Enjoy Your Pregnancy
Pregnancy is an exciting time – but it’s also a nerve-racking one. Your body is going through so many changes, your hormones are different, and you’re anticipating large changes in your life.
In addition, while everyone knows they are going to gain weight, it’s often difficult to continue to feel good about yourself when you’re gaining weight everyday. Learning ways to nurture yourself and to feel good about yourself can aid you a great deal during this crazy time.
Nurture Yourself
Soon, when the baby comes, it’s going to be very difficult to find time for yourself. Give yourself some tender love and care now. Enjoy a pedicure a few times during your pregnancy.
This is a great way to force yourself to put your feet up (thus taking the pressure off of your legs and decreasing varicose veins). It gives you a foot massage and it helps you to feel sexy and to look great in those sandals.
If you prefer other types of pregnancy nurturing, you can have a massage, a manicure or a facial. Perhaps you just want to relax in the hammock and give yourself time each day to read. Do some activity that will help you to feel nurtured and relaxed for a bit each day.
Have Fun Shopping!
There is nothing worse than trying to fit into your clothes when you simply don’t. Don’t try to squeeze into your regular jeans and your shirts while you are pregnant. Nurture yourself and splurge on some pregnancy clothes.
There are adorable clothes in the stores these days that can help you to keep your hip look, while also fitting into your growing and changing body. If you can’t afford to buy new clothes, ask someone whose style you like if you can borrow their clothes. Have some fun with your growing shape.
If you’ve always felt you had a fat stomach and always hid your stomach behind big clothes – you don’t need to anymore! Your growing stomach is beautiful and you can wear clothing that will flatter your changing shape.
Sleep, Sleep, Sleep
Once that little babe comes, you won’t be able to sleep when you want to do so. Creating a baby takes a great deal of effort, and you deserve to have extra sleep while you’re going through this process. Allow yourself to indulge in a nap, or in extra sleep whenever you can -without any guilt. Your body will thank you later.
Balance Your Diet
While some women assume that they can now eat whatever they want since they’re “eating for two” this is really not the case. You don’t want to gain unnecessary weight while pregnant. Try to keep to a healthy diet.
You can certainly indulge some of your cravings, but try not to do so all the time. Make sure to keep drinking a lot of water – eight cups or more a day and eat fruits and vegetables.
Get Moving!
Even while you’re pregnant, you can maintain a great exercise routine. There are many exercise classes that are made for pregnant women including yoga classes, aerobics classes, walking tapes and more. Keep yourself moving in whatever way you will feel comfortable.
Purchase some maternity exercise clothes that will make you feel comfortable and find a friend to join you in your routine. Try to exercise at least three times a week and to find a program that feels right for you. You’ll find that your built up stamina helps you with your delivery and recovery after the birth!
Remember that this is a very exciting time in your life. You may feel heavy at times while pregnant; however, you will eventually stop being pregnant and be able to return to your pre-pregnancy shape. Enjoy the process and have fun with your pregnancy while it lasts!