoid any raw or partially cooked food. Embrace the veggies. Love the proteins. TAKE YOUR VITAMINS. Seek advice from your OB or Nutritionist.
4. RELAX & ENJOY—Don’t stress yourself too much. Be thankful that God has given you the opportunity to be a mother. Remember, not all women has the chance to be one. Enjoy your pregnancy in maximizing your PERKS. If you know what I mean, skip the LONG LINES. You are now a PRIORITY anywhere you go (except for prenatal checkups). Have a great massage and pampering. You deserve it. Request anything you want from your husband. It’s your time to shine! :D
5. READ & READ – If you want to know more about pregnancy, read and read and read like what you’re doing now. Knowledge is power. Google it. Ask for your elders advices (the legit ones).
6. Clothes— As early as the first trimester began, buy maternity and nursing dresses and undies (even shoes). In the following weeks, there will be rapid changes in your body. So, invest in good clothes & FLAT shoes. Choose the ones you may still use even after pregnancy.
7. PREPARE for the D-Day— During prenatal checkups, you may ask your OB for the estimated cost of C-Section including their PF. Why CS? Because it is always more expensive than Normal Spontaneous Delivery (NSD). Besides, as this moment, you’re still not sure if you can deliver the baby normally. So, it’s better to be prepared for the worst.
I will be writing more about this on another blog.
8. THINK POSITIVE ALWAYS--- It should be a MUST for pregnant women. There is power in positive thinking. Remember Philippians 4:8 , “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Your baby will be happy when you’re happy. I think all mothers love that. Let him/her hear good sounds. Sing songs. Read good stories. Mingle with happy families and friends.
But most importantly, don’t forget to pray. At the end of the day, it is the Lord who is always guiding you. You can make it PREGGIE! Trust in the Lord.
PS: If you have additional thoughts for this, feel free to comment below.
