The great news is that soon you will meet the little one and help him develop healthy habits, such as eating vegetables. The bad news is that nothing will happen on its own, and you will need to prepare for some uncomfortable moments, such as sore legs and hormonal changes in your body – not a piece of cake. However, when it comes to managing these challenges and preparing for labor (or shall we say lack thereof), this article contains some very useful tips for pregnant women.
Rest as much as Possible
According to medical advice, it is recommended that women get created every day without long rest periods during pregnancy. This means that you can use your days off from work wisely. First, take a hot bath to help relieve any pain or tension in your body. Then, follow up with a nap, and you will feel much better.
Eat Well
The food you eat during pregnancy is important for two reasons: you need all the nutrients to keep both you and the baby healthful, and you need plenty of energy to get through the day. So make sure to add loads of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your diet, as well as moderate amounts of protein and dairy products. Also, avoid caffeine, processed foods, and excessive amounts of sugar.
Take Supplements
Pregnant women could take additional supplements such as iron, calcium, and folic acid supplements. Speak to your doctor about which ones will be best for you.
Sleep Comfortably
While finding a comfortable position to sleep in can be difficult, it is especially so after the 20th week of pregnancy. As your belly grows bigger and bigger, you might find yourself waking up multiple times during the night or tossing and turning every few minutes. Here are some tips on improving your comfort level:
– Place pillows under your back and between your legs for extra support. You can also place one behind your neck or use two smaller pillows (one for each leg) if that suits you better.
– Bend one knee at night to help relieve pressure on your spine. Do not put more than three pillows under your head, as this could affect the oxygen flow to your baby.
– If you are having trouble sleeping on your sides, prop yourself up with multiple pillows and place a pillow under your head during the early stages of pregnancy. As time goes by, you can try un-propping yourself but make sure to use large pillows for support.
Keep an Eye on your Moods
Emotional changes like depression and mood swings can be common after the 20th week of pregnancy because of hormonal changes. First, though, it is necessary to understand that these feelings are not normal and will pass in time – remember to keep them together! Here are some useful tips:
– Watch what you eat and avoid unnecessary emotional eating (i.e., ice cream or chocolate).
– Exercise and meditate, as this will help you feel refreshed and relaxed.
– Cut back on coffee if it is having a negative effect on your moods.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
It is not unusual for expecting women to experience sudden changes in weight during their pregnancy. If you are concerned about getting too much or too little weight, read about the ‘Good calories, bad calories’ to learn how to eat healthy even when hungry.
Take Care of your Body and Mind during Labor
Labor preparation classes have been shown to help reduce labor time by teaching women breathing techniques that can be used during labor. You should either take one before giving birth or attend the classes as close to your due date as possible.
In addition, it is important to take care of yourself mentally and emotionally during labor. Make sure you have someone to support you, whether your partner, a friend or a doula. And remember, every labor experience is different, so do not compare yours to anyone else’s.
