Like many mothers, you sure are excited about shopping for your little one, those cute little socks and cute body suits. You’ll find out quickly there’s a lot to buy especially if you’re a first-time mother, be open to receive used items from others. Don’t get tempted to buy too many of those cute outfits as they will outgrow them quickly. Also buy things across. Here’s a list to guide you through your shopping;
6 – 8 Long sleeved onesies/sleepsuits – (look for ones that zip or snap down all the way so you don’t pull over babies head) Shirt and bodysuits (5-7) Leggings (5-7) 6 – 8 Short sleeve bodysuits 1 – 2 sweaters 3 Fancy going out Outfit 3 – 6 pairs of socks Cap/booties/mittens Blankets Several burp cloths Washcloth/towels Pyjamas
Soft hairbrush and comb Thermostat Nail cutter/baby scissors/soft nail enamel file Baby changing mat Cotton wool Baby moisturizer Baby wipes Nappies (they grow out of the newborn sizes quickly so don’t stock too many) Diaper cream Baby bath soap/shampoo Baby bath Diapers
Feeding bottles, extra teats Steriliser Lots of bibs (the wipeable ones are better) Cleaner for bottle Cup and spoon
Crib/cot/mattress Fitted sheets (pillows are dangerous for babies) Changing table Mosquito net Crib mobile Pram/pushchair Baby wallpaper
Breast pump and storage bags (ice packs to store milk) Nursing bra Nursing pads Nipple cream (for breastfeeding) Loose shirts/button down for easy feeding
Car seat Bouncer Playpen Bassinet/Moses basket Teething rings Playmat Baby Bag and portable changing mat Food/Bottle warmer Flask Baby carrier/sling Nursing cover Non-bio washing soap for laundry Wash hanger
Your estrogen and progesterone levels will be high during pregnancy. This increase can affect your mood and make you more emotional or reactive than usual. Mood swings are common during pregnancy and may cause feelings of depression, irritability, anxiety, and euphoria.
During pregnancy, your body increases the amount of blood it pumps. This causes the kidney to process more fluid than usual, which leads to more fluid in your bladder. Hormones also play a large role in bladder health. You may find yourself running to the bathroom more frequently or accidentally leaking.
Similar to symptoms of a menstrual period, bloating may occur during early pregnancy. This may be due to hormone changes, which can also slow your digestive system down. You may feel constipated and blocked as a result. Constipation can also increase feelings of abdominal bloating
Nausea and morning sickness usually develops around weeks 4 to 6. Although it’s called morning sickness, it can occur at any time during the day or night. It’s unclear exactly what causes nausea and morning sickness, but hormones may play a role. During the first trimester of pregnancy, many women experience mild to severe morning sickness. It may become more intense toward the end of the first trimester but often becomes less severe as you enter the second trimester.
In most cases, high or normal blood pressure will drop in the early stages of pregnancy. This may also cause feelings of dizziness since your blood vessels are dilated. High blood pressure as a result of pregnancy is more difficult to determine. Almost all cases of hypertension within the first 20 weeks indicate underlying problems. It may develop during early pregnancy, but it may also be present beforehand. Your doctor will take your blood pressure during your first visit to help establish a baseline for a normal blood pressure reading.
Smell sensitivity is a symptom of early pregnancy that is mostly self-reported. There’s little scientific evidence about smell sensitivity during the first trimester. But it may be important, as smell sensitivity may trigger nausea and vomiting. It may also cause a strong distaste for certain foods.
Weight gain becomes more common toward the end of your first trimester. You may find yourself gaining about 1 to 4 pounds in the first few months. The calorie requirements for early pregnancy won’t change much from your usual diet, but they will increase as pregnancy progresses.
Hormones can cause the valve between your stomach and oesophagus to relax. This allows stomach acid to leak, causing heartburn
Pregnancy glow and acne during early pregnancy Many people may begin by saying you have the “pregnancy glow.” The combination of increased blood volume and higher hormone levels pushes more blood through your vessels. This causes the body’s oil glands to work overtime. This increased activity of your body’s oil glands gives your skin a flushed, glossy appearance. On the other hand, you may also develop acne.
