Are you looking for some self-care ideas for pregnant moms?
Are you feeling a little overwhelmed with the pregnancy and not sure how to start looking after yourself and your baby?
Whether it’s your first pregnancy or your fourth, self-care is so important.
I remember feeling exhausted every day during both my pregnancies and it was hard to find the energy to take care of myself, let alone my family.
But I knew that if I didn’t take care of myself, I wouldn’t be able to take care of my baby the way I wanted to.
It’s easy to forget about self-care when you’re focused on everything else that’s going on, but trust me, it’s so important.
In nine months, your bundle of joy is going to come along and you’ll want to devote all your time and attention to him/ her. So before the baby arrives, take some time for yourself and try out these self-care tips for pregnant moms.
Important Self-Care Tips for Pregnant Moms
- Get plenty of rest
- Eat healthy foods
- Stay hydrated
- Get some exercise
- Take breaks during the day
- Connect with other moms
- Get enough sleep
- Schedule a prenatal massage
- Record your feelings down in a journal
- Practice self-compassion
10 Self-Care Tips for Pregnant Moms
Pregnancy is a special time when you need to take extra care of yourself. Here are 10 self-care tips for pregnant moms that will help you stay healthy and happy during your pregnancy:
1. Get plenty of rest
Pregnancy can be exhausting, so make sure to get plenty of rest. Take naps when you can and go to bed early if you’re feeling tired.
Our bodies are working hard to create new life, so it’s important to listen to our bodies and give it the rest it needs.
I used to get tired and sleepy throughout the day. It didn’t help that I had a full-time job!
I even felt drowsy while driving. Thinking back, it was so dangerous.
So take care of yourself and get enough rest. It’s important for your health and the health of your baby.
2. Eat healthy foods
Eating nutritious foods will help you feel your best during pregnancy. Be sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and limit processed and sugary foods as much as possible.
I had such a hard time during both my pregnancies because I struggled with gestational diabetes. So I had to really watch my diet and control my sugar and carb intake.
But even if you have a normal pregnancy, eating healthy foods is still important as a form of self-care. It will help you have more energy and feel less sluggish.
It’s also not true when people say that you have to eat for two.
In fact, during the first trimester, you don’t need to consume any extra calories at all!
And even in the late third trimester, all you need is an extra 450 calories a day. So please don’t overindulge just because you’re pregnant!
3. Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is crucial during pregnancy. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
You can also drink fruit juices and herbal teas, but be sure to limit your intake of caffeinated beverages.
I remember being so thirsty all the time when I was pregnant. I would drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, and even then I would still feel thirsty.
So if you’re feeling thirsty, make sure to drink some water right away. Dehydration can be dangerous for both you and your baby.
If water tastes too bland, try adding some fruit slices or mint leaves to give it flavor.
4. Get some exercise
Exercise is essential for both your physical and mental health.
It can help boost your energy levels, relieve stress, and improve your mood. Just be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise routine.
It’s really important to go easy on your body during the first trimester, especially if you haven’t been exercising regularly before pregnancy.
Start with some simple prenatal yoga or walking, and gradually increase the intensity as your pregnancy progresses.
There are also many free Youtube videos for prenatal workouts. I used them all throughout my pregnancy, especially with Olivia.
I can’t begin to tell you how much they helped me stay fit and sane during those 9 long months! And they definitely helped prepare me for delivery by building my strength and stamina. I really recommend exercise as a self-care for all pregnant moms.
5. Take breaks during the day
Pregnancy can be overwhelming, so make sure to take some time for yourself during the day.
Take a few minutes to relax and unwind, even if it’s just reading a book or taking a bath. You can also try pregnancy-safe relaxation techniques like prenatal yoga or aromatherapy.
When I got home from work, it was all I could do to keep myself from just collapsing on the couch.
But I knew that if I didn’t take some time for myself, I would quickly become overwhelmed and stressed out.
So even though it was sometimes hard to find the energy, I forced myself to take a break every day by meditating. And it made such a big difference in my mood and outlook on pregnancy.
Whatever it is that you enjoy doing, make some time for it every day.
6. Connect with other moms
Connecting with other moms-to-be can be a great way to reduce stress and anxiety during pregnancy. Just having someone to listen to you can be a great form of self-care for any pregnant mom.
Share your concerns and experiences with other moms or moms-to-be, and get advice and support from those who have been through it before.
I was so grateful to have a group of friends who were already moms and had been through pregnancy before.
They were able to answer all my questions and help me feel less alone during such a big transition in my life.
If you don’t have any existing mom friends, don’t worry. There are also many pregnancy support groups available, whether in person or online. Just find one that feels right for you and go from there.
7. Get enough sleep
Sleep is vital for both your physical and mental health, so make sure to get enough rest during pregnancy.
This can be easier said than done, especially in the later stages of pregnancy when it’s hard to get comfortable at night. But there are a few things you can do to improve your sleep quality.
First, try to establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible.
Second, create a relaxing bedtime routine to help you wind down before sleep.
And last, make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool – all things that can help promote better sleep.
That huge belly can really get in the way, I know. So make pillows your best friend and get as comfy as you can.
8. Schedule a prenatal massage
A prenatal massage can be a great way to reduce stress and tension during pregnancy.
Just make sure to find a qualified massage therapist who is experienced in working with pregnant women.
Prenatal massages are often done in a side-lying position, which is the safest position for both you and your baby.
I always looked forward to my prenatal massage appointments. It was such a relaxing and enjoyable experience, and I always felt so much better afterward.
Pregnancy can be so exhausting, what with all the extra weight you’re carrying around, the hormonal changes, and the elusive sleep at night. So a prenatal massage can be a real lifesaver and such a great way for self-care for pregnant moms!
If you can’t afford a professional massage, ask your partner or a friend to give you a gentle massage at home. Just make sure they avoid any pressure points on your lower back or legs.
9. Record your feelings down in a journal
Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a great way to reduce stress during pregnancy. It can help you process your emotions and make sense of everything that’s going on in your life right now.
You can write about anything that’s on your mind, from your fears and worries to happy moments and milestones.
I started journaling during my second pregnancy, and it was such a helpful way to deal with all the emotions that come up during pregnancy.
It was also a nice way to document my pregnancy journey and look back on everything that happened after my baby was born.
10. Practice self-compassion
Lastly, make sure to give yourself some grace and practice self-compassion during pregnancy.
This is not the time to be hard on yourself or strive for perfection. So cut yourself some slack, and remember that you are doing your best under challenging circumstances.
I know it can be easy to get caught up in everything that’s going on and forget to be kind to yourself. But pregnancy is a special time, so make sure to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally.
Practicing some self-care during pregnancy can be such a great habit to cultivate.
And when baby comes, you will already have a habit of self-care in place to avoid burnout.
For some self-care ideas after baby comes, take a look at this list I shared.
So go ahead and give yourself a little TLC during pregnancy! You – and your baby – will be glad you did.
Now, take a deep breath and relax. You’ve got this! And if you don’t have all the answers yet, that’s okay too.
There are millions of advice, some unsolicited, about how to take care of yourself during pregnancy. At the end of the day, you have to do what feels right for you and what works for your body.
But I hope these self-care tips will help you feel more relaxed, happy, and healthy during pregnancy. Congratulations on this amazing journey!
