Pregnancy is an exciting time. It can also be completely, utterly exhausting!
We all know that self-care is important, at all stages of life, but during pregnancy it’s especially important to keep stress levels down to protect your health and the health of your baby. While pregnancy massages and spa days are blissful, the reality is you may not always have time for this level of pampering.
Here are 5 easy ways you can practice self-care during pregnancy – even with a busy schedule.
Self-care doesn’t have to take a long time. There are a few simple daily habits you can embrace to help you relax during pregnancy. Your daily routine could include:
Pregnancy can be a hectic time, balancing work, social commitments, family and other children. You’re probably also busy planning for the birth of your baby and getting everything ready for his/her arrival. Sometimes we all need is a reminder to pause.
It’s okay to take time to do nothing and take time to breathe. If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, taking a pause during your daily activities will help you relax.
Now is the time to nurture your body, inside and out. Eating healthy, nutritious food and taking care of your skin doesn’t take much time.
Eating the right food can help your mood, your energy levels and give your baby the nutrients it needs to grow. Fruits and vegetables are essential for providing the vitamins and minerals your body requires. The perfect pregnancy diet should be high in folate, iron, iodine and vitamin D. Also remember to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. If you feel like you need help managing your diet, it may be helpful to consult a dietitian. Sharnie Dwyer, Grace Private’s resident dietitian, can assist with diabetes during pregnancy, prenatal and postnatal nutrition, weight management and hormone balancing.
While you’re looking after your body from the inside, you can also take care of the outside. Many women choose to change to a more natural range of skin products during pregnancy. There are also many products specially designed to help with stretch marks and the changes your skin undergoes when you are pregnant.
The world is overflowing with information on what you should and shouldn’t do during pregnancy. When you add in the pressure of perfect imagery on social media, it can be a lot to take in while you are pregnant. Take time every week to unplug from your devices and disconnect from social media. Use this time to look after yourself and practice self-care.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, it’s important to check in with yourself. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause anxiety, mood swings and forgetfulness. Changes in your body can even affect your self esteem and self confidence. Speaking to a psychologist, like Grace’s Karen White and Kerryn Blunt, can help you overcome any challenges you are experiencing and any pre or post pregnancy concerns.
Never underestimate the importance of self-care during pregnancy. These simple practices can help you navigate your pregnancy journey with less stress, stay fit and healthy and ease your transition into motherhood.
To speak with any of the specialists at Grace Private, ‘ask for Grace’ next time you visit your GP.
