Being pregnant is a very special time in a woman's life. It's a happy and joyful time for some. Others find this to be a difficult and physically uncomfortable period. And for a lot of women, it's also a complex mixture of feelings that range from fear to love. Remember that, no one else has the right to tell you how you should feel throughout pregnancy. As moms ourselves, we highly recommend allowing yourself to feel whatever you do during pregnancy and reaching out for help if and when you need it. To make the most out of this experience and ensure happiness and well-being, consider doing these 9 things.
Exercise Regularly
According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, staying active during pregnancy has numerous benefits like decreased risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and cesarean birth. You’ll also experience improved sleep, increased energy, and reduced aches and pains. Activities like prenatal yoga, walking, swimming, or pilates are ideal for maintaining physical fitness while prioritizing safety. After giving birth, exercise will also help you lose the baby weight.
Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care is essential for both your mental health and growing baby. Schedule regular massages, indulge in beauty treatments like manicures or facials, and take warm baths. These little luxuries help reduce stress and allow you to cherish this unique time in your life. You can even experiment with your hair! Hormonal changes can result in hair that is healthier, thicker, and more beautiful than ever, so why not experiment with a new look? Discuss your concerns with your doctor before scheduling an appointment or attempting a do-it-yourself hair treatment if you have any doubts about the safety of procedures like smoothing, straightening, coloring, or highlighting.
Nest The Way You Want To
You might get up one morning with the motivation to clean and arrange your entire home. It'ss called nesting and it's described as "the instinct to clean and organize one's home." To "nest" during pregnancy is to have an intense urge to prepare your home for the birth of your child. Pregnant women can nest at any time, but the last 2 weeks are usually the time when nesting commonly occurs. Shopping for a new baby and setting up their room might be exciting, but if you're already feeling stressed out by a barrage of suggestions from family members, you might want to put off designing the perfect nursery for the moment. Don't stress if the linens and pillows don't match! Your little one won't notice the color coordinated baby stuff; All they will ever need are the basics: you, a safe place to sleep, clean nappies, and food.
Equip Yourself With Knowledge
Feeling unprepared for the challenges of pregnancy? Arming yourself with information about being pregnant will help ease your mind. Our free pregnancy guide eBook, your doctor, other parents, and reputable parenting websites are all good places to start learning about pregnancy, birthing, and preparing and caring for a new baby. Enrolling in childbirth education or lactation classes will help you feel confident about your knowledge on parenthood and comfort you while interacting with other expectant parents experiencing similar emotions.
Create A Mom Support Network
Surround yourself with friends or family who uplift you and understand the challenges of pregnancy. Online forums, local clubs, or even mommy blogs can also act as perfect platforms for sharing experiences and gaining insights into motherhood. A lot of partners or co-parents also welcome the chance to pitch in more and support a mom-to-be. They may offer to go with you to more prenatal visits, enroll in birthing preparation courses, or take on additional housework so you can relax during your pregnancy.
Capture Memories
Your pregnancy journey is something to be celebrated! Document every moment with photo journals, belly casts, or scrapbooks to capture this special time in your life before the arrival of your bundle of joy. Some of the things you can do include:
- Adding photographs, writing lengthy entries or short notes. Journals can be brought everywhere, and you can even do it online. It’s also up to you if you want to keep it private or share with friends and family.
- You can set up an email account for your little one and write them letters.
- A scrapbook can hold pictures of you and your growing baby bump. Notes and amusing and witty captions can take scrapbooking to a whole new level of fun.
- Keep track of your pregnancy in a fun and simple way by starting a blog. You can tell loved ones about your ideas, photos, and videos.
Spend Quality Time With Your Partner
Pregnancy is a transformative period for not just you but also your partner. Strengthen your bond by communicating openly about your experiences to develop a deeper understanding and connection. You might want to think about ways to make the most out of your alone time. Make plans for short trips during the weekend. Discuss your excitement and concerns about becoming parents and how having a child would affect your relationship. Go on dates, even if it's just once a week.
Spice up your sex life as well. Hormonal changes and heightened sensations make pregnancy a sensual experience, and for others, anxiety about being pregnant are kept at bay. Pregnancy for most is a good time to experiment and get creative in bed.
Balance Work And Rest
Most women cannot even imagine losing their income during pregnancy. It's a good thing though that pregnant women nowadays can easily keep their jobs because of updated policies and accommodations in the workplace. Still, you should be aware of your own limits and avoid being overworked.
While it's important to maintain an active routine and go to work, listen to your body and allow yourself moments of rest. Invest in a maternity pillow or take afternoon naps to recharge your batteries and ensure both you and your baby remain healthy.
Invest in Comfortable Pregnancy Clothes
A woman's body (and psyche) goes through numerous transformations during pregnancy. Your breasts grow bigger, your back and legs hurt, and your stomach swells. Having an "expanding" body and feeling that nothing you own fits properly can cause feelings of insecurity and discomfort. It's okay to treat yourself to stylish and functional maternity wear. Not only do they serve a practical purpose, but they also look great on you throughout pregnancy and make you feel terrific. Maternity leggings, for instance, provide moderate support for one's legs, hips, stomach, and lower back. Supportive maternity leggings distribute weight away from the hips and pelvis, making them more comfortable to wear during pregnancy.
Embracing these simple yet effective ways during pregnancy will ensure your happiness and well-being throughout this exciting journey. So, cherish each moment as you prepare for the arrival of your little one.