Posts Tagged ‘Pregnant’
The months of your pregnancy can be some of the most joyous in your life. They can also be months filled with question and concern. You worry about your baby’s development and health, and you may experience a sense of dread when you think about giving birth. Though you can get many of your questions answered through your doctor and through books and websites, nothing is better than having other women to talk to who are going through the same experience. Here are five ways you can network with other pregnant women during your pregnancy.
1. Set up your own pregnancy coffee club. If you have just one other pregnant friend, or have a friend with a pregnant friend, you can get started. Plan to meet for coffee and invite other pregnant women each time you have the opportunity. You might meet other members at the obstetrician’s office, in childbirth classes or while shopping at Babies R Us. You’ll be surprised how quickly you and one or two other people can add members to the group. Meet weekly or every other week, and be sure to set up a due date calendar so that you can all keep track of the club’s different dates.
2. Meet online – Many websites, like Pregnancy Planet and Baby Gaga have online discussion forums and groups by due date month. This is a great way to meet other expectant moms and chat online. You may even find some in your area that you can meet in person.
3. Join a Pregnancy Meet up group. Many areas have meet up groups for different situations, or you can visit Pregnancy Meetup to find a group in your area. This website currently has more than 200 groups in six countries.
4. Join a club – You may also be able to join a club, particularly if you’re pregnant under very specific circumstances. There are, for example, Mother of Twins Clubs and MOM (Mothers of Multiples) clubs all over the country. They’ll be happy to have you as a member during your pregnancy, too, and you’re likely to meet other moms expecting multiples. There are also often groups for Moms over 40 or Moms with Down’s syndrome Groups. Your pediatrician may be able to help you connect with such groups.
5. Join an exercise group – Many gyms and parks and recreation departments offer prenatal pregnancy or yoga classes. Not only will these classes help you stay in shape during your pregnancy and prepare your body for childbirth, but they’re a great way to meet other expectant moms.
Networking with other moms can help expectant moms voice many of the concerns that come with pregnancy and get tips and ideas from other women in the same situation. But, more than anything, networking with other pregnant moms is fun. You’re sure to make new friendships that you cherish for many years. And, who knows, you may already be meeting playmates for your unborn baby!
Phyllis Zerkle writes about how to obtain a degree from an ultrasound tech school