5 Self-Care Practices For Pregnancy And Beyond

During pregnancy, your body goes through so many changes that it can be hard to keep track. While growing a whole new life, it is also essential to make sure you take care of yourself. Pregnant women can incorporate many self-care practices into their routines to feel better. Most of these are very applicable to any time in life, not just when you’re pregnant. 

Self-Care Practices For Pregnancy

Take some time for yourself during your pregnancy. At Kernodle OB/GYN, we are here for you for every part of your pregnancy. While that often looks like doctor’s appointments and procedures, we also want to ensure you have excellent self-care practices. 

Get A Good Night’s Rest

With all that your body is doing, it needs rest. Finding the time to get a whole night’s sleep is essential to your well-being and your growing baby. The Mayo Clinic provides excellent tips for sleeping while pregnant. At the core of this, it is often ideal to favor your side and use pillows. You may also practice relaxation techniques at night that can calm your mind and body simultaneously. Your symptoms from pregnancy can disturb this time but focus on the methods that can relieve these to help you find restful sleep. 

Nourish Your Body

When pregnant, so many of your nutrients and vitamins are being used to keep the baby healthy. That is why it is imperative to ensure your meals are full of the ingredients that keep your body moving effectively. Finding new recipes with fresh fruits and vegetables can satisfy your cravings while also nourishing your body. 

Spend Time Learning

It can be overwhelming trying to learn everything about babies before the little one arrives. By segmenting time to spend on educating yourself on pregnancy, it can feel more like part of your routine rather than a stressful chore. There are many books, online and printed, that can act as light reading to calm down your mind at night, while also providing you with information about the future baby. 

Follow The Instructions Of Your Healthcare Provider

Your healthcare provider has been through many pregnancies with patients. They are great resources for finding the best self-care practices for your journey. If you are struggling with knowing what will be best for you and your baby, they can help guide you towards ideas. Everyone’s pregnancy is different, so your necessary self-care practices may not look the same as other people’s. 

At Kernodle OB/GYN, we can provide you with resources that can help you decide what self-care practices to incorporate into your daily routine. Scheduling an appointment to discuss these things is very helpful and can give you some peace of mind. 

Find Ways To Get Active

Your body feels better when it gets to move. According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, keeping exercise in your routine can relieve some of the symptoms during pregnancy. You can reduce back pain and constipation and even decrease your risk of gestational diabetes. There are so many types of exercise to try that you can find the ones that are the perfect fit for you. 

Self-care practices are suitable for your overall well-being at any stage of life. It is essential to keep yourself in mind during pregnancy, even while everything else is going on. You may even bring a new idea into your life during pregnancy that you decide to maintain even once the baby is here. Are you looking for even more self-care practice ideas? We are here to help and have resources readily available. Check out our website or give us a call for more information.