During the nine months that your body is preparing to produce a new human, it needs a lot of support. That’s why staying healthy is so important during this time.
You need to make sure that your system is normal and not overreacting with all the new hormones you’re going through. If you have concerns about your general health, or if you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes or high blood pressure, then staying healthy may seem like an overwhelming task.
Luckily, there are many ways to stay healthy during pregnancy, even if you are not the fittest mother in the world. Here are ways to stay healthy postnatal and prenatal.
1. Avoid Bad Foods
One of the best ways to stay healthy during pregnancy is to keep your diet healthy. This will help you avoid any nutritional deficiencies that could affect your pregnancy.
Healthy, unprocessed foods are your best bet during this time. If you do plan to eat something like cake or cookies, then try to only have a small piece or one serving.
Too much sugar, salt, fat, or other bad stuff can affect your baby and your own health. The best way to stay hydrated is to drink lots of water. Avoid soft drinks,, alcohol, and coffee.
A good rule of thumb is to drink 2 litres of water each day. This will help you stay more hydrated and prevent constipation.
2. Get Prenatal Massages
Pregnancy massages are a great way to stay healthy during pregnancy. They can relax your body and help to relieve stress. They can also help to reduce joint pain and improve blood flow.
Try to schedule your massage sessions throughout the nine months because your aches and pains will increase as you get further along. These types of massages aren’t just for pregnancy; you can schedule a postnatal massage as a part of your regular pregnancy care.
3. Take a Belly Bath Before Bed
The best way to stay healthy during pregnancy is by taking a daily belly bath. This can help to relax your body and reduce stress, which can affect your blood pressure.
To do this, make a relaxing herbal oil blend and soak your belly in the mixture before bed. You can also use this as a sleep aid by rubbing your belly down with a warm compress before bed.
There are many great herbs for pregnancy that can help to relax you and make you feel more comfortable. Some of them include:
- Hawthorn
- Roses
- Blueberries
- Liquorice root
These natural therapies are helpful at any stage in your pregnancy journey.
4. Get Regular Beauty Treatments
One great idea is to get regular beauty treatments, like facials and manicures, during your prenatal and postnatal care.
This will help you to keep your skin looking great and avoid any pregnancy-related acne that can occur.
Hypersensitive skin is a common side effect of pregnancy. This can cause red, blotchy, rash-like skin that lasts for weeks. Many skincare products are designed to soothe skin, but they can be harsh on your belly.
You can use a simple baking soda paste to soothe your skin. Just mix a few tablespoons of baking soda with enough water to form a paste. If you don’t want to do these things at home, you can schedule an appointment at a luxury spa.
A pregnancy spa can help you start motherhood off on the right foot by providing you with a number of beauty treatments to schedule.
5. Talk to Your Midwife
Talking to your midwives is one of the best ways to stay healthy during pregnancy. This is because they are well aware of all the changes you are going through.
They can also provide you with advice on how to stay healthy, including diet, exercise and medications that you should be taking. If you have any concerns or questions, they can help.
It is important to remember that every pregnancy is different, so your midwife can help you stay healthy. You can also spend a significant amount of time speaking with your doula about pregnancy-related products offered by Bella Mama.
6. Get Moving
Exercising during pregnancy is a great way to stay healthy. Work out for about 30-60 minutes 3-4 days per week. If you are unsure what you can do, try walking and stretching exercises.
You can also try yoga. A prenatal workout is a great way to stay healthy during pregnancy. You can do yoga postures that stretch your hips and back and increase blood flow to the pelvic area.
This will help keep you and your baby healthier. Exercising also means that you are getting more oxygen to your muscles, which means that you will be able to lift weights and do other tasks more easily.
Getting more active can also help you feel better and sleep better at night. Ensure any form of activity you participate in is safe for you. The last thing you want to do is push your body past its limits.
If you’re unsure of what is safe for you to do, take the time to speak with your doctor and be cleared for exercise beforehand.
7. Eat Fresh, Real Food
Eating the right foods is a great way to stay healthy during pregnancy. Make sure that your diet consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, low-fat dairy products and water.
Fruits and vegetables are important because they are packed with vitamins and minerals. Whole grains, such as whole-wheat breads and cereals, are excellent sources of fibre, which is great for your bowel health and overall well-being.
Lean protein can help you to stay healthy during pregnancy. It provides your body with fuel and helps to build baby tissue.
Low-fat dairy products are a great source of calcium, which helps to build and maintain bones. Water is an essential part of any healthy diet. It is needed for proper digestion and hydration.
Avoid foods such as French fries, potato chips, fatty meats, and soft drinks, which are high in calories but low in nutrients.
8. Get Sunlight and Vitamin D
It is crucial to get enough sunlight during pregnancy. This can help to increase your vitamin D levels and support your immune system.
Vitamin D is essential for a healthy pregnancy. It helps regulate the level of calcium in your blood and maintains your bones.
If you do not get enough sunlight, you may experience swollen legs, muscle cramps, a sore throat and headaches. Vitamin D is produced by the body when it is exposed to sunlight.
It is vital to make sure that you get enough vitamin D by being outside for at least 10 minutes a day during the spring and summer months. You can also take a supplement if you cannot get enough sunlight.
9. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
As your belly grows, so does your sleep schedule. But, make sure to keep a regular bedtime schedule, as it can help you stay hydrated, more relaxed, and fully rested.
As your body grows, your normal sleeping positions may become more uncomfortable. We have a specially developed pregnancy pillow to help you reduce the strain on you during the night.
Additionally, pregnant women tend to experience anxiety, making falling asleep more difficult. There are many ways to help you get more sleep during your pregnancy, from avoiding caffeine and alcohol to using calming herbal supplements.
Avoid getting into the habit of going to bed too late or too early, as this will disrupt your sleeping schedule. Instead, aim to fall asleep at the same time, regardless of where you are in your pregnancy.
You may also experience more fatigue during the early morning hours when you’re least likely to be able to fall asleep. Instead, try sitting up in bed and resting, as this can help you stay more alert.
10. Don’t Stress Yourself Out
Stress not only affects your mood, but it can also negatively affect your pregnancy and your baby’s health. During your pregnancies, high-stress situations like job interviews, doctor’s visits, or long drives are not dangerous for you or your baby.
However, high levels of stress during your pregnancies can increase your chances of developing high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia. There are many ways to reduce your stress during your pregnancy, like taking a daily yoga or meditation class, reading a book, or listening to a favourite song.
You may also want to consider a prenatal massage, which can help reduce muscle tension and relax you before bed.
Ways to Stay Healthy: Prenatal and Postnatal
There are many ways to stay healthy during pregnancy and postnatal, and develop a healthy baby. Many of these also help to make pregnancy more comfortable, such as wearing a comfortable support belt around your belly or scheduling appointments at a pregnancy spa in NZ.
These can help to reduce back pain and improve blood flow, which can help to make pregnancy more comfortable. Schedule a massage with Bella Mama today. We have three locations in Auckland, North Shore, South Auckland, East Auckland, and Howick.