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This week Emma turns 17. I've been doing a lot of reflecting on how quickly the years have passed since her birth and thinking about what was going on with me during my pregnancy. There's a lot that I forget, but there's so much that you remember about being pregnant, especially the conflicting feelings of excitement and trepidation.
It's got me thinking of all the ways I managed my pregnancy and prepared for a life that would never be the same (in a good way, of course!) To make the most out of your time being pregnant and
preparing for your baby, you will have to start looking after number one. That would be YOU! Getting regular health checks, making sure that you get all
the extra vitamins and minerals your body needs to support the growing
life, and managing your hormonal balance and mental health are essentials to your well being during pregnancy. Here are a few other ways I handled the physical and mental changes of
preparing for a new baby.
1. Stay Active
One of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby is to stay shape and be healthy during pregnancy. After you have had a full checkup from your doctor, and you had the green light, try something new, such as yoga or tai chi. It is important that you don’t overdo exercise during the first trimester, and you always consult with a professional fitness coach for guidance. Some exercises are more suitable for pregnant women than others. Staying active is also a great way to increase the stamina you'll need for childbirth.
2. Support Your Body
It is also important that you support your body with the vitamins and
minerals it needs to nourish a growing baby. You will most likely need to take
supplements, but it is always best to change your diet to be more
nutritious by avoiding filling up on empty calories. Your iron and calcium levels might need to be monitored, as
well as your zinc and magnesium. You don’t want to feel exhausted throughout your pregnancy or deal with hormonal imbalance affecting your mood.
3. Know Your Body
It might also be time to
start listening to your body, so you can address its needs to the best of your abilities. You will have
to ensure that you are ok and your baby will be healthy. There are several
great technologies you can now use to reduce your anxiety and be certain
that everything is going fine about your pregnancy. You could check out the
digest essential info about Braxton Hicks to find out whether or not you are having early contractions, or your pain
is only triggered by the sudden movement of the baby.
4. Maintain Your Relationships
You should take care of your mental health, as well as your physical one,
when you are expecting. You might have read studies about the impact of
mothers’ anxiety on babies. Make time to nurture
your relationships, especially the one with your partner, and make sure
they are there for you and the baby a hundred percent all the way. Meet up with friends to grab a healthy breakfast and take a walk.
5. Be Prepared for a Shock
There are plenty of things
people will not tell you about becoming pregnant, and that means many changes both mentally and physically. There will be
things that will be more challenging for you than any experienced mothers
you know. This is OK, as you are unique, and your life is not the same as
anyone else’s.
Before you start panicking about being pregnant, remind yourself that
millions of women go through the same changes every year, and deal with the
challenges one by one.
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