World Health Day 2025: Essential Tips for Expectant Mothers

Happy World Health Day! This year’s theme is Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures, which underscores the importance of ensuring quality healthcare for mothers and newborns and laying the foundation for healthier communities and a stronger future.

Motherhood is a beautiful journey filled with excitement, joy, and, of course, a little bit of nervousness. Whether you’re a first-time mom or adding another little one to your family, preparing for motherhood can feel overwhelming. But with the right steps, you can ensure a smooth transition into this new chapter of your life.

From prenatal care to emotional readiness, here are some essential tips to help you prepare for motherhood and embrace the journey with confidence.

1. Prioritize Your Health with Regular Prenatal Care

One of the most important things you can do for yourself and your baby is to schedule regular prenatal checkups. These visits help monitor your baby’s development, detect any potential complications early, and ensure you receive the necessary supplements like folic acid and iron. You also need to choose a trusted healthcare provider or hospital for your checkups and keep track of your appointments, and follow your doctor’s advice.

2. Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet

Your baby relies on you for essential nutrients, so maintaining a nutrient-rich diet is crucial. Avoid highly processed foods, excessive caffeine, alcohol, and raw seafood, and focus on consuming the following.
–Fruits and vegetables for vitamins and minerals.
–Protein sources like eggs, fish, beans, and lean meats.
–Calcium-rich foods like milk, yogurt, and cheese for bone development.
–Whole grains for sustained energy.
–Plenty of water to stay hydrated.

3. Prepare Mentally and Emotionally

Motherhood is as much an emotional journey as it is a physical one. It’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. Preparing mentally can help ease the transition. Joining a prenatal class to learn about childbirth, breastfeeding, and baby care, or talking to other moms to hear their experiences and get support, helps.

4. Get Your Home Ready for Baby

A baby may be small, but they come with a lot of stuff! Start preparing your home early to ensure a smooth welcome. Here is a checklist that can assist you with your preparation. 

• Set up a comfortable sleeping area (crib, bassinet, or cot).
• Stock up on diapers, wipes, and baby clothes.
• Invest in a breast pump and get feeding essentials, bottles, and formula (if needed).
• If you own a car, invest in a good car seat for safe travel.
• Baby-proof your home if necessary, cover electrical outlets, secure furniture, and remove hazards.

5. Plan for Delivery and Postpartum Care

Knowing what to expect during labor and after childbirth can make the experience less stressful.

• Pack a hospital bag with essentials like clothes, toiletries, baby clothes, and important documents.
• Create a birth plan. Discuss options for pain relief, delivery method, and post-birth care with your doctor.
• Arrange postpartum support. Who will help you when the baby arrives? Consider asking family members or hiring a caregiver if needed.
• Learn about postpartum recovery. Rest, eat well, and take care of your mental health.

6. Financial Planning for Motherhood

Babies come with added expenses, so it’s wise to plan. When planning, here are things to consider. 

• Budget for baby essentials like clothes, diapers, and healthcare.
• Look into health insurance options that cover maternity and newborn care.
• Start saving for future expenses like vaccinations, childcare, and education.

8. Take Care of Yourself Too!

Once the baby arrives, it’s easy to put your well-being on the back burner. Since a happy, healthy mom makes for a happy baby, here are some self-care tips to consider.

• Get as much rest as possible before and after delivery.
• Find time for small moments of relaxation, such as reading, listening to music, or taking a warm bath.
• Talk about your feelings, such as postpartum blues, which are common. Seek help if you feel overwhelmed.
• Stay active with light exercise (as advised by your doctor) to boost mood and energy.

Preparing for motherhood is an exciting journey, but it comes with its share of challenges. The key is to stay informed, take care of your health, and build a support system. Every mom’s experience is different, so trust yourself and embrace the journey one step at a time.

To get more information about maternal health and other healthcare-related information, visit https://www.bthdc.com.ng/ 

Are you a new or expecting mom? What has helped you prepare for motherhood? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!