5 Ways to Practice Self Care During Pregnancy

Hormones, fatigue, nausea and changes to your body. The joys of pregnancy! These added stressors and challenges make self-care even more important during the long nine months.

Here’s our top 5 ways to practise self-care during this exciting (and sometimes taxing) time.As always, this information is meant only as general suggestions and is not specific advice. For medical advice, see your healthcare professional.

1. Sleep!

Keep up your much needed energy supplies by making sure you are getting enough z’s. Trust us when we say that you will thank yourself for it once bub arrives and you are feeding around the clock. To help you get a great night’s sleep:

• Put fresh sheets on your bed
• Block out any light including power buttons on electrical devices
• Meditate before falling asleep
• Write out a to-do list for the next door to get it out of your head and on to paper

1. Pamper yourself

You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars at a day spa to enjoy a bit of pampering. There’s lots of pampering you can do for yourself without even having to leave home. Taking time to relax can help you to feel calm and ready to face a busy week with your bump.

• Research homemade face masks
• Give yourself a manicure (or a pedicure if you can still reach!)
• Enjoy your thicker, shinier hair with a nourishing hair mask
• If all else fails, indulge in some online shopping for maternity clothes to make sure you rock your pregnancy body.

1. Exercise

It’s doesn’t take rocket science to see the link between exercise and improvement in your mental health. If you’ve been active before your pregnancy then there is no reason not to continue enjoying your exercise. If you are new to exercise, double check with your doctor to ensure you start slowly and safely. Here’s some exercise options that are popular with pregnant women.

• Yoga. Gentle and self-paced, yoga has the added bonus of training you to work on your breathing techniques too.
• Pilates
• Walking or running
• Swimming. The feeling of weightlessness can be a big relief in the last few months of your pregnancy.

1. Enjoy your favourite activities and pass times as much as possible. Not sure how to slow down and take time out for yourself? We have a few suggestions to help get the ball rolling for you.

• Visit your local library or book store and stock up on some escapism! Books are a great tool in getting you to sit down and take a break.
• Writing, drawing, mindful colouring; whatever you enjoy! Now is the time to prioritise these passion projects.
• Book in for a seminar or workshop to learn a new skill
• Organise a lady’s lunch and spend time with the people you love the most

1. Date nights with your partner

One thing is for sure, once bub arrives, your relationship is never quite the same again. Schedule in some time now to enjoy each other’s company or, better yet, take off for a baby moon before your new addition joins you.

• Have dinner at restaurants- choose venues that are not suitable for a newborn for extra points!
• Go and see a film together
• Head into the city to enjoy a live show or exhibition
• Take a walk together in nature and feel that stress melt away!

Grab your diary and start blocking out some time specifically for self-care. It’s a good habit to start during pregnancy as this skill will serve you well once you become a mum and you need regular time out!