7 Tips for a Happy and Healthy Pregnancy
The path from conception to delivery is rarely experienced as a straight line. Pregnancy can bring with it what seems like endless waves of aches, pains, nausea, swollen ankles… the works! But it can also be a joy-filled time where mommy-to-be has the ultimate “excuse” to practice some serious self-care. It can often feel that your pregnancy journey is out of your hands (your body changing before your eyes and when will that baby finally come?!?!), but you can take control of your health and happiness during this special time by following these tips:
Stay Active
Exercise is not only good for moms to be, but also for developing babies! Research has shown that exercising during pregnancy can benefit both a mother’s heart and a baby’s heart. Listen to your body and make sure you are gentle. Keep in mind that this time doesn’t have to be focused on getting in the best shape of your life, you are simply focused on staying active. With your doctor’s approval (of course) you can try:
- Walking. You can choose to do this either outdoors or on a treadmill. Walking helps tone muscles and can improve your mood.
- Swimming. This is one of the best exercises you can do since it is gentle on the joints and relieves swollen ankles. If you are feeling too weighed down to even get started with a workout regimen, the weightlessness of swimming could be a great fit for you.
- Prenatal yoga. This strengthens core muscles and eases back pain. Prenatal yoga focuses on relaxation, which is great for pregnancy and if you are able to keep what you learned during your yoga practice in mind during labor it can help tremendously. Try to spend 30 minutes doing yoga and meditation each day.
- Low-impact aerobics. Aerobics keeps your heart and lungs strong while it tones your body and gives you a boost of endorphins.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Try to maintain a healthy diet whenever you can and be sure you are also very hydrated. Keep track of the amount of water you drink to make sure you’re sticking to at least 8 glasses a day (or even make a sticker chart for yourself to practice for your soon-to-be mommyhood). Try to incorporate a lot of fruit and vegetables into your diet as well as daily servings of protein and cut back on caffeine to either one coffee a day (or decaf if you can).
Surround Yourself with Positive People
Stay away from negative people, thoughts, words, and actions because who needs negative energy around them when they are hoping to bring a tiny human into a hopefully positive world? Stay focused on the good around you by treating others kindly, although this may be hard to do if you’re susceptible to pregnancy mood swings!
Maintain a Journal
Record how you’re feeling and collect your thoughts during your pregnancy with a journal. Focus on experiences, like the first kick, the first contraction, baby shower and everything positive that happens during your pregnancy. Set aside a specific time to write each day. Don’t think, just write! You will be happy for the pregnancy memories and the journey you went through when your baby arrives.
Pamper Yourself
Make yourself spa appointments and try a prenatal massage. Although they may not be part of your regular routine, it’s a great idea to start incorporating them to help relieve stress. Honestly, if taking an hour to yourself to put on a face mask while you watch Netflix is your thing, go for it. All that matters is that you give yourself a break!
Get Some Rest
You may feel more fatigued during pregnancy and a bit restless as well. Try sleeping on your side, especially during the third trimester. If you are having trouble falling asleep, there are many ways you unwind before bed during pregnancy. Try these relaxation techniques:
- Yoga
- Stretching
- Deep breathing
- Massage
Why wait until you are pregnant to take time out of your day to take care of your health? If you are currently pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant soon, start these steps immediately. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment with us by calling (305) 274-3130 or visiting us at miamiobgyns.com today.