How To Look And Feel Your Best During Pregnancy

A woman’s body goes through a series of changes during pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones have a huge role to play in these changes which can either be good or can be discomforting. Taking good care of yourself during pregnancy is important to feel good, look your best, and make the journey a beautiful one. For this to happen, here are things pregnant women should do.

Wear comfortable maternity outfits: Wearing tight fitted clothes during pregnancy can be inconveniencing. Trying to look good doesn’t mean you have to make yourself feel uncomfortable. There are beautiful maternal outfits that can either be worn at home or when going out and will make you feel comfortable and look great. For soon-to-be moms who are still working, there are corporate maternity clothing that will make juggling work and pregnancy effortless.

Exercise: Dedicating some time to carry out non-strenuous exercises can be relieving. Swimming, walking, jogging, etc. during pregnancy helps boost your mood, improves blood circulation, reduces back pain or joint pain, helps you get sound sleep, and a lot more. However, pregnant women are advised to stay away from exercises that may put them at risk of falling, put pressure on their baby bump, or exercises involving the holding of breaths for too long. Also, working out can be as simple as doing house chores like sweeping, mopping, or even cooking as long as you’re not sitting idly all day.

Cultivate good feeding habit: If you have never taken your feeding habit seriously before, being pregnant is a good reason to. With this, you are not only helping yourself but helping your baby who receives nutrients from you. Dairy products, fruits, and vegetables are very important in your diet. Good feeding habit helps to control weight gain and makes you and your baby healthy. Avoid caffeinated and undercooked foods, also maintain good hygiene with your foods.

Avoid the intake of alcohol: Taking alcohol during pregnancy is neither good for you nor your baby. A fetus exposed to alcohol can develop Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Syndrome (FAS). As a mother, taking alcohol during pregnancy can worsen nausea and vomiting, make you gain excessive weight by stopping your body from burning fat, or may result in diabetes. Being intoxicated can make you lose your balance or even fall off which is dangerous for you and your baby. Stay away from alcohol to improve your well being and your mental health.

Ensure good antenatal care: Antenatal care involves frequent screening to ensure that there are no complications that can be harmful to her or the baby. The doctor helps in giving the best bits of advice and prescribe drugs to relieve pains, cure an illness, or for supplementing such as drugs containing vitamin C, vitamin D, folic acid, calcium, iron, etc. These can help you and your baby maintain good health.

Have some “me” time: If you are a mom-to-be who juggles work and family life or have other kids, you need time to unwind and refuel. You are doing a lot already, scheduling some “me” time will help you physically, mentally, and emotionally. Read your favorite books, watch your favorite shows, go out to eat that food you’ve been craving, or go for a massage. The list is endless, just do what makes you happy.

Nurture your hair and skin: Pregnancy glow is real, skin issues like breakouts, itchiness, melasma, stretch marks, etc. are equally real too. Having a good skincare routine by using safe products to soothe your skin during pregnancy reduces skin problems and makes you glow. Sometimes, the best option is to see your doctor for prescriptions. Additionally, pregnant women should be able to dedicate time to take care of their hair. Don’t forget your physical appearance can boost your self-confidence.

Stay hydrated: Hydration is very important as it aids digestion, prevents constipation, prevents urinary tract (bladder) infection, helps in maintaining healthy skin, and keeps you energized.

Sleeping is important: Having a good sleep during pregnancy is very important (not too much though). Getting good sleep during the first semester can be quite easy, however, the development of the fetus can make sleep difficult during the second and third semester as a result of frequent urination, heartburn, nausea, etc. Lack of sleep affects pregnant women, it is advised to avoid drinking too much water when going to bed, avoid doing strenuous exercises during the day, and do not eat certain foods (e.g spicy foods, caffeinated foods or drinks, fatty foods, etc.) before going to bed. It is also important to maintain a good sleeping posture, you can use a pregnancy pillow as a prop for a pleasurable sleep.

Embrace your new self: Understand that pregnancy comes along with a lot of changes, many of which you may not like. The weight gain, breakout, and stretch marks are normal. Your new body shouldn’t make you lose your self-esteem. Be your own source of encouragement.