Congratulations! You are expecting a new baby sometime soon. You also may happen to be single. If this is the case, you probably understand having a baby while single can be an intimidating prospect. However, you can do this! Read the topics below to discover how you can balance your life while single and pregnant.
Pre-Natal Care
Use websites like vitals.com to help you find an OBGYN right away and one that is right for you. An OBGYN will consistently check on the health of you and your developing baby. They will be able to advise you on ways to stay comfortable and healthy. If you have health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, your OBGYN will refer you to a trusted high risk obstetrician (Source: Dr. Gilbert W. Webb USNews).
Sign Up for Texts
Many baby and parenting websites offer weekly emails and texts about your changing body and your developing baby. Visit one of these sites, and put the baby’s due date supplied by your OBGYN into the appropriate field. You will receive constant updates, encouragement, and tips about your pregnancy and baby. This constant stream of information can help balance your life while pregnant single.
Nest with Friends
Pregnant women usually enter a nesting phase about halfway through their pregnancy. A pregnant woman will have the urge to purchase clothes, decorate a nursery, and decide on baby names. You may be single, but you don’t have to do this alone! Go on baby shopping trips with a group of friends. Bounce baby name ideas off of family members. This can be a very fulfilling time for a future mother. Make the most of it!
Get W.I.C.
Many states offer a nutritional program for low income mothers. Check to see if you qualify in your state for free baby formula, dairy products, and other items needed for pregnancy. Single mothers typically have much lower income requirements to qualify for such programs. Your OBGYN can help point you in the direction of where you need to go for these services.
Attend Birthing Classes
Birthing classes can be difficult for single mothers to attend. The other women often have partners present. This can make being single all the more difficult. However, much information about your developing baby is shared in these classes. They also help prepare you for birth. See if you can attend with a family member or friend. Also, larger cities sometimes have birthing classes tailored specifically for single mothers. Your OBGYN will know if these are available.
Being single and pregnant does not have to be intimidating. Utilize the above resources to help balance your life while single and pregnant.