It might sound weird to say that if you’re about to have a baby, you should hold off on buying a house or car. But if you’re newly married (and

not already a home or new car owner), that’s exactly what we’re saying. Birthing a baby isn’t cheap. Meanwhile houses and cars (especially houses) are huge responsibilities. If you don’t

want to live in an apartment, townhouse or condo, we get it. Consider renting a house for now. If something goes wrong, the landlord can fix it. That’s one less

thing for you to be stressing out about. 

Even if the ultimate plan is to move to another state or overseas, put that on pause until the baby is born. You are still a newlywed getting to know

what it’s like to live the married life. That, on top of being pregnant, is A LOT. Some days, just knowing where the closest grocery store is or being a

15-minute drive away from your favorite family member or closest friend is going to be super comforting.

Someone who can listen to you vent about your husband’s horrific cleaning habits or how your baby won’t get off of your sciatic nerve (and can provide you with tips

on how to deal with both) is going to be a true blessing right through here. All newly-married women should have one, but if you’re pregnant too, look for a

wife who’s also a mom to mentor you. They will have proven suggestions that you won’t be able to find in any book or on any blog (trust us).

Stress. It’s going to naturally come with your set of circumstances. Don’t make things worse by letting those closest to you violate your boundaries. This includes popping up unannounced, constantly

badgering you with unsolicited advice and trying to take over your marriage or your pregnancy. Sometimes folks mean well, but have a funny (and by that, we mean controlling) way

of showing it. It’s OK to put, and keep, them in their place.

Thanks to your ever-changing hormones, there may never be a time in your life when you are moodier than you are while you’re pregnant. So no, don’t totally think your

feelings are reliable. Some days you’re going to ask yourself “What the HECK am I doing?!” That doesn’t mean it’s time to end your marriage or that you’re going to

be a horrible mom. Rest, a healthy diet and moderate exercise will help to keep things in balance. And don’t forget, sex is a great way to expel some emotion.

Even for pregnant women.

The wonderful thing about pregnancy is you have almost a whole year to prepare for your little one's arrival. As you’re getting the baby’s room together, setting up doctor’s appointments

and planning your shower, don’t forget to nurture your marriage too. Once your baby comes, everything is going to change. Take advantage of the time alone while you have it.

You’ve got a little more on your plate, but it’s still such a special time in your life and marriage. Enjoy every minute of it.