It's spring, and you're expecting a baby! The upcoming months hold many exciting possibilities for you. It’s also normal to feel overwhelmed and wondering what practical steps you should take to make sure your pregnancy is healthy, joyful, and stress-free.
With just the right combination of self-care and expert advice, the coming months will be filled with pride and anticipation. Here are some of our top tips for making sure that your pregnancy is as enjoyable as it can be.
Getting the Right Nutrition During Pregnancy
If you’re expecting a baby this spring, then nourishing your body is absolutely essential. Eating the right food during pregnancy will help to not only keep you healthy and vibrant, but also promote the healthy development of your baby.
Getting the right nutrition doesn't have to be complicated. All it takes is following a few basic tips:
- Reach for nutrient-rich foods like lean protein, complex carbs, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Get plenty of essential vitamins and minerals through fortified cereals, milk, or vitamin supplements.
- Have wholesome snacks as part of your meal plan such as yogurt or nuts to keep hunger at bay between meals.
- Drink plenty of water each day to ensure adequate hydration. Your body needs it now more than ever!
You can set yourself up for a healthy and happy spring pregnancy with just a few adjustments to your daily routine and the foods you choose to eat.
Exercise Tips for Pregnant Women
When you're pregnant, it can be difficult to maintain an active lifestyle, but doing something you enjoy can greatly help. Fortunately, spring offers a plethora of opportunities for mental and physical well-being. Here are some great exercises to consider:
- Yoga - This combination of stretching and deep breathing helps maintain strong muscles and flexibility, while promoting mindful awareness of your body.
- Swimming - The perfect exercise for pregnant women, the combination of buoyancy and low impact makes this a great option for prenatal health. Perfect for the warm days of spring!
- Pilates - Combining controlled movements with a focus on core strength and posture, Pilates can be modified to fit any stage of pregnancy.
- Walking - There’s no substitute for a walk around the park on a sunny day. Taking walks is an accessible activity that many pregnant women can safely do with minimal planning or equipment needed.
No matter what exercises you choose, always make sure you check with your doctor before starting any new activity during pregnancy. But aside from that, take advantage of the pleasant weather this season to get a little bit more active!
Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
Being pregnant can magnify the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Here are some ways to take care of yourself this spring, including suggestions for how to eat healthily and increase your physical activity, both of which can have a significant impact on your energy and well-being.
Stay active
Exercise is important for everyone, but it’s especially essential during pregnancy because it helps your body cope better during labor and delivery. Plus, regular physical activity can help reduce common pregnancy discomforts like backaches and swelling. When you’re pregnant you should aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity each week; walking or swimming are great ways to stay active without overdoing it!
Eat a balanced diet
Making sure you’re eating a balanced diet is essential for your baby’s development, but also for keeping your own energy levels up throughout the day. Try mixing up your meals with different foods from all the food groups: lean protein like chicken or beef; complex carbohydrates like brown rice and quinoa; plenty of fruits and veggies; and some dairy products or alternatives such as fortified almond milk. Don’t forget to hydrate properly too; water should always be your number one choice!
Taking care of yourself during pregnancy doesn’t have to be difficult if you keep these basic tips in mind. Stay active in a way that suits you best, fuel your body with nutritional foods, and stay well-hydrated.
Managing Stress During Pregnancy
When you're pregnant, it's important to have a good handle on your stress level. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to cope with stress during pregnancy this springtime.
Exercise
Physical activity can be a great way to manage stress. Just make sure whatever you do is safe for both you and your growing baby. As mentioned, low-impact activities like walking, yoga and swimming are great options that won't put too much strain on your body.
Talk it out
It's okay not to be okay! You may find it helpful to speak with a mental health professional or therapist regarding any worries or anxieties that come up. Many healthcare providers have telehealth sessions available so you can keep your appointment from the comfort of your own home if need be. When you're emotionally struggling, even a close friend or partner can make a difference.
Practice self-care
Treat yourself kindly and take some time for yourself each day. Whether that is taking baths, listening to music, going on nature walks or whatever else works for you, do what feels right so that you can stay relaxed and centered in the midst of everything else going on in your life right now.
Ways to Stay Connected With Family and Friends
There's no denying that connecting with family and friends while pregnant can make all the difference to your experience. So, what can you do to nurture those relationships, especially for pregnant women who need to stay home? Here are a few ideas:
Facetime or Video Calls
No one ever said that a call has to be boring. Pick up the phone, set up a video call, and get the whole family laughing. Believe it or not, you can even play games over video chat!
Mail Surprises
Send your loved ones cards with little notes inside, so they know you are thinking of them. You could even send a package of goodies and treats they may need or enjoy..
Write Letters
If your family and friends don't have time for video chats, write letters in old-fashioned style! When you're carrying a baby, writing letters is an especially meaningful way to stay connected with your loved ones as they'll be treasured for years to come.
Keep Active While Staying at Home
You know that exercise is important during pregnancy, but it's especially hard to stay active while stuck at home. This springtime, don't let that stop you! Remaining active can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. It can also improve your energy levels and sleep quality, boost your self-esteem and keep your body in shape for childbirth.
Low-Impact Forms of Exercise
Thankfully, there are plenty of low-impact forms of exercise you can do from home. Walking in place and swimming are great options that not only get you moving but also make for an enjoyable activity even if you’re at home. Yoga is another good choice with many poses designed specifically for pregnant women.
Get Creative
Of course, if those activities don’t sound appealing to you or you need a change of pace every now and then, there are plenty of creative ways to stay active. Why not take up a new hobby or learn how to dance? Or just stick to some basic stretching and strengthening exercises as these can easily be done without any special equipment or even getting out of your house.
Conclusion
Pregnancy can be a time of great joy and excitement, but it can also be a source of stress and anxiety. Thankfully, with a few simple tips and some simple lifestyle changes, you can make your pregnancy a more enjoyable and stimulating journey. From going outdoors to enjoy the beauty of springtime to focusing on self-care, and from increasing your intake of fresh, healthy foods to seeking out supportive, knowledgeable health professionals, there are lots of ways to keep positive and enjoy your pregnancy. By taking the time to nurture yourself and your baby, you can be sure of a happy and healthy pregnancy this spring.