Whether you're having your first child or your fourth, every pregnancy is different, and what works for some women may not work for others. Some mothers go by all the information and guidelines their doctors give them, while others prefer to do things as organically as possible. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, there are things that you can do to make sure that you feel your best throughout pregnancy. That's not to say that many pregnancies come with hardships or struggles that are out of control where some of these methods won't work, but they are all worth trying.
The Power of Sleep
Even when we're not going through pregnancy, we all know the power and importance of sleep. While plenty of well-meaning people will tell you while you're pregnant that once the baby is here to "sleep while the baby sleeps," you'll quickly realize that's not always possible. But during pregnancy, the baby is, in fact, not here yet.
Take advantage of this time to take naps when your body feels the need and get as many hours of sleep a night as you can. Especially during later stages of pregnancy, like the third trimester, you will be extra large and somewhat uncomfortable, so rest won't come easy. Let your body restore and recharge with as much sleep as possible throughout the journey.
Safe Supplements Are Key
Of course, you are likely taking prenatal vitamins during your pregnancy. On top of those, several supplements are safe during pregnancy to make you feel more comfortable. As with any new drug or supplement, however, you want to get in touch with your GP or OB-GYN to make sure they are safe for you, as the individual, to take.
This could be based on your unique health conditions or anything else in your pregnancy. In general, though, some supplements used during pregnancy are Iodine, B12, D3, and many more. If you're dealing with fatigue or cramping and don't want to use traditional painkillers or coffee, talk to your doctor about adding these into your daily health routine.
Staying Active As Much As Possible
While plenty of women want just to relax and binge-watch Netflix while they're pregnant because of the typical fatigue that accompanies pregnancy, it's a good idea to get moving to boost your energy levels. If you had a routine exercise schedule before conceiving, you could likely stick with the same routines while pregnant. Many mothers still do their strength training and HIIT workouts while carrying a baby.
You want to talk things over with your doctor to ensure there are no risks to you or the baby, but you should receive the green light. If you weren't particularly active before pregnancy, what better time to take control of your physical health and strength. After all, running around after a baby or toddler is a lot of work, so being as fit as possible is never a bad idea.
Relaxation & Mindfulness
Practicing the ability to relax and be mindful entirely is a great way to calm any nerves you may have about becoming a mother of one or adding another child to your family. Additionally, many women opt for natural births where they don't use any form of pain relief during labor. Being able to get your mind to a place where you can embrace the pain of contractions and breathe through them is a lot easier with the skill of mindfulness under your belt. Download some deep breathing and meditation apps if you're a newbie to this type of thing - it's easy to pick up and a skill that comes in handy during pregnancy, during birth, during parenthood, and for the rest of your life.
Healthy Eating, Always
While there is a small list of things pregnant women shouldn't consume, the list should be more significant to exclude most junk and processed foods. You want the best for your baby, so while it's okay to indulge in that double cheeseburger you're craving occasionally - try to eat as healthy as possible as often as possible. Not only does it give your child the nutrients they need to grow and flourish, but you'll also feel better for it.
Pregnancy is a joyous experience but doesn't come without its struggles; utilizing the above ways to try and feel as great as possible during this time. Congratulations!
