These pages are a foundation for you to build on as you research pregnancy and birth. Relax - you get to go through pregnancy week by week - take your time and read (or let me know if you have a question)
Check out these pages for a week by week account of what's going on with baby and with your body:
The importance of your pregnancy diet cannot be underestimated - it's one of the first things you should look into when you fall pregnant.
Plan for balanced prenatal nutrition - I've provided this guide to great food chocies. I've also provided advice and precautions for a vegetarian pregnancy diet and a vegan pregnancy diet. All deserve your careful planning and attention.
You don't need to stuff yourself but you do need to eat enough to grow a baby, nourish yourself, and replace cells, fluids, and blood for yourself and your child daily. Be sure you're getting the best nutritional bang for your buck! It's possible even if you're suffering from morning sickness.
Try and relax your concerns about pregnancy weight gain so that you can give your baby the best start. Prenatal vitamins through your pregnancy week by week give you extra insurance, but it is vital that you focus on the best prenatal nutrition possible.
Childbirth classes are an important way to prepare for your birth. Learn more about childbirth education...
...and Click Here to Find Out Which Childbirth Classes Made the All-Star List
Who will see you throughout your pregnancy week by week? Remember this person will probably influence where you give birth and how your birth goes so research carefully!
Discover how to have a faster, easier birth, naturally. The Pink Kit gives you the skills you need (no matter where you're giving birth.) Click to find out more.
Some women choose to take complete responsibility for their own prenatal care and guide themselves through pregnancy week by week. They also take responsibility for their own birth - this is called unassisted prenatal care (UP) and unassisted childbirth (UC).
You'll be offered many prenatal tests throughout your pregnancy week by week. I strongly recommend that you research all tests and procedures offered - including Amniocentesis - and examine your feelings about each one - make the choices right for you and your baby.
It's completely normal to have a wide range of feelings during pregnancy - excitement, joy, awe, shock, apprehension, sadness, and happiness. Most of the time pregnancy brings a variety of feelings, and most of the time those feelings are easy to deal with.
But prenatal depression can and does happen. I have always considered pregnancy and babies blessings and enjoyed fairly smooth pregnancies. My fifth pregnancy, however, was a real struggle emotionally for me. I wrote a series of articles that covered what I was feeling and practical steps that helped make the journey easier. They didn't "fix" everything right away, but they helped. See my series on Walking Through Shadows.
An emergency or natural disaster can happen any time. Make sure you've planned for emergencies during pregnancy.
Some women like to read a new birth story each week as they read what's happening with their pregnancy week by week. Others like to wait until they get close to the end of their pregnancy. But reading good natural birth stories can be heartwarming and empowering!
