Being pregnant can be a wonderfully exhilarating and enlightening experience, but it can also be one of the most stressful, especially when it comes to the mental and emotional health of the expectant mom. To combat the worry that’s bound to come creeping into the back of your mind every time you think of your growing belly, we’ve put together a list of things you can do to make this journey a little less taxing on your exhausted body!
Why is Self-Care Important?
A pregnant mom’s body is no stranger to extremely uncomfortable and painful experiences such as regular cramps, morning sickness, constipation, varicose veins, nausea, and a never-ending list of similar ailments.
Among these, morning sickness and nausea can be the most common ailment that almost all women experience during the first trimester. While there are several remedies for morning sickness to overcome this, the only way to combat other side-effects is through self-care routines that will give your body and mind the ability to endure severe and drastic changes.
Nourishment is Key
You need to remember that you’re no longer eating just for yourself, but for your baby as well. To make sure you both receive adequate nutrition, it’s important to pay special attention to your diet and eating habits. This includes having a well-balanced diet at regular intervals and never skipping meals!
Many mothers also rely on prenatal vitamins during pregnancy as an added boost to the nutrients the baby already receives, but this is completely based on personal choice. If you can make sure all your meals are loaded with vitamins and nutrients then there’s nothing like it!
Express Yourself
This shouldn’t come as a surprise but your body is going to seem alien to you after a few months of being pregnant. This can be an exasperating and trying time, especially if you’ve got no one to vent to. It’s important that you connect with other women around you, be it your friends or family, who have already experienced what you’re currently going through.
Getting external reassurance that validates how you’re feeling and what you’re going through can be extremely helpful to your overall mental and emotional health, so don’t shy away from expressing yourself!
Be Active
While this is a period that requires you to get as much rest as you can, most women make the mistake of completely neglecting physical exercise. You don’t have to go on a run or hit the gym, but it’s important that you at least take a stroll through your garden once a day. This not only keeps your mind fresh and active, but it also stimulates your body to produce happy hormones which are definitely something you need to remain happy and calm
Soak Up Some Sunlight
Even if you don’t really have much space outside your home, make sure you get some fresh air on a daily basis, even if it’s just from your window. Being cooped up can seem comforting for a period of time, but it can also result in feelings of melancholy and moodiness. Getting yourself from fresh air can not only improve your mood but can also clear your mind from any kind of stress or baby-related worry that is weighing you down.
The Takeaway
One thing all mothers must prioritize is their health, be it physical, mental, or emotional. Feeling alone and adapting to unhealthy lifestyles can lead to anxiety and panic attacks, so make sure you don’t neglect your physical or emotional needs by following these guidelines during your journey of becoming a mother!
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