Hey mama-to-be!
If you’re reading this with one hand on your belly and the other scrolling through blogs at 2 a.m. because—well, sleep is now a luxury—then first of all, welcome. This is Dr. Chinny, and today I want to talk to you, not just as your friendly neighborhood lactation consultant and medical doctor, but as someone who’s been right where you are: waddling through the third trimester, wondering if I’ll ever see my ankles again.
Now that I’ve been on both sides—pregnant and post-pregnant—I want to share a few things I wish someone had told me (or that I wish I had actually listened to). Not the medical stuff you get at every antenatal visit. No. These are the heart things. The memory things. The sanity-saving things. And maybe, just maybe, some things that will help you enjoy this wild, beautiful ride a bit more.
So here we go—five things every pregnant woman should definitely do.
1. Take Pictures. Lots of Them.
Yes, even if your nose now looks like a flat spade.
Even if your face has decided to enter its dark mode season.
Even if your cheeks have formed a committee with your neck and declared independence.
Take. The. Pictures.
You may not love them right now. You may even cry over them (been there). But let me tell you something—pregnancy is a short season. When it’s over, you’ll look back and wish you had more memories saved.
One of my biggest regrets during my pregnancy was not documenting more of it. I was so focused on how I looked, how tired I felt, how stretched everything was—my patience, my skin, my leggings—that I missed out on capturing one of the most beautiful transitions of my life.
And no, it doesn’t have to be fancy. It could be a mirror selfie in your pajamas, a quick snap while you’re eating mangoes at 11 p.m., or your partner catching you mid-nap with your mouth open. It all counts. Trust me—you’ll cherish them later.
2. Accept Help. Every Bit of It.
Listen, I don’t know who started this whole “I’m fine, I can do it myself” trend, but it ends today.
If someone offers you a seat because you’re pregnant, take it.
If a stranger lets you jump the queue, accept it.
If someone says, “Oh, you shouldn’t carry that!”—drop it immediately. It’s not a test of strength; it’s a gesture of kindness.
You’re doing the work of creating a whole human being. You deserve the royal treatment.
I remember once someone at the bank told me to go ahead in line, and I almost said, “Oh no, I’m fine,” but something in me said, “Girl, sit down and rest that back!” That day, I realized: pregnancy perks are few, fleeting, and entirely earned.
So say yes. Let people love you. You will not always be pregnant. Let this season be what it is.
3. SLEEP. As Much As You Can.
Let me tell you something they don’t say enough: Motherhood starts with sleep deprivation. Serious one. There is no training, no orientation. Just one day you’re pregnant, and the next day you’re holding a crying baby at 3 a.m. who thinks the night is day and day is night.
That’s why, while you still can, sleep like you’re storing it up in a bank.
Take naps. Leave the dishes. Pause the laundry. Cancel plans.
Your body is doing incredible work, and you’ll need every ounce of rest now, because after delivery, you’ll enter a new phase of sleep that I like to call micro-napping (you’ll see).
So, mama if you’re yawning while reading this, close this tab and take a nap. Doctor’s orders.
4. Eat Well… and Eat What You Want (Within Reason).
Now, before anyone quotes me out of context, let me clarify: I am not saying eat for two. That’s an old myth. You only need a few extra calories in your second and third trimesters. But I am saying—if you’re craving that suya, that jollof, that sour-sweet weird combo? Please, enjoy it.
Pregnancy is not the time to punish yourself with guilt every time you eat cake. This is a season of nourishment—yes, for your baby, but also for you. Your body is building bones, organs, blood, and a whole placenta. A little puff-puff isn’t going to ruin the mission.
And let’s not forget hydration. Keep water nearby like it’s your best friend. Infuse it with mint, lemon, cucumber—whatever helps you drink more. Dehydration can sneak up and cause all sorts of drama: fatigue, swelling, Braxton Hicks… you don’t want it.
Enjoy food. But balance it. Trust your body. And if you’re unsure, talk to a dietitian or your doctor (hi, that’s me!).
5. Add a Little Spice to Your Pregnancy Journey
Here’s one that may sound silly, but hear me out: Add joy intentionally.
Dress up sometimes—even if you’re just going to the living room.
Put on lipstick and your comfy robe.
Plan a baby-moon if you can.
Start a pregnancy journal.
Dance in front of the mirror to your favorite throwback playlist (even if you can’t see your feet).
You’d be surprised at how many small things can lift your mood and create lasting memories.
And while we’re at it, let’s talk about the partners. I noticed something in my pregnancy that honestly cracked me up. There’s this thing where some men suddenly become extra helpful, doting, affectionate… It’s as if they’re trying to impress the baby already. Lean into that energy. Let them pamper you!
A Final Word From One Mama to Another
Mama, I know it doesn’t always feel magical. Sometimes pregnancy is hard, messy, and uncomfortable. There are days your hormones are dancing shoki, and you’re just done. That’s okay.
But there’s also something deeply powerful about this phase. You’re walking around doing something extraordinary—and you deserve to experience it fully.
So, to summarize:
- Take the pictures (even when you don’t feel cute).
- Say yes to help (don’t be a hero).
- Sleep like your life depends on it (because it might).
- Eat joyfully, but wisely.
- Spice it up and find joy in the small things.
I’m rooting for you. If you ever need support—whether it’s questions about breastfeeding, what pump to buy, or just someone to tell you “You’re doing amazing”—you know where to find me.
With love,
Dr. Chinny Obinwanne
Mama. Doctor. Your Breastfeeding Guide.