Skip to searchSkip to main content

Exclusively online & in the app: Get an extra 22% off all reduced items. Code: SINGLESDAY26 Save now

Pregnancy guide: the most important tips for new parents

Have you just found out that you are pregnant? This is the start of an exciting time that brings with it many changes and new challenges. You're probably already curious about how the next few months will be and have perhaps already shared your thoughts with others or looked for tips online. Every pregnancy is different. You can benefit from the experiences of others, but ultimately you have to trust your own gut feeling and follow the advice you are given by a gynaecologist or midwife. Only you will know what’s best for you and your baby.

In this guide you'll find lots of useful information about pregnancy, as well as various creative ideas to help you cherish all the wonderful memories of this special time. We'll tell you how to announce your pregnancy and also show you how you can look stylish in maternity clothes.

→ Pregnancy: more information & ideas for you

The different stages of pregnancy

Pregnancy is a wonderful new chapter in your life and it is full of excitement and surprises. From week to week your baby will grow. Lots of women are delighted when the first signs of pregnancy are visible. The right time to reveal your baby bump is down to your own personal preference. However, your baby bump will usually start to show around the 14th week of pregnancy.

Tip

You can also download a pregnancy app. These apps use a few dates to calculate the progress of your pregnancy and keep you up to date with information on your baby's development.

There are a lot of exciting things to look forward to for both you and your partner during pregnancy. Below we have listed some unforgettable pregnancy milestones:

  • Ultrasound scans

  • The first time your baby moves or kicks

  • When your partner feels your baby for the first time

  • When you find out about the gender of your baby

  • The first time you go shopping for baby clothes

  • Starting an antenatal course

  • Wearing maternity clothes for the first time

  • When you can no longer see your feet because of your baby bump

  • Last day at work before going on maternity leave

There are so many things to look forward to during pregnancy. Why not design a scrapbook, for example, or have a professional baby bump shoot. This way you will be able to reminisce and look back on all these wonderful memories.

Tip

During pregnancy don't put yourself under too much pressure to get everything sorted and finished. Everyone has their own way of doing things. You can use our pregnancy checklist as a guide to help you keep track of everything.

Not only will your body change, but you may also have mood swings. The end of your pregnancy marks the beginning of a completely new chapter in your life. It is important that you and your partner always talk openly about your concerns, feelings and also anything regarding your baby. During this time it is important that you support each other. Being a parent isn’t always easy and there is no rulebook that you can follow. There is no such thing as perfect parents and everyone has their own challenges and struggles. It’s more about spending time with your newborn baby and enjoying this new chapter in your life.

Tip

After giving birth

How should you prepare for postnatal care? What to expect during the first couple of days with your baby? What should your baby wear so that it is comfortable and warm? Our guide on postnatal care will help you every step of the way to make sure you feel prepared for the first couple of weeks with your newborn.

After giving birth: advice and tips for new parents

Outfits for pregnancy: your guide to smart and affordable maternity wear

You can always look stylish with practical yet fashionable maternity wear. The clothes specially designed for pregnancy are tailored to the needs of mums-to-be. We will give you some tips on how to dress stylishly for every occasion, what to keep in mind when buying maternity wear and how you can also save money.

A guide to smart and affordable maternity wear

Maternity bra and nursing bra guide

During pregnancy your body goes through a lot of changes. You may even notice the changes in your breasts before many other typical signs. Stretchy, comfortable maternity bras offer you the support you need during this time. In this article we will explain what you should keep in mind when buying maternity and nursing bras.

Maternity bra and nursing bra guide

Maternity fashion: feel-good looks for pregnancy

Fortunately, those days of mums-to-be wearing loose-fitting clothes are long gone. Nowadays, you are guaranteed to find clothes for pregnancy that are not only practical and comfortable, but also look great and perfectly match your style. Whether you want to conceal the first signs of your baby bump or are looking for tips on how to show off your bump in the last trimester, in this article you will find inspiration for maternity fashion, which will make you feel confident and stylish.

Stylish outfits for pregnancy
Feel-good pregnancy outfits

Newborn baby essentials checklist & helpful tips

Choosing things for your baby can be a bit overwhelming, especially for first-time parents. It's not always easy to decide what is essential and what could be bought at a later date. Start off by focussing on the most important basic things that your baby will need after giving birth. In this article we have put together various helpful lists that will make it easier for you to decide what your baby will need.

Newborn baby essentials checklist

Hospital bag checklist: tips for new parents

In the weeks leading up to your due date, you should get as much rest as possible and avoid any unnecessary stress. Therefore, it is a good idea to pack your hospital bag several weeks before giving birth. By doing so, you'll be prepared in case your baby is born earlier. In this article you will find some helpful checklists that will make packing your hospital bag a lot easier. This way, you will have everything you need for giving birth and your stay in hospital.

Hospital bag checklist: tips for new parents
Everything you’ll need for baby:

7 creative ways to announce your pregnancy

Whether you would like to surprise your family and friends with the wonderful news or maybe keep the surprise to yourself, it’s up to you when you want to share the good news with everyone. In this article you will find creative ideas on how to announce your pregnancy in a creative way and create unforgettable memories.

7 creative ways to announce your pregnancy

Pregnancy journal: DIY ideas for mums-to-be

40 exciting weeks lie ahead of you, however, this emotional and very special time often seems to fly by very quickly and memories of this exciting time are quickly forgotten. Think about how you would like to keep these memories at the start of your pregnancy. In this article you will find great ideas and suggestions on how to create your very own personalised pregnancy scrapbook and also how to keep a diary of your pregnancy.

Creative ways to record your pregnancy

Organising a baby shower

Your baby bump will quickly grow and so will your anticipation for the arrival of your baby. Between the 25th and 28th week of pregnancy, lots of women who are expecting take the opportunity to celebrate the upcoming birth with their loved ones. A baby shower is usually planned by a close friend, your mother or sister. In our guide we will reveal how to organise the perfect baby shower for an unforgettable party with your little family as well as the best gifts for mums-to-be.

Organising a baby shower

______________________________________________

The image sources in this text are in chronological order:

Cover photo: iStock.com/Adene Sanchez
1. Image in text: iStock.com/mihailomilovanovic
2. Image in text: C&A
3. Image in text: iStock.com/NataliaDeriabina
4. Image in text: iStock.com/eclipse_images
5. Image in text: C&A
6. Image in text: iStock.com/SeventyFour
7. Image in text: C&A
8. Image in text: C&A
9. Image in text: iStock.com/jacoblund