Your initial influence

You’re expecting—what an exciting time! 

Since every day should build on the excitement you felt the moment you found out, here’s a checklist that focusses on the start of your amazing journey. It’s meant to put your initial pregnancy questions and concerns to bed, so you can look forward to all the thrills that lie ahead for you…and your baby! 

Here’s an outline that starts with your third trimester, and takes you right through to your upcoming labour.

Hooray for exercise! That’s right, it’s not off limits just because you’re pregnant, you just have to be very careful (i.e. talk to your doctor).

Even before you conceive, every bite counts. Wait, that’s a lot to consider, right? Don’t worry, this healthy eating breakdown serves up diet information that will matter to you.

You want to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. You know it has benefits for both you and the baby growing in your belly. You likely wonder which nutrients are critical for the healthy growth and development of your baby, so how can you pick out which foods to eat during pregnancy?

How soon can you influence your baby’s health? You can help even before you are pregnant by taking a prenatal multivitamin containing folic acid.

There are so many things to do before bringing baby home from the hospital. One thing is for certain, if you have a car, you’ll need a properly-installed rear-facing infant car seat to bring your baby home safely.

Packing for the hospital is not quite as simple as packing for a weekend trip since you leave home pregnant, and return with an extra bundle of joy. Your baby will need some amenities and don’t forget your labour coach either. Here's what to pack for the hospital when having a baby.