Health and wellness tips during pregnancy
Congratulations, soon-to-be mama! Now that your body is caring for another, albeit very tiny, human, it's important to focus on your health and wellness. From nutrition to skincare, prenatal well-being goes beyond giving up alcohol for nine months.
Keep these tips in mind for a happy and healthy pregnancy:
Food for two
A proper diet is important for how you're feeling, as well as how your little one is developing. Wellness Mama offered suggestions for foods to focus on eating during pregnancy, including plenty of protein, fats, vegetables and fruit. No more low-fat, reduced-calorie meals! However, you can focus on healthier sources of fats and proteins, such as red meats, eggs and olive oil. Make sure you're drinking plenty of water, and avoid too much caffeine or sugary drinks.
Safe exercise
You should absolutely keep up your workout routine during your pregnancy, but you may need to make some changes to keep your baby's health in mind. The American Pregnancy Association recommended about 30 minutes of exercise a day, such as walking, light jogging and swimming. When you get your heart pumping, the Association suggests the talking rule: Keep the intensity at a level where you can comfortably hold a conversation. Yoga will also likely become your best friend during your pregnancy because it doubles as a strengthening routine and a relaxing, low-stress exercise. Look up prenatal yoga, stretching or aerobic exercise videos online to guide you through the proper moves.
Mom's self-care routine
The better you feel, the happier your baby will be. Make sure you take time to relax at home with a bubble bath or maintain your skincare routine to look and feel your best as your body changes. Here's a complete pregnancy skincare guide from Harper's Bazaar to help you tackle the changes in your complexion. Don't feel guilty about taking naps if you're tired, and avoid greasy or spicy foods to prevent morning sickness. Plus, go easy on yourself - you're allowed to feel moody! Figure out what helps you relax and de-stress, whether it's meditating, calling your mom or curling up on the couch with your favorite guilty pleasure entertainment for some much-needed alone time.
Of course, make sure you're attending all of your prenatal care checkups and discuss any concerns you have with your doctor during those appointments. As long as your mindful of what you're eating, when you're moving and how you're taking care of yourself, you'll be well on your way to a safe and healthy prenatal experience.
