Inside: These pregnancy self-care tips will help you improve your overall health and take better care of yourself each day throughout pregnancy.
I remember that very first time I left the doctor’s office following my prenatal visit. Excited about the newness of pregnancy and a growing baby inside me, but unsure about how prepared I actually was.
My OB/GYN handed me a small pregnancy packet with basic health info, prenatal vitamins and upcoming lab tests after the appointment…but I felt a bit worried about everything I really needed to do moving forward.
READ: What to do the Moment You Find Out You’re Expecting
I loved the practice and the top-rated doctors, but I just didn’t think a 30-minute appointment would cut it for the next 4 weeks until the following prenatal visit.
What was I supposed to do in the day to day with this precious cargo on board??
That’s when I REALLY started to take an intense interest in pregnancy self-care.
Because I saw how much information was lacking in those early weeks and months. And I knew self-care during pregnancy was key for staying healthy — for both your growing baby and your own physical and mental well-being.
The physical and hormonal changes, the stress of what you should or shouldn’t do. All of this plays a toll on your mind and body.
It’s completely natural to have worries and hormone fluctuations as you begin your pregnancy journey.
How do I take care of myself during pregnancy?
Like most of us, your day-to-day routine might include a number of appointments, errands or things you need to get done…but it’s extremely important that you prioritize your health and safety while pregnant. Because taking care of yourself at home, when you leave that doctor’s office, will ultimately contribute to a successful and happy pregnancy.
If you’re wondering how to keep yourself balanced, rested and feeling good, below are some pregnancy self-care tips that will help you find that balance during one of the most exhausting times of your life.
Pregnancy Self-Care Ideas for Mom and Baby
Rest Frequently
As your body grows a baby and experiences hormonal changes, increased drowsiness is normal. Resting during those early weeks will be a much-needed part of your pregnancy self-care routine. Because at some point in the first trimester, it is inevitable — typically around weeks 10-13, the exhaustion peaks.
Getting adequate sleep at night and breaks during the day will help provide the energy and stamina to help you cope better.
Hydrate
Hydration during pregnancy cannot be overstated. It’s essential to drink plenty of fluids, as pregnant women are more prone to dehydration.
Your growing baby and the physical changes taking place require more water intake for a number of processes. Water is used to form amniotic fluid, produce extra blood volume, build new tissue, carry nutrients, help in digestion and flush out your wastes and toxins.
Staying hydrated will ensure baby’s water needs are met while helping you avoid issues like pregnancy fatigue or overheating.
Movement or Gentle Exercises
Think you need to be sedated and refrain from exercising altogether during pregnancy? Oh no!
Staying mobile during this time will benefit you in many ways, from your ability to better cope with the added weight imbalance and discomforts, and will also help your body prepare for labor and delivery.
Just try gentle exercises, stretches or prenatal yoga which can help you become more centered and breathe properly for deep relaxation. Check locally for in-person classes, or even prenatal yoga online as an easy pregnancy self-care routine.
Be sure to keep it simple and not over-exert yourself as pregnancy exercises need to be done cautiously to avoid injury.
Positive Affirmations
Throughout your pregnancy, you need to have the right mindset to prepare for all the ups and downs and changes taking place as you await your baby’s big arrival. Pick a phrase to motivate you to overcome your challenges. It can be anything simple, that is encouraging to remind you of the amazing thing your body is capable of doing, especially as you approach your due date.
If you need some inspiration, just do a quick search online and print them out. You can place these affirmations all around your home to help you stay positive and healthy daily!
Download the FREE Self-Care Starter Kit
Nutrition
Eating well throughout pregnancy is another major component of a healthy pregnancy. But don’t stress too much about this. As long as you are choosing natural food sources, balancing out cravings with healthy options and avoiding the big no-nos, you will be okay.
READ: Easy Ways to Pack Pregnancy Power Foods Into Your Meals
And when it comes to snacking, just be sure to choose foods that will contribute to a positive mood and give you energy boosts. Fresh fruits and veggies, and high-protein snacks can boost your spirits and energy levels.
I remember over-stressing about this early in my pregnancies because the morning sickness and food aversions were preventing me from tolerating many vegetables and meats. Over time, I learned that baby pulls all the essential nutrients he needs from the reserves already available in your body anyhow…this is good for baby, but not so much for you! Make sure you are meeting any health deficiencies through a good prenatal vitamin!!
You obviously want to choose nutritious foods and avoid the over-processed stuff whenever possible, as this will keep you healthier and able to handle the physical changes that could affect birth.
Meditate
Meditation is a way to relax, find your balance and recoup after a long day. Many pregnant women have found relief by meditating at the beginning and end of the day to focus on the things that really matter.
This is a simple, yet powerful pregnancy self-care tip to alleviate stress and help you manage emotions during those heavy hormone fluctuation moments.
Keep a Journal
I wanted to leave you with one final pregnancy self-care tip that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine: keeping a pregnancy journal.
Whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, just write down your thoughts in a journal. The mere act of writing down your thoughts and worries takes them out of your head and onto something you can clearly see to better address. So write down the things that upset you, made you happy…as well as the things you are excited and grateful for.
You might think, that this isn’t necessary, but it’s the little things that can make a big impact and help you stay focused and mentally well during your pregnancy.
Click below to download our FREE Pregnancy Self-Care Kit to get you started!
Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.
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