PREPARING YOURSELF FOR DELIVERY

Toward the end of pregnancy, you may start feeling a little frantic. You'll be eager for the baby to arrive, but at the same time worried that your baby will be born before you have everything in perfect order. As your due date approaches(and in some cases, passes), you'll have to fend off countless callers who are almost as excited as you are, and also concerned about your welfare. This social pressure, added to the physical discomfort of late pregnancy, can make the ninth month seem endless. But story does have a nice ending so try to enjoy your leisure time as much as you can.

If you use this wisely, you can get some chores out of the way that would otherwise have to be done after delivery.

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PREPARING YOUR OTHER CHILDREN FOR THE BABY'S ARRIVAL

If you have other children, you'll need to plan carefully how and when to tell them about the new baby. A child who is four or older should be told as soon as you start telling friends and relatives. He should also be apprised of the basic facts about conception and pregnancy so he understands how he is related to his new brother or sister. Fables about storks and such may seem cute, but they won't help your youngster understand and accept the situation. Using one of the picture books published on the subject may help you to explain "where babies come from."

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GIVING YOUR BABY A HEALTHY START

Virtually everything you consume or inhale while pregnant will be passed through to the fetus. This process begins as soon as you conceive. In fact, the embryo is most vulnerable during the first two months, when the major body parts (arms, legs,hands, feet, liver, heart, genitalia, eyes, and brain) are just starting to form. Chemical substances such as those in cigarettes, alcohol, illegal drugs, and certain medications can interfere with the developmental process, as well as with later development, and some can even cause congenital abnormalities.

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PREPARING FOR A NEW BABY

Pregnancy is a time of anticipation, excitement, preparation, and, for new parents, uncertainty. You dream of a baby who will be strong, healthy, and bright - and you make plans to provide her with everything she needs to grow and thrive. You probably also have fears and questions, especially of this is your first child, or if there have been problems with this or a previous pregnancy. What if something goes wrong during the course of your pregnancy, or what if labor and delivery are difficult? What if being a parents isn't everything you've always dreamed it would be? Fortunately, most of these worries are needless. The nine months of pregnancy will give you time to have your question answered, calm your fears, and prepare yourself for the realities of parenthood.

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