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If you want to have a wonderful pregnancy experience, you can do some things to set yourself up for success! When I was pregnant with my first child, I researched and learned as much as possible, which helped me have a great first pregnancy. I want to share with you my pregnancy tips for first-time moms in hopes that you have a great experience as well.
1. Eat Nutritious Foods
The first pregnancy tip for first-time moms is to try to eat as many nutritious foods as possible. This will benefit both you and your baby. So many miraculous things are taking place and you want to ensure that you have the necessary vitamins and nutrients needed.
You will most likely experience pregnancy cravings and that’s okay. Enjoy. However, try to avoid eating potato chips and Oreos every day since they don’t add any nutritional value.
The first trimester is generally the most forgiving. I experienced many of my cravings then when I had an appetite. Enjoy your cravings but keep an even balance with an intentional overall healthy diet. Especially as your pregnancy progresses and your baby is growing and taking nutrients from your body.
2. Don’t “Eat for Two”
Before I became pregnant with my daughter, I heard women talk about eating for two. Fortunately, I learned that this is NOT the way to go. Eating for two would generally mean eating a double portion or even large portions and from what I’ve learned, this is definitely not the way to go unless you are trying to gain more weight than necessary.
When you research, you’ll find that no additional calories are needed in your diet during the first trimester. During the second trimester, you’ll need an additional 200-400 calories. That’s like 2 classes of milk and a bowl of oatmeal. Not a whole pizza. In your third trimester, you will need 400 extra calories. Something like Greek yogurt, walnuts, and a piece of fruit can satisfy this requirement.
Try to stick with healthy snacks when you’re hungry and need something to munch on. This will minimize extra weight gain while still providing you and your baby with proper nutrients for all the hard work taking place. I believe this is an especially helpful tip for new moms.
3. Take Your Prenatal Vitamin
I spoke to an OBGYN and she recommended that women who are of childbearing age should take a prenatal vitamin. She said it is best to take a prenatal vitamin daily throughout those years.
This means, taking a prenatal before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and even after pregnancy. Prenatal Vitamins help to supplement your diet to ensure that you and your baby are getting all the vitamins and nutrients needed.
I recommend a clean, good-quality, organic prenatal vitamin. This vitamin is one of my favorites. However, if you prefer smaller capsules, this brand is amazing and these are the vitamins that I’ve been taking for a few years now.
4. Exercise Regularly
You may not have thought about this when searching for pregnancy tips, but regular exercise is important in pregnancy. It can keep your body feeling good, help you relieve stress, maintain a healthy weight, and boost your mood. You may choose to walk, stretch, do pilates, or do cardio. The goal is to get regular movement in.
I recently read that some studies show that when mom-to-be walks regularly it improves her baby’s brain development. You don’t need strenuous workouts. Listen to your body and consider some light pregnancy-appropriate exercises each day.
5. Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is vital during pregnancy. Water aids in forming the amniotic fluid that your baby is in. It helps with digestion and helps waste leave the body. It also gives you energy and prevents constipation and infections. Consuming adequate amounts of water and staying hydrated can prevent some pregnancy complications.
While water is a must, you can also include things like tea and electrolytes into your diet. Liquid I.V. is one way to stay hydrated while adding some delicious flavor to your water. It’s great when you want to switch things up a bit.
6. Eliminate Stress
Stress can be harmful to the body so do your best to reduce or eliminate it. The effects of stress can be harmful to you and your growing baby. High levels of stress can cause preterm labor or low birth weight for the baby. It can also cause high blood pressure and heart disease for the mom-to-be.
Spend time reading your Bible, it is the best stress reliever there is!
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8 NKJV
7. Read Books and Educate Yourself
This is a great time to educate yourself as much as possible. First-time moms should read books, and articles, and watch credible videos to learn about things they do not know. During my first pregnancy, I read books about birth, how the body works, and breastfeeding. I researched information about vaccines and how they affect children.
Take time to learn about things you don’t know because knowledge is power. It is very easy to access information so use it to your advantage. Research physiological birth, benefits of breastfeeding, postpartum care, raising children, etc. The more you learn the less anxiety and fear you will feel about things.
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Hosea 4:6
Here are some books that I’ve read and recommend:
Pain-Free Childbirth: Every Woman’s Blessing In Jesus
8. Pray and Speak Life Over Your Body and Baby
There is so much power in prayer. Take time to pray for your baby. Also, the Bible says that we can have what we say so during your pregnancy, commit to speaking life.
Speak to your body and baby and tell them what to do and what you expect of them. This is so powerful and often neglected by Believers. Even if you don’t like the way things look at the moment, choose to speak God’s word over the situation.
Supernatural Childbirth has some amazing confessions and declarations that you can speak over your body and baby. I’ve used them daily in pregnancy and received great results!
For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Mark 11:23 NKJV
9. Journal Your Experience
I recommend that you journal your pregnancy journey. It doesn’t have to be formal, but it is great to have and refer back to. I used a simple Word document to journal my pregnancy each week. I included symptoms, cravings, notes, and things I did to improve my pregnancy, and I included a brief description of my birth story.
I refer back to it when helping other pregnant women. It’s also especially helpful for subsequent pregnancies. During my second pregnancy, I was able to refer back to my journal from my first and compare my experiences. It also helped me determine the things I didn’t want to experience in my second pregnancy so I knew how to pray.
These are memories that are worth saving!
10. Expect the Best
One thing I learned was that I don’t have to have the same experience as others. Just because someone else has challenges or complications doesn’t mean I have to. Even if many pregnant women struggle with certain things in pregnancy and we are told it’s normal and acceptable, I can choose not to subscribe to it.
For example, swollen feet and ankles are known to be normal and common pregnancy symptoms. However, I choose not to subscribe to that. I speak to my body and I expect to have a better experience. I never had swollen ankles or feet in either of my two pregnancies.
Expect the best. What you believe and expect is what you attract into your life. If you expect swollen ankles, you will have them.
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7 NKJV
11. Avoid All Negativity
I don’t know if you’ve noticed but negativity is everywhere. During your pregnancy, you should avoid it at all costs. Sometimes it comes in the form of a family member or friend sharing their horror stories. Or maybe you find yourself in a pregnancy group and all the moms-to-be are sharing their negative experiences and fears. Avoid these.
Surround yourself with positivity. Focus on things that are encouraging, peaceful, and uplifting. This directly impacts your perspective regarding pregnancy and birth.
12. Purchase a Pregnancy Pillow
A pregnancy pillow is so helpful. You’ll probably find that this is a common pregnancy tip for first-time moms. You will most likely use it in your future pregnancies as well, so be sure to take care of it and store it properly when you’re not pregnant.
Having a pregnancy pillow makes sleep a lot more comfortable for your constantly changing pregnancy body. It’s worth the investment.
You may also want to get a small wedge pillow. This is very helpful when you need some support for your heavy belly when you are sleeping. I love this pillow and have used it during both my pregnancies. I also like to use this wedge pillow behind my back when I am in the car or when sitting to help me sit with proper posture during pregnancy.
13. Try Seabands and Magnesium Oil for Nausea
If you are dealing with nausea, you want to try Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Acupressure Wristbands! I needed this for my first pregnancy and they helped me a lot. These bands are completely natural and use acupuncture to relieve nausea.
Magnesium oil spray can also be useful to help alleviate nausea. It can be used for other things in addition to pregnancy so you can make good use of it. Some people even use it to help them sleep better at night.
14. Buy a Belly Band
I always find a good belly band to be very helpful during pregnancy. As your belly grows and gets heavier, a belly band can help alleviate some of the pressure.
You can use it during all stages of pregnancy. It will support your belly, pelvis, and back and alleviate a variety of pregnancy discomforts. You can even use it during postpartum if you’d like.
15. Use a Birth Ball
A birth ball is another small useful investment that can be used throughout pregnancy, birth, and even for future pregnancies.
I like to use my birth ball to sit on for good posture and to stretch or exercise. Many women even use a birth ball during labor. It can also be used when you’re not pregnant.
16. Moisturize Your Belly Daily to Avoid Stretch Marks
During pregnancy, your belly will stretch a lot. Begin the habit of moisturizing it daily! You’ll hear various things about stretch marks and while it is said that stretch marks are genetic, I believe moisture makes a difference.
I love to use shea butter on my belly because it’s natural and free of toxins and chemicals. It’s also deeply moisturizing. Skin can be prone to get dry during pregnancy and shea butter can help combat that.
I also love making my cocoa butter cream. I like to make it with raw cocoa butter, jojoba oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil. I use it on days when I’m not using shea butter. After two pregnancies I haven’t gotten any stretch marks and I’d like to think these nourishing butters and creams helped with this. They also help alleviate the itchy belly you may experience.
17. Invest in Quality Maternity Wear
I didn’t need tons of maternity clothes because I generally carry most of my weight in my belly. This allows me to wear the same shirts I normally wear.
I invested in a few quality comfortable maternity leggings and shorts. I also bought nursing bras. I recommend having a variety of nursing bras. These are great after postpartum. And these are great for postpartum and bedtime.
Regardless of what you need to purchase, be sure that it’s comfortable and quality. Comfort is key during pregnancy and quality means you’ll be able to wear them again during your next pregnancy.
18. Prepare for Postpartum
Earlier we talked about learning and doing research to learn more about pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding.
Another way you can prepare for postpartum is to gather all the items you will need. Don’t let postpartum sneak up on you and you’re unprepared.
Be sure to have the basics on hand and in an easily accessible place before giving birth. I like to use Tucks Medicated pads, a Frida Mom Peri Bottle, Depends, and reusable cloth pads in addition to the things my midwife recommends. Some women also like to use Dermoplast but I’ve never used it.
19. Learn about Breastfeeding
Learn as much as you can about breastfeeding. Many moms give up on it due to a lack of knowledge which can make things challenging. The more you know, the better off you will be. Know your why for breastfeeding and use that as your motivation to persevere and keep going even if it starts tough.
I did. my research and learned so much but in the very beginning, my daughter and I had to learn to breastfeed. I was discouraged and thought that I might have to reduce my goal from 1 year of nursing to only 6 months because it was uncomfortable at first. However, I continued to learn and I remembered my way. I thought of all the benefits that it provided my daughter, so I didn’t give up.
As time went on, it got super easy and comfortable. I began to love breastfeeding my daughter! I nursed her for just over two years and was disappointed when we had to end our breastfeeding journey.
Be sure to have some breastfeeding essentials on hand like Lasinoh nipple cream, a lactation massager, Sunflower Lecithin, and nursing pads.
Here is a video I highly recommend if you are like I was and know nothing about breastfeeding. I’d never seen anyone breastfeed in my family, so I had to learn it for myself and this video was so helpful!
20. Take a Natural Birth Class
I recommend that you take a natural birth class because it will enhance your knowledge.
Natural Birth classes will often teach more about how the body works naturally and how you can work with it. This generally helps remove any fear or anxiety a new mom may feel due to a lack of information.
Try to find a comprehensive natural birth class like the one by Mama Natural. Her class teaches about natural birth, breastfeeding, newborn care, and more.
There is also a Pain-Free Birth Childbirth Class that covers physiological birth and more. Look around and see what suits you. Many of these classes can be taken online from the comfort of your own home.
21. Choose Gender Neutral Baby Furniture
As a first-time mom, you most likely are going to create your baby registry. During my first pregnancy with my daughter, I intentionally selected gender-neutral furniture colors even though I knew she was a girl.
Things like her high chair, dresser, Pack n Play, Rocker, car seat, etc. were all neutral colors like gray or white. I was so thankful that I did this because my second baby is a boy and we can use all the same things we had for my daughter.
If I had gotten everything in pink the first time, I would’ve had to repurchase some of the same items. Don’t get me wrong, I was still able to lean into gender specifics when it came down to clothing, bibs, fitted sheets, and cloth diapers. Those items at my house are either very girly or very boyish. But the bigger furniture items are neutral tones so they can be reused easily for each new baby.
22. Take Naps When You Need Them
I encourage you to embrace naps and take them as much as you need to. During pregnancy, your body is doing a lot of hard work. A whole human is being created and is growing inside of your body. Incredible!
As a first-time mom, you get the privilege of resting and napping spontaneously whenever you’d like. Soak it up because if you find yourself pregnant with a toddler in the future you may not get that same flexibility.
During pregnancy with my second, I would think back to the days of pregnancy with my first when I was able to nap on the spot. The second time around, pregnancy with a toddler meant I needed a routine to schedule my naps around.
Fortunately, I still managed to get one nap per day and an early bedtime because I’d trained my toddler to do so. This allowed me to get rest during my second pregnancy.
Be sure to rest and nap as much as you can during postpartum too. Your body will use that time to heal and recover.
I talk more about routines and training your toddler in this post.
23. Watch and Listen to Positive Birth Stories
This tip piggybacks off of Avoid Negativity. American culture depicts birth as a frenzied, medical emergency. It’s easy to hear about horror stories and traumatic experiences surrounding birth.
However, this is not what God intended. His word says we have been redeemed from the curse of the law.
If you accept and believe it, you can have a beautiful, peaceful, and positive birth experience.
It may take some digging, but find as many positive, natural, peaceful birth stories as you can. Reprogram your mind to believe and understand that your body was designed and created to birth babies without negativity, medical interventions, or trauma. Doing these things will eliminate fear which is the primary cause of pain and trauma in birth.
24. Prepare for Birth In Advance
By now we’ve discussed some things you can do to prepare for birth including educating yourself and purchasing necessary items. However, I also want to mention that doing some things early in pregnancy will alleviate undue stress as your due date approaches.
During pregnancy, you can prepare for birth by reading books and watching videos so you have an idea of what to expect and how your body works. Purchase your postpartum items including things needed for breastfeeding. Prepare snacks and freezer meals prepared so that you have things to eat after you give birth.
Purchase anything you may need for your labor day. If you are having a homebirth you may need a birth kit or an inflatable birthing pool. If you are having a hospital birth, pack your bags early and have them ready and waiting for the big day. Install the car seat and have everything ready and set up for your baby.
Pray, speak daily affirmations, and visualize yourself giving birth peacefully. Exercise and stretch to prepare your body. Drink Raspberry Leaf Tea. Spend quality time with your husband and go on date nights. Organize and declutter your home.
The less you have to do on the day you give birth, the better. This will allow you to relax your mind and body more knowing everything is ready and you have nothing to worry about.
25. Include Your Husband in the Process
Include your husband as much as possible. Let him help you bring in groceries, clean the house, or put together furniture. Talk to him about what you’re feeling and experiencing In your body. Put his hand on your belly when your baby is moving so he can enjoy the experience too.
These are all things I did as a new mom and I still do them with subsequent births. It allows my husband to be part of the journey with me and to build a connection with our baby. My husband also likes to talk to my belly because the baby can learn to recognize his voice.
consider ways you can include your husband in labor and birth as well. Allow him to help give you comfort or snacks during labor. Lean on him, let him support you, and rest with him in labor. If possible, let him catch your baby or cut the cord. Allow him skin-to-skin bonding time after birth too.
This will allow him to bond with your baby. After all, men release important hormones during this time, too.
I love using a Boba Wrap or Ergobaby to carry my children. I love that my husband can also wear it to carry our baby. Consider adding a baby carrier to your registry.
26. Don’t Be Superwoman: Accept Help
Sometimes as women, we can try to do all the things and be Superwoman. Now is not the time to do that. Focus on slowing down, doing less when possible, and asking for help.
You want to take it easy on your body which is already working so hard. As you get closer to labor, you also want to store up your energy so that you have the stamina to persevere. So, if someone offers to help you and you know you need that help, accept it.
27. Decide What You Will Do Once Baby is Born
One thing that I didn’t anticipate was the way that I would change once my daughter was born. I was a classroom teacher. I was able to stay home for the first 5 months of her life and then I went to work. That was my plan and I was excited to be a working mama.
However, that quickly flew out the window and all the excitement was replaced with heartbreak every day I had to leave my sweet girl. It broke me more than I expected. Other moms told me I’d get over it just like they did, but I didn’t. All 10 months that I had to go to work every day and be away from my daughter crushed me.
No one told me about the innate desire moms feel to be with their babies and how much it hurts to leave them. It actually impacts mom and baby. After struggling to survive that year, I decided to quit teaching so I could be home with my daughter full-time.
So, decide what you will do once your baby is born. It’s easy to say you will jump right back into work like nothing ever happened. But once you give birth to that baby and bond and spend quality time during your maternity leave, it may just shift your perspective on life as it does for many mothers.
Think about your plan and discuss all possible options with your husband.
28. Drink Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
If you haven’t heard, Red Raspberry Leaf Tea is recommended during pregnancy. Many women drink it most in their 3rd trimester. It has so many benefits throughout a woman’s fertility cycle including pregnancy. I wrote a whole article about it on my second blog.
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea is helpful during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. It provides nutrients, strengthens the uterus, and even shortens labor for some women. It can also reduce uterine swelling, decrease lochia (bleeding), and increase milk supply during postpartum.
29. Keep the End in Mind When It’s Tough
Sometimes the end of pregnancy can be tough. Especially for a first-time mom. By that point, your belly is big, your body may be uncomfortable, etc. It can be pretty frustrating, especially if you go beyond your due date like I did with my first pregnancy.
You will find it helpful to keep yourself occupied, rest, and keep the end in mind. Think about the fact that in just a matter of weeks, your precious baby will be in your arms. You will have a lifetime of memories to make with your family. This waiting season will pass!
Imagine what life may be like once the baby arrives. Allow yourself to dream of the future like birthday parties, holiday celebrations, and the everyday mundane things in life as a family.
It’s best to stay positive and think about fun and exciting thoughts as opposed to thinking about what is taking so long and when it will be over. Positivity is key. Your mindset matters!
Final Thoughts on Pregnancy Tips for New Moms
There are so many effective pregnancy tips for first-time moms. You can experience a beautiful and memorable pregnancy even as a new mom. Just because others may be experiencing certain symptoms or challenges, doesn’t mean that has to be your story. Stay positive and expect the best to have a great pregnancy experience.
You may also like to read: You Need to Try These Remedies to Get Pregnant Quickly.
Good job.. I’m pregnant with my second and it’s such a good reminder. Avoiding negativity even within yourself and praying over yourself, baby and family!!
Congratulations!! Yes, those things are so important and they make a huge difference!