Self-Care While Pregnant

Pregnancy can be the most beautiful experience – and also an incredibly stressful one! Even if this is your second, third or fourth baby there is always something new about the way your body changes during pregnancy. The physical symptoms of pregnancy can quite literally affect every part of your body. Not only is this hard on your body but it can also be emotionally and mentally exhausting. Couple that with all of the information you’re trying to take in as well as the advice people are handing out left and right and you can quickly find yourself overwhelmed. Don’t stress, mama. This is a special time in your life and one that you should take time to cherish. Part of that process means caring for yourself. Too often, women view self-care as being self-indulgent. We’re here to help change your perspective on that. Taking time to care for yourself mentally and physically is not only necessary but it should be a priority, especially during pregnancy. Take the time now to get in the habit of good self-care so that when baby arrives, life is easier to balance.  

Take Time to Rest

We know, easier said than done right? Between work and family obligations there is barely enough time to accomplish daily living tasks, let alone find time to rest. But growing a human is hard work and your body needs the extra recovery time. Resting doesn’t mean you need a full-blown nap session (although take it if you can get it). Even 20 quiet minutes with your feet up and your eyes closed can make a huge difference in your day. The added benefit of resting is not only that you’ll physically feel better but that it gives you time to mentally recharge as well. So before you start scrolling through your phone or trying to find a new show on Netflix remind yourself that those 20 extra minutes could be used for some much needed rest.

Stay Active

Staying active seems to be one of the most difficult aspects of self-care for pregnant women to work in to their routine. During the first trimester, nausea and fatigue can be completely overwhelming and by the time those symptoms subside your bump is too big be able to comfortably exercise. Instead of defining activity as vigorous exercise think of it in terms of movement. Just keep moving. You don’t have to run a marathon just keep your body moving every day. This can be a great opportunity to spend time as a family too. Take the kids on a walk or a bike ride or use the time to walk around the neighborhood with your partner and catch up on each other’s days. Even light exercise releases endorphins in your brain which are mood boosters. You’ll feel better and research shows that moms who stay active tend to have shorter labors and easier recoveries as well.

Avoid Overload

Technology has been such a huge advancement in today’s society. As with anything, with the good can sometimes come the bad. In an era when anything we want to know is literally at our fingertips, it can be easy to go into information overload. Staying informed is always a good thing. However, the internet isn’t always the best place for credible information. First things first – if you have any concerns about your pregnancy you should always consult your doctor. But if you find that going online to read reviews about baby products or to get advice from other moms is helpful, then do it – just do it in moderation. You can drive yourself crazy trying to read everything there is to know and do everything “right.” Set a limit for yourself about how long you’ll spend consuming information. Be confident that when it comes down to it, you have the resources within you to be a good parent.

Don’t Play the Comparison Game

Technology can be the villain in this game as well. Every parent’s social media account and blog is full of the best moments of their days. The fun activities, the expensive baby gear, their “perfect” post-baby bodies and their organic, home-cooked meals. Be kind to yourself. Don’t fall into the trap of comparing yourself to other moms. You are enough and what you do is good enough. If you don’t have the same financial means as another mom or the same access to childcare or the same ideal work schedule – it’s ok. The moments you see of another mom’s life are rarely the messy ones. And we promise – they don’t have it together either. Find your routine and what works for your family and go with it.

Pamper Yourself

It’s so easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and the whirlwind of pregnancy, but please don’t forget to pamper yourself. You don’t have to do anything extreme or expensive. Just take a few minutes everyday to do something for you. Take a bath, use a facial mask, light some candles, paint your toes (if you can still reach them) and enjoy this time in your life. Here at Mambino, we have severalproducts to help you pamper yourself. Made with safe, all-natural ingredients they are safe for both you and baby.

Pregnancy might feel like it’s never ending for you but once baby is here you’ll be surprised at how quickly the time goes. It’s never too late to develop self-care habits whether you’re 9 weeks or 9 months along. Enjoy the journey, mama.