Pregnancy is a beautiful time of physical, mental and spiritual growth. Nurturing a new little being is at once taxing yet invigorating. As any experienced mother can attest, the effects of hormonal changes during this special time of life can truly take you for a ride.
This is to say nothing of the anticipation of the birthing process, the actual birth and the tender days of having a brand new infant to care for while recuperating from the maternity process yourself.
The best thing we can do for ourselves and our babies during pregnancy is stay healthy.
With so many factors to consider, many women wear themselves ragged just trying to control each aspect of their pregnancy. However, truth be told, women have been carrying children and giving birth throughout history. There really is no special secret to making it easier. What we can do is curl up in our maternity pyjamas and enjoy the process.
The best thing we can do for ourselves and our babies during pregnancy is stay healthy. By nourishing our bodies and minds from within we will not only feel better, have a faster recovery and have more energy to take care of our new-borns, we may just experience that coveted, all-encompassing pregnancy glow.
Having a healthy pregnancy is actually rather simple. It involves stepping up our daily efforts, and focusing on our needs during this time. If you’re not normally ‘healthy’ or ‘active’, there’s never been a better time to start.
Nourish your Body Properly
Yes, you will give in to certain cravings for chocolate, salty snacks or strange combinations of food. However, pregnancy is a time to make sure you sub whole grains for white bread, eat as many ripe fruits and veggies as possible and get your daily intake of calcium and folic acid. A great ante-natal vitamin will help you get the proper nutrients, but your diet really should be focused on maximum nutrition from whole foods. Leave processed, packaged items behind and take this opportunity to eat well.
Honour this Time
Pay special attention to how you are feeling and allow yourself to experience every moment to the fullest. You may want to keep a pregnancy journal, document your journey on video, or blog about your maternity sentiments.
Honour this special time by enhancing your life with maternity-specific foods or items of clothing; make a ritual out of caring for yourself as a mother-to-be. This can include purchasing special teas for drinking during pregnancy, a beautiful dress or a pair of soft, comfortable maternity pyjamas to help you get a good night’s rest.
Keep Moving: Gentle exercise during pregnancy will boost your energy levels
Gentle exercise during pregnancy will boost your energy levels, help with digestion and help prepare your body for giving birth. Try to walk, swim or do yoga for at least 30 minutes per day. Any exercise that carries no risk of falling or impact to your baby bump is fine. If you’d like to practise more rigorous exercise, be sure to consult with your doctor or midwife beforehand.
