Expecting moms go through a lot. Even before the baby comes, there’s a lot of things you deal with such as whether you’re eating the right diet, sleeping in a safe position, taking the right supplements, shopping for baby supplies, preparing the nursery room.
Don’t even get us started with the dozens of symptoms that pregnant ladies feel. When you’re expecting, you may feel overwhelmed with the changes you’re going through. However, you have to take control of your wellness for the sake of your health and the baby. Here are some things you can do to ensure that you are ready before the baby arrives.
Get Adequate Sleep
When you’re pregnant, you may feel more tired than usual. It’s normal since you are creating a new life inside you –that takes a toll on your body! Make sure to get lots of sleep. You won’t be getting any when the baby comes into the world, so take advantage of this time when you can.
Experts say the most optimal position for pregnant women is to sleep on your left side so practice doing it as early as now. On top of a natural organic mattress, you should be using multiple pillows or a special pillow to help support your head, arms, and belly. During the day, try to avoid doing a lot and don’t be afraid to ask help from your partner, family, and friends.
Take a Lot of Walks
Exercise may be the last thing on your mind right now but it’s very important for many reasons. It helps you to keep a healthy weight so the baby is neither underweight or overweight. Walking is also known to help with the positioning of a baby so you have a normal delivery. No birth plan is ever going to turn out perfect but if you can take early steps that will increase your chances for safe delivery, you should absolutely do it.
Because of their link to birth defects, miscarriage, and other problems you should avoid tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs, and even solvents such as paint thinners and nail polish remover while pregnant. Smoking cigarettes, for example, decreases oxygen flow to your baby; it’s linked to preterm birth and other complications. If you can’t stop smoking, drinking, or using drugs, let your doctor know.
Perform Specific Exercises
There are certain exercises you can do to help make labor easier. There are pelvic floor exercises that strengthen the muscles in that area helping to support your uterus, bowels, and bladder. This will also help prevent incontinence after giving birth. When you have strong pelvic floor muscles, you’ll find that they recover quickly after you give birth.
Another exercise you should do is squats. They’re great for strengthening your legs which you’ll need to use when in labor. Studies have shown that keeping an upright position helps the baby to move along. It may also be helpful should you decide to have a squatting birth.
Avoid Stress
Stay away from anything that can cause your stress whether it’s the news, a toxic person, or an event. What you feel, the baby will also feel. If you’re stressed, it may impact your baby’s brain development and immune system.
Some stressors cannot be avoided such as a death in the family, a calamity, or depression. However, there are steps you can take to manage it. Talking to a trusted friend, getting support from your family, eating healthy, getting plenty of sleep and exercise, doing relaxing activities like yoga and meditation are all helpful things you can do to reduce stress during pregnancy.
Pamper Yourself
Pregnancy is a wonderful thing but you’re also limited in many aspects from the food you can eat to the physical activities you can do. This can be a real downer. However, you can make up for it by pampering yourself. Now maybe the perfect time to go on that babymoon with your spouse or have brunch with your closest friends. Maybe a day at the spa? You can still be happy throughout your pregnancy even if the symptoms cause you to feel otherwise.
Which of these tips are you going to try? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
