1) Eat Healthy
I know this seems like a no-brainer but especially in the first trimester it can be difficult to eat at all. Make whatever food you do eat HEALTHY! Fruits and veggies, especially veggies, should be your best friends! A good diet will not only grow a healthy Baby it will also keep your weight gain down and prevent complications like pre-eclampsia or high blood pressure!
2) SLEEP
I really cannot over-emphasize this enough. Sleeping whenever possible is so important, not only to your physical health but also to your mental health! Being run-down can lead to many physical ailments but can also play a role in depression. If you're tired try to nap when you get the chance! The housework can wait!!! SLEEP!
3) Hydrate
I know, I know…water is so boring! I also dislike plain water. So I add ice to it. I love chewing ice so adding it to my water forces me to drink more! You can also add a squirt of lemon juice to your water or frozen berries to mix it up a little! Whatever you do, drink loads of water! Studies have shown that drinking water also reduces your risk of developing pre-eclampsia!
4) Take a Breather
Ever so often take time to connect with your Baby. I know this sounds a little cheesy but the more children we have the less time we're able to bond with the Baby in our womb! Take a few seconds, minutes, whatever you can spare, each day to just pray over or talk to your Baby! Really feel the movements and picture what he/she is doing!
5) Bathe
I LOVE baths while pregnant, unfortunately my tub is half the size of my pinky finger. Submerging yourself under water has many scientifically proven calming and healing effects on the body and mind. It also helps reduce blood pressure and relieves aches and pains!
6) Be Realistic with YOU
Being pregnant changes your body in more ways than just the physical bump. Your muscles loosen, your hormones shift and your body shifts to allow this miracle to pass from you into the world! You're probably going to have moments or even days, where you're sore, tired and/or crabby. Be realistic in what you demand from your body. You probably won't be able to move like you used to, think like you used to or even react like you used to. Don't beat yourself up if you have moments of shed tears or frustrations over something as silly as spilled sugar. Give yourself a break! You're creating human life!!!
7) Ask for Help
Along with being realistic about what you can and cannot do, don't be afraid to ask for help! The dresser is too heavy to move from this wall to that wall? Ask your Husband or a friend/family member to help you! Think of you and that Baby when trying to be Superwoman!
8) Keep your cool
Especially being pregnant during the summer, it's important to find ways to stay cool! Take a dip in a local pool, dance through the sprinkler with your kiddos, eat popsicles or ice chips, sit in front of the fan, etc. Swelling is NOT fun and it is made exponentially worse with over-heating. Not to mention, getting too hot or dehydrated can lead to pre-term labor!
9) Take a chill pill
Calm down and stop worrying about everything so much. I'm a total Worry-wart so this one I especially feel the need to expound upon. We're stressed out enough with daily living, we don't need to add anymore stress or anxiety onto our already overloaded plates! Take a moment to breathe, relax and remember what you've been blessed with thus far! Relaxing will keep your blood pressure low and further reduce the risk of any complications where as getting stressed will only do the opposite!
10) Last but NOT Least
ENJOY the ride! We never have any guarantees in life that tomorrow will come or what tomorrow will bring with it. Enjoy being pregnant, yes, even when you're hot, sore and cranky! Think of all the women who cannot be pregnant, who have lost Babies or who long to be where you are right now! Relish each kick, hiccup and roll because you'll miss it once it's gone!
Your turn! What's your top tip for making pregnancy easier?!?
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