Getting pregnant was one of the most life changing moments I have ever experienced (up until actually giving birth, that is). Knowing that there’s a tiny little person growing inside you is an indescribable feeling and you would do anything to keep them safe and healthy. Although you might feel fit and healthy right now (enjoy it while you can!), your body is going to go through some serious changes. Slowing down with your daily routine and taking some much needed time to rest is extremely important, for both you and your baby. Consider some of the following lifestyle changes to factor into your day to day life throughout your pregnancy.
Beauty Swaps
As soon as you get pregnant, you will notice that certain smells make you feel incredibly nauseous. This is very common, but it doesn’t mean you should ignore it. Switching your favourite shower gel, shampoo or asking your partner to lay low on the aftershave is completely normal during your first trimester or two. You will also want to be more mindful of what you put on your body. When I was pregnant, I made more of an effort to use more “clean” products. You may also need to make other changes, like the jewellery you wear. I’m talkin’ belly rings, girls. A word of advice – either take it out completely from the beginning, or opt for a flexible belly ring designed for pregnancy (for a new pregnancy belly ring click here).
Winding Down from Work
Even if you do see yourself working right until the very end of your pregnancy journey, you shouldn’t put this sort of pressure on yourself. Many women make the decision to carry on working well before they enter their third trimester, which is when things start to get much tougher. I’m lucky enough in that I work from home, so I worked literally up until the day before I gave birth. But every woman, and every pregnany is different. No matter what you choose to do, just remember to give yourself some time to wind down and put your feet up before your new baby arrives.
Household Chores
Being pregnant is the perfect excuse to hand over all of your household chores to your partner or cleaner. Certain chores such as vacuuming and dusting can cause unnecessary strain on your joints; certain cleaning products are also unhealthy for you and your baby, so don’t feel guilty about removing these jobs from your normal to do list. Although you might want to help, it’s actually safer for you to stay away from this sort of work. My husband took on so much more as my pregnancy progressed, which was such a relief for my tired body!
Exercise
There are so many safe and effective exercises you can do when you’re pregnant, so you shouldn’t stop altogether! Adapting your exercise regime is very important, so that you don’t injure yourself or put baby at risk. Seek out specialist advice from a prenatal personal trainer and you will be able to find gentle movement that suits you. I did prenatal yoga, which I highly recommend!
You don’t need to stop completely when you’re pregnant, but you do need to make mindful changes that will help you and your baby. There is absolutely no shame in slowing down and wanting to take a break from your normal routine.
These are just a few examples of simple changes that you can make when you have a baby on the way. What lifestyle changes did you make before your baby was born?
xx Lauren
