5 Ways to Practice Self-care During Pregnancy
3 min read
5 Ways to Practice
Self-care During Pregnancy
Self-care plays a non-negotiable role in your wellbeing, and during pregnancy this is more important than ever, to help you to prepare both mentally and physically for labour.
But what images spring to mind when someone mentions self-care? Over time, it has become synonymous with things like candles, baths, yoga and spas.
Whilst this might be effective for some people, it's important to remember that self-care looks different for everyone - it is the practice of taking steps to prioritise your physical and mental wellbeing. It could be nurturing a friendship over a cup of tea, switching off from work by watching your favourite Netflix series, unleashing your creativity in the kitchen by baking, avoiding the screens for a day or two, or resting your body with a long lie-in. Self-care can benefit your mental health as well your relationships - the healthier and calmer you are, the more you can give to a relationship and to your baby when they arrive. We’ve put together:
5 ways of practising self-care during pregnancy:
1. Set aside time to relax
Although it’s easy to get excited or feel anxious the closer you get to your due date, it is important to preserve energy. Create a calm and soothing atmosphere by lighting candles, taking a long soak in the bath, or playing relaxing music. Alternatively, you might like to take a short walk after dinner, take some time away from screens, or do something that relaxes you such as cooking, gardening or reading.
2. Invest in your relationship
You’re embarking on an exciting journey into parenthood together, so now is the time to invest in your relationship. Plan romantic date nights or a babymoon trip away, enjoy each other’s company and have some fun. Have a conversation about this transition into parenthood; your dreams, expectations, fears, and strategies to both cope with the changes and maintain the quality of your relationship. This will help to ensure your relationship is in a good place to begin this new adventure as a close-knit team.
3. Connect with nature
Set aside some time before the baby's arrival to get back to nature and rejuvenate your mind and body. This is the perfect opportunity to relax, recharge, de-stress, embrace your changing body, and connect with your baby. You might like to try using meditation, yoga or hypnobirthing techniques to help relax your mind, as doing so within the great outdoors will add a new dimension to the experience.
4. Nurture your friendships
Your support network is vital as you dive into parenthood, and your friends are a huge part of this. Take the opportunity in the months leading up to your baby’s arrival to enjoy a relaxing lunch together, get a massage, or go shopping. This will help to increase your sense of belonging and build stronger, closer connections.
5. Unleash your creativity
Paint a colourful mural on the wall of the nursery, make a collage of family photos, or take an online craft class and learn a new skill. The repetition of a craft can release serotonin, a natural antidepressant, and completing a creative project can build self-esteem and make you feel good about yourself. Write a journal about your pregnancy, hopes, dreams, and experiences, as a way of reflecting on your emotions and capturing this special time.