8 Extra-Soothing Self Care Tips For Pregnancy
8 Extra-Soothing Self Care Tips For Pregnancy
Ah, pregnancy, thy name is stress. Here's how to keep it to a dull roar.
Written by Liz Bayardelle, PhD | See Comments | Updated 06/30/2021
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If you are expecting a baby, you might be overwhelmed with all the advice people have started giving you. You’ll hear, ‘Do this!’ and ‘Don’t do this!’ many times per day, as you navigate the amazing but also nerve-wracking experience of being pregnant.
One thing that you need to remember as a pregnant person is: look after yourself. That is your priority. Often in life, we prioritize other things, like work, housework, and social engagements over our own wellbeing. But when you are pregnant, you only have one job that matters: letting your baby grow and giving you both the best chance of thriving during and after birth.
In this post, we’ll show you 8 extra-soothing self-care tips for pregnancy - so you can take a load off and really take care of yourself at this crucial time.
Tip #1: Learn how to do a killer foot self-massage.
One thing you will quickly learn when pregnant is that your feet will be swollen and sore! You’re carrying more weight than your body is used to, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself with achy feet at the end of each day.
To look after yourself most effectively, you can learn foot massage skills on YouTube that will help stimulate blood flow and soothe sore feet. This is a great technique to practice in the evenings before you go to bed.
This one will also come in handy when your feet are tired from chasing around a toddler all day, so get good now and don't stop rubbing until they graduate from college.
Tip #2: Get into a daily belly-moisturising routine.
Although pregnancy is not about aesthetics, many people prefer to moisturise their belly, breasts and other areas like their bum and legs while they are pregnant. This is to avoid the appearance of stretch marks - although for many people, stretch marks happen no matter how much they moisturise!
Moisturising your belly can be a soothing, loving experience that helps you connect with your body in a gentle way.
Tip #3: Burn scented candles to soothe anxiety.
If you are experiencing any pregnancy anxiety, candles that are scented with essential oils like lavender, basil, rosemary and jasmine can be extremely helpful. Lighting a candle when you feel nervous or overwhelmed can help stimulate your senses and soothe them immediately.
Just do everyone a favor and double check the candle's scent doesn't make you nauseous before you light up.
Tip #4: Meditate for ten minutes each day.
Trust me, I was a ball of weird energy as a pregnant person, but hear me out on this one.
Meditation works wonders for people of all lifestyles, but for those who are pregnant, it can be life-changing. Pregnancy is about surrendering to the experience that you can’t control; the way your body will change, and the experiences of birth and motherhood, all require a total surrender to the moment.
Meditation can be started with apps or on YouTube, and can be instrumental in preparing you for what’s to come.
Tip #5: Visit a chiropractor periodically.
Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy is a very good idea if you want to keep your body in top condition before labor. Your spine and other joints can suffer during pregnancy due to the extra weight of the baby and the imbalance of your posture - and chiropractic care can help.
Tip #6: Buy a yoga mat and do some muscle stretches each day.
Stretching out your muscles while you are pregnant is a great way to stay in shape and give your body the energy it needs. Doing pregnancy yoga doesn’t need to be about toning your abs or hitting big milestones - it can also be about nurturing your muscles, keeping your circulation active, and generally taking care of yourself!
Tip #7: Learn the art of saying ‘No!’ if you’re too tired.
In the modern world, the pressure is on to have it all. A great work life, a good relationship, a house, a group of friends - it’s no surprise we feel tired all the time!
When you are pregnant, you need to put yourself first. It’s not selfish to say no to social events or work pressure - taking care of your own wellbeing is the priority when you are carrying a baby!
Tip #8: Journal.
When you ask a new mum about their pregnancy experience, one of the things they will always say is that it goes by in a flash. Blink, and your pregnancy time will fly by and before you know it the baby will have arrived!
That’s why journaling is a really good idea for when you are pregnant. Not only does journaling help you get all your thoughts, worries, joys, or milestones down on paper in the moment - but it also means that as your child grows up, you can reflect on the experience you had during pregnancy. Nine months is a short time if you think about the entire span of your life, so make sure you write down your experiences!
Overall, being pregnant is a whirlwind experience, so self care is an absolute must!
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About the Author
Liz Bayardelle, PhD
Founder | Contributor
Liz (or Dr. Mommy, as her toddler started calling her after learning what a PhD was) is the happily sleep-deprived mom of a toddler (and professional raccoon noise impersonator), a sparkle-clad kidnado, a teenage stepdaughter, 200 cumulative pounds of dog, and herd of dustbunnies (if daily vacuuming doesn't occur). During nights and naptimes, she uses her PhD in business psychology as an author, speaker, and consultant. She also serves as an executive and principal for three companies, two of which she co-founded with her very patient (and equally exhausted) husband.