by Rebecca K.

Created on: July 15, 2009   Last Updated: July 18, 2009

Being educated about pregnancy in general is important for every woman especially if she plans on giving birth one day. There are many resources available to learn about potential risks and just health care in general. You can look up information online at What to Expect when You're Expecting or Baby Center. Besides that, you can also watch TLC and watch various shows on giving birth like a Baby Story.

Not being prepared or knowledgeable about pregnancy and many issues is foolish and irresponsible. It is important to know things like the stages of labor, what types of medication you would like/not like to get to manage pain and what it involves to recover from a C-Section in case of emergency. You should also know about common birth defects and blood tests that are done while you are pregnant. Though you are inclined to let doctors take care of everything, you need to stand up for yourself and have a birth plan to ensure your wishes are followed and for you not to get loaded up with too many types of drugs in the hospital. Some doctors are instant on giving pitocin when it is not needed because they are impatient, for example.

All the things that can potentially go wrong are scary, but you know what? You need to face the potential risks. Chances are you will have a healthy, normal pregnancy, but in the event something goes wrong you'll need to be prepared so you can make an informed decision. Being prepared will let you make an informed decision quicker in the case of an emergency rather than sitting around and pondering when your baby's life may depend on it.

Sure, nobody really wants to be stressed out or to hear about all the bad things that can go wrong. There are a ton of things like: premature labor, c-sections, birth defects, SIDS, and lots more. Pregnancy can be a scary thing sometimes. The trick is not to be intimidated by this information, but to take it as it comes. Listen closely to what your doctor says, inquire about the different tests being done on you. Ask your doctor lots of questions, that is part of their job after all. The trick to being pregnant is to be informed and not be intimidated. People can tell you things you don't want to hear, advice that is true or an old wives tale. Listen to your doctor, do your own research online. Stay on top of the matter and you'll be much better prepared and less stressed out in the long run. That is my advice to a mom-to-be coming from a current mom, with no.2 on the way.

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