Pregnancy is such an exciting time for a family but unfortunately it isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. It’s important to make time for yourself along the journey and practice self-care. Not only is your wellbeing crucial for a healthy pregnancy but it will also help you keep sane during those harder days/weeks/months. Here are our top tips on how to practice self-care when you are busy growing your mini human.
- Press Pause!
During pregnancy, it is important for you to set boundaries with yourself and others. You still need time for you! Take time out of the day to rest and rebuild. It takes a lot of strength and work to grow a human. Make sure to listen to your body when it needs rest. Whether it’s having that nana nap or making a nice cup of tea and putting your feet up, you do you!
- Enjoy the outdoors!
Being outdoors can help lower cortisol levels and calm the mind during pregnancy, so whether it is walking through nature or doing some yoga or meditation in the backyard, spending time outside and breathing in the fresh air is a great way to self-care.
It is also important for a mum-to-be to get your daily vitamin D intake! There is nothing quite like being out in the fresh air, whilst taking a moment for yourself. BUT… make sure you wear your sunscreen beauty!
- Keep it movin’ mumma!
There are many ways during pregnancy to stay active, safely. Whether you like being alone or taking part in a group activity, there are so many options out there for you to move your body and get that blood pumping.
Attending prenatal yoga classes, swimming, and water aerobics are all considered safe for pregnancy. Getting out and about, even for 20 minutes a day, can help improve your overall wellbeing. Of course, make sure to ask your doctor or medical professional if they have any concerns with exercising during your pregnancy.
- Don’t ignore your skincare routine!
As you know, some lucky mothers get the oh so perfect “pregnancy glow”! However, it is key to know that not all our mummas out there experience this magical skin glow. It is very common for pregnancy to actually play tricks on your hormones that effect your skin in a not so positive way (for more information on pregnancy skin – read our blog on ‘Five ways your skin can change during pregnancy’). Therefore, it is important during pregnancy to have a solid skincare routine – using pregnancy suitable skincare products.
When developing your pregnancy skincare regime, make sure you steer clear of products that contain synthetic parabens, petrochemicals sulphates and phthalates as they can be harmful to you and your growing bub.
Struggling to know exactly what skincare products are “pregnancy safe”? Let us help you, read a fellow mum-to-be’s pregnancy skincare journey here which may help you find the skincare products that are right for you and your pregnancy.
P.S. A FAB pregnancy self-care staple is popping on a Bohemian Skin Facial Mask, brewing your favourite tea and jumping into a relaxing bubble bath. Enjoy your relaxing bath while the face mask shows your face some love!
- Stay nourished and you and your baby will flourish!
Eating a range of colourful foods every day is important for your baby to receive a range of vitamins and minerals as they grow and develop. Try focusing on eating foods high in protein and healthy fats. Avoid foods that are low in carbohydrates, sugars and trans fats. Some women find eating smaller potions at a higher frequency helps them lessen the severity of morning sickness.
Everyone is different and every pregnancy is different, so of course, talk to a health professional for recommendations that are suitable for you
You are super woman, but remember, growing a human/s is really hard work! Make sure you are listening to your body and practicing self-care.