Essential Self Care Practices During Pregnancy

Dear Women, I know pregnancy may not be enjoyable sometimes due to stress, muscle aches, mood sings and a lot, this can take a toll on your health, both physically and mentally. Having a Self Care practice during pregnancy is one of the best ways to stay healthy, cause a healthy mom they say equals a healthy baby. Here’s five (5) Self Care Practices you can do to stay healthy and reduce stress.

Exercise
one of the ways to stay healthy and reduce stress as a pregnant mom is by exercising, I am not talking of strenuous exercises that can put you in danger no, but simple exercises such as walking, yoga, strength training and water workouts. These exercises are good because they help ease some discomforts such as back pain, swollen feet and constipation. Exercises are also good during pregnancy because they help reduce some pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia, these conditions can increase the risk of having pregnancy complications like premature birth.

Dieting
To maintain a healthy pregnancy, it is important to maintain a balanced diet so as to gain weight in healthy way and stay fit. Ensure you consume a balanced diet that includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and proteins. Essential nutrients such as Calcium, Vitamin D, Folic acid and Irons are needed both for the sake of the baby. However, it is important to note that before dieting, you should consult your health care provider or a dietician so that they can provide you with the necessary information on foods you should avoid and not avoid in order to to stay healthy.

Relaxation
Pregnancy can be overwhelming and affect the mood, one way to avoid stress is to take breaks, take out time to relax. This can be done by engaging in therapeutic activities you enjoy, such as drawing, painting and knitting. Also outdoor activities are encouraged as they help you relax, activities such as picincs, going to the movies and sightseeing. It is also important to get enough rest and sleep, supportive pillows or a pregnancy pillow Is advised in order to find comfortable sleeping positions.

Connect With Your Baby
As unsure as this sound, one self care practice during pregnancy is by forming a bond with the baby, this is therapeutic and helps elevates mood. You can engage in talking to the baby, reading to the baby or singing to the baby. Research have shown that babies can hear and recognise voices from the womb and it forms a foundation for communication. Also, create physical contact with the baby, this can be by gently caressing the belly, it helps you relax and creates a sense of closeness to the baby.

Seek Help and Support
As stated, pregnancy can be overwhelming and tedious, it is very important to build a strong support network, this is because you have a fair share of questions and anxieties, seeking help and support will help you ease this anxiety. Join a prenatal class, these classes often cover various aspects of pregnancy, childbirth and caring for the child. If you’re experiencing significant anxiety, mood swings and emotional distress, it is important to seek professional help. Pregnancy is unique, and seeking help can help you make the journey smooth and enjoyable.

In conclusion, taking care of yourself during pregnancy is not selfish, itnis very important, practising thssd self care strategies will help you have a smooth journey, it would also help your physical and emotional well-being.