Pregnancy can be full of emotions—from excitement to nervousness, you’ve likely had much to process and think about as you await your baby’s arrival. During this time, it’s also possible to get caught up in preparing for this significant life change.
With so much going on, self-care may be on the back burner. However, it’s important to remember that meeting your own needs is crucial. By prioritizing your well-being, you’ll feel more prepared for the transition to motherhood.
Embrace is here to help you begin this journey with practical support and no-cost resources. Keep reading for seven tips on practicing self-care.
1. Be vocal about your needs.
Amidst prenatal care appointments, purchasing items for you and the baby, and packing a hospital bag, it’s easy to be swept in your mental checklist of things to do. However, voicing your needs to your partner and loved ones can help set the tone for proper self-care.
Though you’re the one who is pregnant, family and friends can learn specific ways to support you when you share ideas. Whether you want a quiet dinner with your partner before the big day or need time to rest and relax, being vocal about these things can make a tremendous difference.
2. Prioritize rest.
While this can be easier said than done as you get further into your pregnancy, prioritizing sleep is essential during pregnancy. While exciting, having a newborn in the home will disrupt your sleep schedule, so taking any opportunities to nap is crucial.
3. Eat a nutritious, well-balanced diet.
Though there’s no harm in indulging in any of your cravings, be sure to eat a balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Drinking plenty of water is also important.
Eating healthy food can help support your baby’s development, and taking a prenatal vitamin can also supply essential nutrients as your pregnancy progresses.
4. Engage in regular exercise.
Just as resting can be vital for your health, activities like walking or swimming can help boost your mood, make your joints more flexible, and add routine to your day.
Your doctor can advise you on which level and type of exercise is best.
5. Spend time with loved ones.
Though there will undoubtedly be times when you’d like to relax by yourself, spending time with your support system is also a key component of self-care. Having dinner with your closest friends or chatting with a family member over the phone are just a few ways to stay connected.
Though your life is about to change significantly, you’re still you. Prioritizing these activities can remind you that although you will begin a new journey, you still deserve to have people in your corner who will listen and support you.
6. Disconnect from social media.
Though scrolling on Facebook and Instagram can be fun, you might feel a little overwhelmed. There’s a lot of content on pregnancy and parenting, and comparing yourself to what you see online can be discouraging—and even detrimental to your mental health.
Taking time each day to “unplug” and do something else, whether napping, reading a good book, or cooking a nice meal, can ground you and build healthy habits.
7. Be kind to yourself.
Pregnancy can feel like a whirlwind of exciting changes. You’re about to assume a new identity as a mother, which can feel both joyful and overwhelming.
As you experience physical changes, navigate mood swings, and create a birth plan, remind yourself that you are more than capable of this next stage in your life. Motherhood is a tremendous responsibility, but you deserve to practice empathy and compassion toward yourself.
No-Cost Support
Embrace knows that pregnancy can bring many ups and downs, but knowing you’re supported can make all the difference.
Various resources, including parenting classes and community referrals, are available to help you confidently take these next steps.
Schedule a no-cost appointment today to learn more.