How to keep sane and stay healthy during pregnancy

Pregnancy is quite a journey. For many of us it resembles a rollar-coaster ride, full of exhilarating highs and sudden, plummeting lows. As society bombards us with glossy celebrity bumps, the likes of Angelina Jolie for instance, who blossoms with her growing belly, woman are often expected - or expect themselves - to blissfully cruise through the nine months without so much as a wrinkle or a grumble.

In truth the reality can be vastly different. Every woman experiences pregnancy differently and bodies react in different ways. It can be hugely demanding, both on the body and mental spirit. It can however, be an incredible journey, full of wonderful moments only experienced by a mother carrying her unborn child. In order to get the most out your pregnancy, let go of unrealistic expectations and perceptions of how things should be. Forget pointless comparisons amongst other women and tune into your body and allow instinct and awareness to guide you through your pregnancy.

There are a few things you can take onboard to help level out those peaks and troughs. Here are just a few of those to help you keep sane and stay healthy during your pregnancy:

1.  Sleep!!! Make the most of it because chances are, it may soon become a distant hazy memory of the past!!

2.  Be honest - with your self and those around you. You need to recognise when you need time out - your limits will not be the same as they were before you were pregnant. It can be hard adjusting to this. What may have been a standard schedule for you before may now be too much. Avoid falling into the trap of feeling as though you HAVE to be on form. You will have days.

3.  Stay active. Although taking on a new intensive fitness routine is NOT the option. Generally you should be able to maintain the same level of activity as you would usually be doing, although as you progress through the pregnancy, some adjustments will be necessary. Swimming, walking and yoga are ideal. Keeping active is important for circulation, mental sanity (!) and may help sleep problems also. It should NOT be looked on as a chaser for the weight gain which is natural & necessary for a healthy pregnancy.

4.  A healthy diet. Eating a well balanced & varied diet is essential for your babies development. Try to avoid high fat, high sugar foods, and use this as an opportunity to make healthy meals a daily habit. Folic acid is particularly important during the first trimester. Ask your doctor for a supplement. Some other important daily dietary requirements include iron, calcium, omega oils (either by eating fish or a supplement), plenty of fresh fruit & veges and wholegrains.

5.  Talk to your partner, family or friends. The journey taken during pregnancy is full of up's and down's and all kinds of mixed emotions. Share your fears and anxieties - drop the high expectations of yourself and allow yourself to be vulnerable. It is important to involve your partner too - he is also on this journey and will be dealing with anxieties of his own.

6.  Take charge of your pregnancy. Ask questions, read books, speak to other mum's. This is YOUR baby & YOUR pregnancy. It's a hugely important time and for most of us first timers, a massive life change.

For all the body changes & limitations & volatile emotions, it is an incredible privilege to have a child and pregnancy is the beginning of an unconditional bond between you and your baby. With all the trials a pregnancy can bring, it is also an incredibly wonderful experience to be savored and enjoyed.

Enjoy the read? Check out my other article on the importance of nutrition during pregnancy.

published 3 years ago

schmeidi

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