Pregnancy: Preparing for a new arrival

The journey of pregnancy is filled with many blissful moments for a woman. Waiting for a little new addition to the family is very sure very exciting but at the same time equally nerve-racking. There are a lot of preparations involved, from planning a balanced work schedule to the baby essentials. Here is how the expectant parents can proceed with the arrangements. Remember one step at a time! 

Couple’s relationship and pregnancy

Women during pregnancy go through many changes be it physical, emotional, or hormonal and it can cause the development of mixed emotions, sometimes extreme happiness, and sometimes severe anxiety and vulnerabilities. As a couple, there can be a lot to think about on the plate-like about jobs and financial issues, careers, unexpected timing of pregnancy, or a decrease in sexual drive. If these matters are not dealt with with delicate care and time, it can put a deep strain on a couple’s relationship, endangering the baby’s development too. 

The crucial key to the solutions is open and honest communication with the partner. It can significantly aid in proper conflict management, clearing up petty misunderstandings, all while increasing mutual trust. One can solve the problems by talking and listening to others, coming up with a midway solution to effectively deal with the negatives. They can also seek the help of antenatal classes, books, friends, and families for financial and household work support.

Work and pregnancy

In India, women usually inform the employer about their pregnancy on the 12th week but they can inform them much sooner in case of complications so that the employer can look into the concerns and can make proper arrangements for travel, work duties, and environment and sanitary arrangements. Women are also entitled to 26 weeks of maternity leave with 6-8 weeks of prenatal leave, starting from up to 8 weeks before the due delivery date according to the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2017. There is also the provision for 12-week adoption leave for women who adopts a child under the age of three months.

Pregnancy and baby equipment

Parents-to-be can start their preparation for the essentials they’re going to need at the time of arrival of a new baby from the third trimester. They can talk and make a list of the important things or they can check out the relevant websites and their descriptions for online shopping. The necessities include – a place to sleep (crib or co-sleeper and mattress), nappies and diapers, toiletries, changing table, a Baby tub, receiving blankets, and baby-proofing gear for safety of your baby. Doing extensive research through online websites and forums will prove to be a great help for the preparations.