Being pregnant is such an exciting time. It can be tiring and stressful, too. If you’re expecting and taking care of other children, working, or just trying to keep up with a busy lifestyle, there are some things you can do to take care of yourself that will provide not only peace of mind but take some stress away, too. For ideas on how to take care of yourself during pregnancy and increase your odds of better mental and physical well-being, read on.
Day Spas and Pregnancy Massage
A great way to take care of those tired feet and that sore back is through pregnancy massage. In seeing a licensed massage therapist during your pregnancy on a regular basis, you’ll be able to work out those kinks and aches without the need for medication. Not only will pregnancy massage get your blood flowing, but will leave you feeling more relaxed than when you went in.
Many women fear massages during pregnancy thinking that it could hurt their baby. The truth is that a trained massage professional knows how to offer a safe and relaxing massage to a woman pregnant at any stage. Even still, if you’re hesitant, ask your doctor about whether a massage is safe for you and your baby.
Another great way to take care of yourself during pregnancy is through regular trips to the day spa. Later in pregnancy, giving yourself that perfect pedicure will prove difficult. In taking time away for yourself to feel beautiful, you’ll increase not only your glowing confidence but rewarding yourself, too.
Getting Plenty of Sleep
You likely already know all about the top things women think about when they become pregnant. Odds are, at least a few of them keep you up at night worrying about your relationship, job, or baby. If you’re someone who has trouble sleeping during pregnancy due to the inability to get comfortable, the baby waking you, or ruminating thoughts, it might be time to consider ways to add to your sleep schedule.
Let’s face it: When the baby arrives, sleep will be at rock bottom levels. Sleep is too important to skimp on. Eventually, you’ll naturally find ways to nap while your newborn does. There’s no harm in starting that now, too. If you work from home or are a homemaker, give yourself permission to follow your body’s lead when it comes to sleep. Taking midday naps is a perfectly great way to care of yourself during pregnancy. Household chores or that deadline can wait. Your biggest priority needs to be you and your baby.
Building a Support Team
Having a great support network to call on is one of the best things you can do for yourself at any point during and after your pregnancy. From potential sitters to people to be with you in the birthing room or whom you can call to listen when days are long are critical for the overall ease of a pregnancy. If you don’t already have a clear picture of who your go-to people are, make a list of family members, friends, and even co-workers you know you can call on in a pinch or even times of loneliness. Don’t forget to add your partner if they’re still involved. Mom groups and online pregnancy support groups can be fantastic resources, too.
At the end of the day, the healthier you are and the better you take care of yourself during pregnancy, the better the chance of a safe and healthy delivery. For the sake of both you and your baby, take a deep breath and make a plan for ways you can better take care of yourself during pregnancy. You’re already doing one of the biggest jobs of all – bringing a life into the world. Congratulate yourself and engage in an act of self-care today. Congratulations on your upcoming addition. Have a safe and healthy delivery!
