Pregnancy can be a stressful time. You've got doctor appointments to attend, ultrasounds, scans, and check-ups. You're trying to get the nursery ready, decorated and fully stocked ahead of your new bundle of joy, all while you're continuing on with your regular life, work, social activities.
The whole nine months can be a whirlwind and at times you'll feel as if you've blinked and just a few weeks from your due date. Other times you'll feel as if time is dragging on. This is pretty normal and most pregnant women feel the same. That's why keeping on top of your health, both mentally and physically, is crucial during your pregnancy.
There are a few prenatal self care techniques that pregnant women have been practicing for generations; keep reading to find out more.
Prenatal Yoga
Yoga has fantastic health benefits for mind and body, and a prenatal yoga class is worth going to. Before trying out a prenatal yoga class, check with your health care provider that it is safe for you to do so. Also, ensure that your instructor is certified to teach a prenatal class as there are different requirements.
Prenatal yoga has been proven to be beneficial for women during childbirth, as it increases the strength, flexibility, and endurance of the muscles required for labor. A prenatal yoga class can also reduce stress, increase blood flow and relieve lower back pain. Ultimately, a prenatal yoga class has a lot of physical and mental health positives.
Prenatal Massage
Along with prenatal yoga, a pregnancy/prenatal massage is also extremely worthwhile. Massage is extremely relaxing, physically and mentally, while also improving circulation and reducing muscle tension. Our bodies are under increased pressure during pregnancy, and many women feel this tension in their lower backs, legs and shoulders.
Massage is a way of relieving this tension, increasing the blood flow to these areas and quieting the body and mind. Again, it's very important to tell your massage therapist how far along you are, and if you have any underlying health conditions.
Visit The Salon or Spa
During the first few weeks of postnatal life, you'll be adjusting to being a mom to an infant. Your life has been totally changed, and you're also operating on very little sleep. Trying to find the time, energy and babysitter to enable you to get a haircut is difficult. That's why, during your last trimester, you should visit a hairdresser.
A trip to the salon is a great way to unwind, and it leaves you with a boost of confidence and feeling good about yourself. Be careful with certain dyes and chemicals, though, and be sure to inform your hairstylist of your pregnancy.
While you're at it, why not go all out and get a manicure and a pedicure? These spa treatments increase blood flow, relax you and make you feel like a million dollars. You deserve to treat yourself, so go ahead and do it before your bundle of joy joins the world!
Self-care doesn't have to be an indulgence like a haircut, massage or getting your nails done. It could be as simple as going for a swim, a short stroll, having a bath, or meditating. The important thing is that you take a little time for yourself to relax and focus on you. You'll have enough to worry about when your baby finally arrives.
