Parenthood means “the state of being a parent and the responsibilities involved.” This means that a man and a woman have sets of responsibilities to carry out to be considered as parents. But when do we start becoming one?

The day a woman becomes pregnant is the day she officially becomes a parent, but along with are responsibilities that need to be carried out on the different aspects of life: physical, emotional, psychological and social.

Early Prenatal Care

If you think you are impregnating, you may opt to do an over the counter pregnancy test or better visit a doctor. Having a regular prenatal health check will ensure proper monitoring of your blood pressure and weight as well as the growth and development of the baby.

What You Eat Is What You Feed Your Baby

You and your baby both need to be healthy, so eat food with the best nutrition content. It’s true that you will be double-feeding so you will be eating more than the usual, except those with a complicated condition that requires a specific diet from the doctor. Lean meats, fruits, vegetables, whole grain bread and low-fat dairy product can give you and your baby a well-balanced diet.

Vitamins And Medicine Precautions

For first-time moms, always get a doctor’s prescription before you take in any supplement or medicine. Remember that it’s not you alone who needs to be powered up but your baby too. All vitamins should be doctor’s prescribed - calcium, iron, folate are must haves in the bottle label; more so when you’re sick, never take any medication aside from what the physician had advised.

Increase Fluid Intake

A much as possible, drink much water to prevent dehydration and constipation.

Walk, Exercise

Walk 15-30 minutes comfortable stroll three times a week which you may increase to 4-5 times per week later on. Make sure that you are at your best condition and your physician recommends such activity. Proper exercise during pregnancy can help: prevent excess weight gain, reduce back pain, swelling and constipation, improve sleep, boost energy, prep for labor, lessen recovery time and enhance positive outlook.

Sleep Well

Sleeping habits may vary depending on which trimester you are in but what’s important is that you sleep early and enough hours at night to keep your baby well rested. Also expect sleep distractions: increased bathroom visits, body aches, nausea, heartburn, leg cramps and back pain.

If there’s a lot of To Dos, however some things need to be avoided when you’re impregnating.

We Don’t Serve Alcohol To Minors, And To Recreational Drugs

Be reminded that you may be an adult but carrying a minor inside, so say NO to alcohol and illicit drugs. It easily reaches the baby through your bloodstream but eliminate it at a longer time as compared to the mother.

Other no no is Nicotine

When you smoke, your baby inhales the same amount of nicotine and carbon monoxide as you do. You may also need to avoid other smoking-related products like vaping. Vampire vape may look enticing with their berry flavours but hold on for now, for your baby’s sake.

Improper care, alcohol, nicotine and drugs can cause miscarriage and stillbirth, prematurity, low birth weight, Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), asthma and other respiratory problems.