Having a child can be one of the most interesting, terrifying and fulfilling experiences of a person’s life. That said, it can also be one of the most overwhelming things a woman experiences, especially if it is her first child. When you decide to become a parent, taking care of yourself should be first and foremost in your mind.
There are a number of things that can help you take care of your body during pregnancy. But when you are wrapped up in the flurry of activity that comes with preparing for a newborn, it can be easy to let these things fall by the wayside. However, it is important to remember that healthy babies start with healthy moms — both during pregnancy and after delivery.
Stay active
One of the first things you can do to prioritize your health is to stay active. If you already have a consistent exercise routine, be sure to keep it up. Most activities can be continued during pregnancy, but it is often recommended that a less strenuous exercise routine is best. Low-impact exercises are just as good for your mind as they are for your body.
Exercise has been proven to help produce endorphins and lower stress levels during pregnancy, which can give you a much-needed boost to combat all those warring hormones in your body. Regular low-impact exercise during pregnancy can help you prepare for labor, increase your physical stamina and even enhance your sleep.
Have a seat more often
Most of us are all too familiar with being busy. However, if you are pregnant, now is the time to enlist the help of family and friends and take a seat.
Pregnancy is notorious for causing varicose veins and swollen ankles, but sitting more often can help you avoid both of these things. Compression socks and putting your feet up while you are sitting can also help. Your body is going through significant changes — be sure to listen to it and pause when you need to.
Plan for the future
If you have had a child before, then you may have already been through all of this. However, planning for the future reality of a newborn is not cookie-cutter and will never be the same way twice. New books, new information and new ideas are coming out every day that may help you along your journey of both pregnancy and motherhood.
The nine months leading up to delivery is a perfect time to learn about your family’s genetic history and give you a better idea of what your baby may be like when they emerge into this world. Undergoing prenatal genetic screening can play an important part in planning for any future health issues that may arise as a result of genetic abnormalities.
You are at an exciting time in your life, and while it might seem like a whirlwind it is important to take care of yourself so that you can take care of your newborn baby.
Article written by Alicia Nicolson
This article was written by the guest author listed at the end of the article.