There isn’t a joy that compares to seeing your little one for the very first time. After nine months, as the long-awaited day arrives, the first thought in every mother’s mind is a healthy, happy baby. But first, let’s get through the nine months knowing that you’ve given this miracle the best shot you can, not just for your baby but for yourself as well. Most mothers around the world have their unique experiences during pregnancy. It can be as relaxing or as challenging as one can anticipate.
There are different ways you can make the experience easier, for you and for everyone around you. Here are ten tips that can help you cruise through this process.
Keep well hydrated:
This is an extremely important factor in your pregnancy. Your body requires plenty of fluids to carry vitamins and nutrients to the baby, form the amniotic fluid, regulate body temperature and decrease constipation. Dehydration can lead to pregnancy complications including premature labor. You are not only eating for two but also drinking for two. There are different ways to keep hydrated during pregnancy apart from just drinking water. Juice, tea and watery fruits like watermelon can efficiently hydrate your body. Your baby and your skin will thank you for this.
Exercise, in regulation:
As your doctor must have told you, exercising and staying active is a must. It helps you build strength and stamina, prepares you for labour and prevent gestational diabetes. However, the goal of your exercise must be to increase strength and never to lose weight. Prenatal yoga is a great form of exercise that is completely safe for you and your baby. It helps you build endurance, increase flexibility for labour, relieve your mind of stress and decreases joint pain. In addition, it helps you fall asleep faster.
Eat a lot of fiber-rich foods:
It goes without saying that eating healthy is a very important part of the pregnancy. Your daily diet needs to comprise the necessary proteins, carbohydrates, iron, fat and vitamins. However, pregnant women are prone to constipation. Adding high fibre foods like almonds, broccoli, bananas, oranges, pumpkin and beans help keep constipation at bay. In addition, it also lowers the risk of preeclampsia, regulates sugar levels and controls the weight gain during pregnancy.
Stretch, stretch, stretch:
Falling asleep during pregnancy can be the hardest thing for most women. With frequent urination, leg cramps, acid reflux and a growing belly, you wake up more often than you want to. Stretching before sleeping and after you wake up is a great way to loosen tight muscles and joints, reduces cramps, eases pain and increases flexibility. However, it is also important not to force a stretch, breathe deeply while stretching and know to stop if you ever experience pain.
Pamper yourself:
As challenging pregnancy can be, without a doubt, you deserve to pamper yourself during this time. Indulge in leg massages, face masks, comfortable clothes and even the best double mattress you can find. Meditation sessions are also a great way to find peace and calm within oneself.
Sleep for two:
Sleeping during pregnancy is harder than you think. However, sleeping is extremely important for the health of the mother and the baby. A good sleep mattress is extremely important for a comfortable night for an expecting mother. Do not hesitate to indulge in a little extravagance! Mattresses like the Dreamcloud twin mattress contours to your curves supports your body and makes you forget about your pregnancy for the few hours. As a soon to be a mother, appreciate the little things that make a big difference.
Sex it up:
Sex causes absolutely no harm to the baby. Many women often say sex is better during pregnancy. It can also help you feel refreshed, happy and active. Most sex positions are usually safe. The spooning position reduces deep penetration and can be the most comfortable during the later stages of pregnancy. However, it is always best to first clarify any doubts and hesitation with your healthcare provider.
Say no to caffeine:
Caffeine is one of the restricted beverages during pregnancy along with alcohol. Many women are used to caffeine in various forms that this is a big sacrifice for them. However, it can dehydrate you, increase your blood pressure, heighten your heart rate, keep you awake during nights and worse, get into your baby’s bloodstream. Fill yourself with healthy liquids like juice, water, and tea rather than sodas or coffee.
Know your birth plan:
Many young mothers have found having a fool-proof birthing plan well in advance make the labour process much easier and stress-free. Knowing which hospital to go to, which doctor to see, a packed and ready-to-go bag of essentials, birthing music playlist and who will be taking you to the hospital will contribute to a relaxing, calm experience when the time comes. It doesn’t matter if you are going to the hospital or have chosen a home birth, having a pre-set plan is very important.
Surround yourself with people who love you:
Pregnancy is a very important time for women. Apart from all the changes to their bodies, they also have to prepare for what is yet to come. It is very easy to get overwhelmed in these situations and the raging hormones don’t help. Surround yourself with friends and family who will constantly provide the support, encouragement, and positivity you and your baby need at this challenging phase. Let them look after you, pamper you, love you and make you feel supported during this journey. Don’t be shy to ask them for help so that you can rest more.
Mental fitness is as important and should be given priority as you would for your physical fitness, giving a holistic fitness approach during this phase. As you feed your body nutritious food, feed your mind positive thoughts. It helps you fight stress, depression, and anxiety. Anytime you feel overwhelmed, take a few minutes to breathe deeply. Go for a walk, if you will! There is nothing more important that the health and safety of you and your child.
As you walk into this beautiful journey, take a minute to be grateful for the blessing growing in your belly. Enjoy the experience as it comes, for these are the moments you will remember, cherish and treasure for the rest of your life.