Women Health

[thunderbird7]

I just found out I'm pregnant and highly excited like any other first-time mom. I want to do everything just right. Keep track of every month's progress, doctor's appointments, discuss with other to-be moms, etc. Could someone tell me the best way to do that?

[elginred]

Firstly, congratulations!!

I would say don't stress yourself trying to be "perfect!"

You can get some really goos pregnancy journals, to write EVERYTHING in. Or you could make your own. This would make a lovely record to look back on, and keep to show your child.

If you are in the UK, you get to take your maternity notes home with you during the pregnancy, but they do take them back after you've had the baby, so take note of the things you'd like to remember (such as birth plans, dates of appts etc)!

http://www.darlinganddarling.com/pregnancy_jou rnals.asp

As for discussing things with other mums-to be, attend your ant-natal classes as they are a really good way of meeting people at about the same stage as you are.

Good luck
ERx

[elginred]

You can also do virtual pregnancy journals, upload scan pics and have a blog. Bear in mind, these are not private, but would be a great idea if you wanted to share the experience with friends or family who live far away, or indeed, other mums-to-be!!

[4getmenot]

Join a baby board where you can join with other mothers and who's baby are due same month as you and you can discuss and compare pregnancy stories.

[elginred]

http://www.gurgle.co.uk/

This is a really good site for all stage3s of preganancy, and parenthood.

(Also has some handy vids on things like bathing, feeding, winding etc.)

[redcrx]

congratulations thunderbird!
i remember the excitement and nervousness of first pregnancy.
i joined the ivillage boards and have now spent 4 years with a lovely group of women, we meet often, the children are now 3 and a half and have made lots of friends.

heres the mums due august 09 board, i know the CLs on there and you will be warmly welcomed, tell them i said hi!

the board will be full of ladies due in same month as you, some first timers some who already have children but the support is wonderful

http://messageboards.ivillage.co.uk/iv-ukpbaug 2009

[samanthaone]

First of all, congratulations! It's the best thing to happen to a woman. Yes, you must keep track of every little progress till birth and after birth as well. I'm doing the same too through a site called www.tabup.com. It'll help you keep track of your medications, doctor's appointments, give you news feeds and latest updates on pregnancy, and also let you share ideas in a public forum with other moms. Really, quite useful for any mother.

[k8bailey]

Congratulations!!

take a look at www.babycentre.co.uk they will send you an email each week of the pregnancy telling you how baby is developing and than every week after the baby is born too. I've found them really interesting.

Enjoy your pregnancy!!

[Velvetee]

Congrats Thunderbird. I'm 12 weeks pregnant and had my Nuchal Scan on Tuesday, which went well.

I joined a forum, which I've found to be very useful, with so many other women in the same situation. They offer practical advice and knowing that other women are feeling the same, is a great comfort, when you feel things are tough going.

The forum I use is

http://www.babycentre.co.uk/

You can choose the groups you wish to join, that are relevant to you and your pregnancy.