How to Have a Relaxing and Comfortable Pregnancy
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In this post we’ll talk about the best ways to relax and what products I recommend for your most comfortable and enjoyable pregnancy.
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Hey Mama! You may have noticed by now I am all about finding a way to enjoy everything, relax and bring comfort to every day. Pregnancy was a huge catalyst for me finding new ways of taking care of my mental health, things I enjoy to relax, and of course I found a way to be comfy! So welcome to my guide on achieving a relaxing and comfortable pregnancy! Pregnancy is a journey; I know you’ve heard this before! It is exciting, scary, and all around mysterious at times. So, it's also a time that can be physically and emotionally challenging. Taking care of yourself is not just important—it's crucial for both you and your baby's well-being.
#1. Creating a Supportive Environment
The first step to a relaxing pregnancy is creating a supportive environment. Start by setting up a comfortable space at home. Consider investing in ergonomic pregnancy accessories. I got a cozy supportive pregnancy pillow right away my first pregnancy, and even used it postpartum for a while, and was so excited to whip it out again with this new baby! I was also gifted a support wedge for my belly, and often alternated to whichever felt best in that moment or even used both at times! A good pregnancy pillow improves sleep quality by providing optimal support for your changing body. For me, scent plays a huge role in setting the mood for my life. Candles and essential oils can be very calming. Create a relaxing atmosphere with an aroma diffuser to relax at the end of the day during a bath, before bed, or while you do your birth prep! Quick tip: You can use essential oils during labor by placing some on cotton balls in a plastic baggy to take to the hospital. Most settings won’t let you bring your diffuser, and this is an easy hack. Definitely do this if you find they relaxed you a lot during your preparation. I also posted birth affirmations all over my apartment early on to work on my mantras!
For a printable hospital checklist, birth affirmations check out my new mom bundle!
Additionally, having a supportive partner and network of friends and family can significantly ease the journey ahead. I know you started by telling your closest friends and family, and that’s just the start of starting your support team. I suggest also finding a due date group on facebook, as this helps find relatable women going through the same thing as you real time! A big tip for facebook groups that many don’t know is that you can search the group for questions if you’re not the type to air your own business, because you’ll find many moms probably have the same concerns as you do!
#2. Relaxation Techniques
During pregnancy, stress management is key. Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises. These techniques not only help you relax but also reduce anxiety and promote emotional balance, essential for a smooth pregnancy experience. These practices will serve you during labor and delivery, and beyond as well! Another supportive habit to get into is to start a pregnancy journal. Here’s a great journal for the expecting mother! I find journaling to be an extremely therapeutic outlet where you can check in with yourself, and in this case, it can also serve as a joyful memory keeper for all of your new experiences. Just set the journal on your pregnancy pillow in the morning to remind yourself when you go to bed to make an entry!
#3. Physical Comfort
Pregnancy often comes with physical discomforts like back pain, swollen feet, and nausea. To manage these issues, consider using products designed for pregnancy comfort. A maternity support belt can provide relief for back pain, while compression socks can alleviate swelling. Investing in a quality pregnancy body pillow can also enhance your sleep quality by supporting your growing belly and reducing pressure on your back. I also got this stretch mark lotion to ease the stretching of my skin and I just covered my whole body with it daily! It was a relaxing part of my routine, and I even got my husband involved in rubbing it on my belly from time to time when I was having a particularly uncomfortable day. It was a very relaxing part of my pregnancy. Another thing to think about is your feet. Along with all of the changes our bodies endure, the pressure means our feet have the potential to grow in size during pregnancy, and not just from swelling. Weight Gain, hormonal changes, fluid retention, arch changes, and postural changes all contribute to the change in foot size. Some women even have permanent changes. To combat a few of these things, I bought a brand-new pair of supportive shoes for both pregnancies to support my tired feet and my back. These HOKA clifton 9 are my current favorites, and they are absolutely lifesaving! I have never worn a more comfortable shoe; it feels like I’m walking on clouds!
#4. Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can feel even more important during pregnancy, and honestly it is. I worked for years to build good habits and routinely exercise, and maybe that’s not where everyone starts, but even pregnant I had a hard time finding a way to maintain that. In my experience that trimester can often kick our butts, I was so exhausted, it made it hard to find the energy to work out. It’s important to maintain realistic expectations of yourself, and not try to overdo it! Try to focus on adding in nutritious meals that provide essential vitamins and minerals for both you and your baby. A number one priority that can be easier to incorporate if you’re not already in the habit is to drink plenty of water. Stay hydrated throughout the day to prevent common issues like dehydration and headaches. Headaches were a major symptom for me in both pregnancies. I was recommended a prenatal vitamin as well as a magnesium supplement for the headaches. I also love these electrolyte pouches, and they’re great to stock up on for recovery in postpartum as well! When it comes to exercise, don’t overdo it. Gentle exercises like prenatal yoga and daily walks not only keep you fit but also improve circulation and reduce stress. You can start simple, and maybe turn on an episode of your favorite pregnancy podcast and take a stroll, or just do some light yoga stretching every morning and night. Starting in my second trimester I use an exercise ball a few minutes every morning and night to do figure 8s. This has many benefits for my back, while also preparing me for labor! I also incorporate stretching and yoga with the BetterMe app. They have tons of guided exercises for women including prenatal and postpartum routines and help you by devising a daily plan you can stick to!
#5. Pamper Yourself
Don't forget to pamper yourself during this special time. Treat yourself to prenatal massages to relieve muscle tension and improve circulation. Enjoy warm baths infused with pregnancy-safe essential oils to relax both your body and mind. I don’t have a big bathtub, so once I felt like I was too big for that to be relaxing I started to use a soak footbath with Epsom salt, and I would rub peppermint lotion on them afterward. Burt’s bee’s lotion is one of my favorites! I made sure to continue this habit and do my own pedicures, and honestly my feet have transformed! During my first pregnancy I was given a gift card for a prenatal massage and my husband, and I went on our last date before parenthood (such a sweet plan to make with your partner if you can!) where we went for pedicures the week before I went into labor. I don’t often splurge on those things, and I made sure to enjoy every minute of those moments to myself, and relieving tension in my body. I think it helped prepare me for labor!
#6 Connect with your Baby
Bonding with your baby starts during pregnancy. Take time to connect by talking to your baby and playing soothing music. This kind of felt weird to me at first, I’m not going to lie. What do you say to a belly? My husband also got involved and we’d mostly read to the baby. The more I did it, the more I could picture my baby and how our life would be together. I got more and more excited to meet him and these moments often powered me through labor as a point of focus. I pictured how I’d finally get to talk to my baby in real life! These simple activities foster a sense of closeness and prepare you for the emotional journey of motherhood.
A relaxing and comfortable pregnancy is within reach with the right mindset and preparation. By prioritizing self-care, maintaining a supportive environment, and using recommended products, you can navigate this journey easily with joy. Remember, every pregnancy is unique—listen to your body and enjoy this precious time. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the New Mom Bundle, and more pregnancy tips, product recommendations, and updates on creating a nurturing environment for you and your baby. I wish you a peaceful and relaxing experience on your journey mama!
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