Pregnancy Wellness: Tips for a Happy Nine Months

We all know that pregnancy is one of the most wonderful experiences of your life. The happiness, the excitement, the anticipation – all of these emotions swirl together and create a heady mix that is unique to the experience of pregnancy. Many women also genuinely enjoy the feeling of being pregnant in a physical sense; the utterly individual experience of feeling a baby kick is unlike anything else you will ever experience.

However, while pregnancy can be a true voyage of discovery and excitement, there is also no doubt that it can be something of a challenge too. It is, of course, entirely possible to be delighted and excited at the idea of motherhood and still struggle with the changes that pregnancy tends to cause – and, in particular, the discomfort that you may experience during those transforming 40 weeks.

If you are expecting – or plan to be in the near future – then ensuring optimal comfort and contentment during your pregnancy is well worth exploring. Read on for a number of pregnancy tips that could be just what you need to help you achieve this goal…

Avoid foods that can exacerbate heartburn

Heartburn is one of the most common pregnancy symptoms; it can last through all three trimesters and cause real distress for many pregnant women. This is the first time that I experienced heartburn.

To keep heartburn at bay during pregnancy, it’s wise to steer clear of certain foods that can trigger discomfort. Acidic items like citrus fruits and tomatoes, caffeinated drinks, spicy dishes, and high-fat foods like fried treats should be consumed sparingly, if at all.

Alcohol is also a no-go, both for heartburn and the baby’s health. Eating smaller meals, maintaining good posture after eating, and not lying down right after meals can also help manage symptoms. For natural relief, consider munching on almonds, ginger, or pineapple, and always consult with your healthcare provider for any concerns.

Stay active to reduce back pain

Back pain can be a real problem throughout pregnancy, as the weight of your bump places an unusually high amount of strain on the tendons and muscles of your lumbar region.

For decades, the medical profession believed that the best advice for the management of back pain was to rest – a few days spent in bed was generally prescribed, keep your feet up and let the area relax. However, modern advice has changed entirely, and now there is evidence that back pain can worsen through bed rest – and it’s far preferable to stay active.

As a result of this change in attitudes, it’s well worth considering a few gentle exercise options to help alleviate any back pain you are experiencing.

To alleviate back pain during pregnancy, a mix of gentle exercises can be quite beneficial. Engaging in the rhythmic motions of the Cat-Cow stretch can strengthen your core and enhance spinal flexibility, while walking offers a simple yet effective way to stay active. Swimming is particularly soothing as it supports your body and relieves pressure on the back. Stationary cycling is a safe alternative to maintaining fitness without the risk of falling. Prenatal yoga, with its tailored poses, can also help fortify your muscles and increase flexibility.

Always check with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen during pregnancy to ensure it’s safe for you and your baby.

Skin emollient that suits you

For expectant mums, one of the biggest surprises of pregnancy tends to be how their skin can change. Some find that their skin is more oily but the most common change is dryness, which can be extremely uncomfortable if left unchecked.

It’s therefore wise to find a skin emollient that suits you; there’s no “one size fits all” product that suits everyone during pregnancy. One way to keep the costs down when trying to find your perfect product is to only buy travel-sized containers while experimenting; you can then purchase the full-sized options when you’re confident that the product is suitable for you.

Consider “sea bands” for nausea

The idea that “sea bands” can be beneficial for nausea during pregnancy is largely thought to be a myth – but the evidence suggests otherwise. Studies have concluded that sea bands genuinely are an option for controlling nausea and vomiting throughout pregnancy, so it may be worth giving them a go if this is an area you are particularly struggling with.

Opt for a pregnancy pillow if you’re struggling to sleep

Sleep is so important during pregnancy, but sleep can also be genuinely hard to come by – largely due to physical discomfort. Thankfully, there is a solution: pregnancy pillows provide support for your entire body during sleep, and many expectant mums insist these pillows are an absolute must-have.

Someone to talk to

So far, we have focused on comfort and contentment in terms of physical aspects; these are undoubtedly important, and will usually dominate the thoughts of most expectant mums. However, it’s also important to be comfortable with your mental health – and this can be a particular challenge for expectant mums.

There is a societal expectation that all expectant mums are ecstatic and excited 100% of the time. However, this overlooks the fact that pregnancy can be difficult and that it is entirely natural to feel concerned about how your life is going to change when the baby has arrived.

You don’t have to feel delighted and blessed all the time, and you may find it useful to have someone to talk to who will validate the less-than-perfect feelings you may experience from time to time. This is especially true if you are among the at-risk groups for conditions such as antenatal depression.

Pregnancy can be lonely, but having someone to talk to – be it a friend, family member, or even a dedicated therapist – really can make all the difference to your mental health, contentment, and overall well-being.

In conclusion

Pregnancy is a wonderful time, but it also poses some issues to expectant mothers; issues that you are going to want to address. After all, if you follow the advice above to achieve a more happy and content pregnancy, you should be able to focus all the more on the excitement and anticipation that accompanies pregnancy. As you feel more comfortable you’ll be free to focus on the adventure that awaits you in the future. Good luck!