courtesy of Aleksandra Jassem.
- You automatically win every argument just by reminding your opponent that you’re currently growing another human inside your body.
- Making a “birth plan” is fine, but don’t get too wrapped up in it. The real plan should be this: Get the baby out safely. Anything beyond that is a bonus.
- You will be bombarded with advice. People mean well, but that doesn’t mean they know shit about what’s right for you. Learn the subtle art of smiling and nodding.
- If you’re given the okay to exercise by your doc, do it. Your body needs to be strong to get through pregnancy, labour, and delivery. Now is not the time to become a couch potato. Your postpartum self will thank you.
- At the same time, don’t get too fixated on weight gain. You can get rid of the extra pounds later, if you need to. Take a deep breath and let your body do its thing; it knows what’s up.
- You don’t need “maternity clothes.” Just go a size (or two) up. And remember, black is your best friend.
- Google “keep pants button shut with hair elastic” to make your non-maternity jeans last you through to the second trimester.
- Book. A. Trip. Pregnancy is one of the best (and last, for a while) times to get away and do fuck all in total peace.
- Tell your partner how you feel as often as possible. As much as you wish they could, they really can’t read your mind. Chances are, they probably feel as scared and lost as you do.