Can you prepare for pregnancy?
Many believe that it’s nearly impossible to prepare for pregnancy, since it will be a brand new experience. Even if you already have children, every pregnancy is different. While there is truth to this, there are still some steps you can take to make your pregnancy more comfortable.
Determine who you can rely on
Janet Scarborough Civitelli, a doctor and psychologist from Austin, TX, believes it is important to define the circle of people you can lean on during pregnancy. Think about the relatives and friends or other expecting mamas who can walk alongside of you during this period of transition. Moral support is important, and it is better to know in advance who can provide it [1].
Agree on the shore
Talk to your partner — about everything, from the philosophy of parenting and financial issues to who will change the baby's diaper and how often [2]. Having a baby can challenge even the strongest relationship, says Nosha Neave, a psychologist and founder of the Mind Matters Institute in California. The ability to come to an understanding on key issues will reduce some of the psychological stress during pregnancy [2].
Allow yourself to be afraid
Do not prevent yourself from feeling fear about future pregnancy. Your life is about to change, and it’s normal to worry about it. “Give yourself permission to feel a range of emotions,” says Dr. Morelen, a psychology professor at East Tennessee State University who specializes in perinatal mental health. “Talk to trusted loved ones about your feelings — chances are you’ll learn that you’re not alone” [3].
