The whole pregnancy process can be an overwhelming journey, regardless if it’s your first time or fourth time. As a mother, you want to ensure that your growing infant thrives to ensure you deliver them safely and at the right time. But besides attending regular prenatal check-ups for your baby, it’s also essential to look after yourself. Remember, the key to protecting your baby’s health is taking care of yourself.
And so, this article will share with you a few tips to promote your overall health and wellness to guarantee a sound pregnancy and a healthy baby. Here are six ways to enhance your wellness during pregnancy.
- Eat A Nutritious Diet
Now that you’re feeding two people, which is yourself and your baby, eating a nutritious diet has never been more crucial. Besides providing the necessary nutrients for your baby, you also need these nutrients to keep your body healthy and strong enough to deal with all the changes you’ll encounter during pregnancy. Generally, you’re required to eat 300 extra calories each day. Otherwise, when you’re too skinny, your baby will grow malnourished, and your body will have difficulty handling the labour and delivery process.
So, fill your diet with nutritious food, including:
- Colourful fruits
- Vegetables
- Low-fat dairy products
- Lean meat
- Whole-grain bread
In contrast, there are certain foods you should avoid, such as:
- Raw or rare meats
- Unpasteurized milk
- Raw eggs, sushi, liver
Some of these foods can cause food poisoning and can harm your baby’s health and growth.
- Get A Massage
As much as you love the idea of carrying your baby close to you in your womb, you can’t deny the fact that pregnancy can be physically tiring and exhausting. After all, you’re carrying a tiny human being in your tummy with their weight. And so, there’ll be days when you experience back pains and aches around your thighs, groin, and abdomen. One way to relieve these body pains and enhance your wellness is by simply getting a massage.
Prenatal massage therapy is known for its benefits, such as improved relaxation, relief of muscle tension, and a better sense of wellness. However, not all massaging techniques are recommended for pregnant women as some might trigger contractions and premature labour. Thus, consulting an expert and professional prenatal massage therapist is advised. So, check out some massage clinics in your areas like Brixton Massage Therapy Centre, or other massage services specializing in pregnant women.
- Take Your Prenatal Vitamins Daily
Along with your healthy diet, it’s also recommended that you take your prenatal vitamins daily. Your prenatal vitamins will help your body get the right amount of nutrients, especially if you don’t always get the required nutrients from the food you eat. Your doctor will likely prescribe you a prenatal supplement suitable for your body and condition.
Prenatal supplements contain calcium, iron, and folic acid, all needed for a healthy pregnancy. However, remember that prenatal vitamins don’t mean you have an excuse not to eat healthy foods. Prenatal vitamins will only supplement your diet and not work as the primary source of your body’s nutrients.
- Engage In Relaxing Activities
It’s natural to feel easily stressed and anxious when you’re pregnant, which is often due to the hormonal changes your body’s going through. To enhance your wellness during pregnancy, you must also look out for your mental well-being to help relieve stress. So, as much as possible, make time to engage in relaxing activities, like:
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Journaling
- Talking to someone close to you
- Taking a restful nap
- Reading
Besides reducing stress, engaging in relaxing activities during your pregnancy may help control your anxiety, improve your self-awareness, decrease blood pressure, and promote an optimistic outlook in life. Overall, these benefits will result in a healthier and happier pregnancy.
- Explore New Hobbies
While waiting for your baby’s birth, you can use this time to explore new hobbies. Starting any hobby during pregnancy can also be your form of relaxation and help take your mind off stressful thoughts. Plus, doing your hobby is good for your mind and heart. Some of the best low-energy hobbies you can try at home while pregnant are:
- Knitting
- Painting/Colouring
- Learning a new musical instrument
- Photography
- Scrapbooking
Doing your favourite hobby will help you relax, which is good for you and your baby’s health. Hobbies are also an excellent way to pass the time, especially if you’re feeling too tired or bored from being always stuck at home.
- Stay Active
Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you should refrain from exercising unless your doctor specifically restricts it due to complications or illnesses. Exercising regularly can help improve your health and wellness during pregnancy. So, make time to exercise daily. You can check with your doctor to see if you’re physically healthy to perform exercises. They can also recommend which exercises are right for you.
Key Takeaway
From the instant you learn you’re pregnant up to your baby’s delivery, it’s vital to pay attention to your health and wellness and take care of yourself. So, ensure to take these tips in mind and remember that when you’re at your best and healthy self, you’ll be more than capable of taking care of your baby.
