What to Keep In Mind As Your Baby’s Due Date Approaches

A pregnancy nearing its due date comes with a lot of excitement and preparation. Preparations are necessary for ensuring the baby arrives safely and receives the care they need to stay healthy. The preparations could include buying baby gear, signing up for childbirth classes, and preparing your newborn’s room. To help you prepare, this is what to keep in mind as your baby’s due date approaches.

1. Physician Shortages

Physician shortages are common in primary and non-primary care. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, there will be a 14,900 to 35,600 deficit of primary care physicians by 2025. With that being said, you should look for a health care provider for your pregnancy and childbirth beforehand to prevent experiencing the effects of physician shortages. You may select a certified nurse-midwife, family practice doctor, or obstetrician. Your choice will be dependent on your health and the kind of birth experience you want.

2. Baby Gear

Another thing you should keep in mind when your baby’s due date approaches is the baby gear you’ll need. You should buy, assemble, and test certain things and know how to use them before the baby arrives. Some of the most important items you should purchase are gear for feeding, sleeping, and diapering. You could also buy a baby carrier and a baby car seat for use when you are away from home. You can purchase other things your baby won’t use until they are older if you have enough money and storage space to utilize.

3. Spreading Sicknesses

Children, especially newborns, have a weak immune system, making them highly susceptible to diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. You can strengthen your child’s immune system and help them stay healthy at all times by feeding them breast milk, practicing good hygiene, taking them for vaccinations, and seeing a pediatrician for regular checkups. Routine dental, optometry, and physical exams are effective preventive care practices that can keep your child healthy. Purchase painkillers and first-aid essentials you may need in case of any emergencies. With one out of three people going to work when they are sick, your newborn can easily get infected by interacting or being in the midst of sick people. Therefore, it’s a good idea to avoid taking your child to crowded places like shopping malls and workplaces.

4. Family Preparation

Welcoming a new family member is a great deal for couples and families as a whole. The good news is that your family has a couple of months to prepare and absorb the idea of having another family member. Preschoolers and toddlers can be prepared through pretend games. Older children can be signed up for sibling classes or visit friends and relatives with younger babies to help them get familiar. In their adolescence and teenage years, older children are mature enough and don’t need teaching but perhaps need an idea of how their schedule may change with the new family member. As for your pets, you can prepare them by introducing them to baby sounds or smells and establishing new rules. You can take your pets to trainers if you’d like them to be best prepared for the newborn in the home.

5. Road Safety

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 881 people lost their lives in 2019 because of vehicle accidents. Ensuring safety from road accident hazards is vital for keeping you and your children safe and healthy. If you can still drive, ensure you assess your car for any issues, buckle up, and drive within the recommended speed limit. Let someone drive you if your pregnancy is near its crescendo. After giving birth, use child safety seats and other protective gear to keep you and your newborn safe.

Preparing to welcome a newborn child is important for many couples and families. Keep these tips in mind so you can prepare adequately as your baby’s due date approaches. Contact pregnancy and baby care professionals if you need help or have any questions.