A belief that a pregnancy is a blessed state during which the mom-to-be is glowing and happy, as she is creating life, is a commonly held one. While pregnancy can and often is wonderful, it is not all peaches all the time. During pregnancy, a woman often experiences morning sickness, heartburn, lower back pain and many other delightful symptoms such as pregnancy brains caused by highly increased levels of progesterone and estrogen.
Creating a life is an amazing thing, but it is also hard work, which is exactly why a future mom needs to be pampered plenty and often, by herself and everyone around her, in order to alleviate discomfort and make this process as easy as possible. To that end we have come up with a list of amazing ways in which you (and your closest ones) can make the most out of this wondrous experience.
Go where your cravings take you
Creating life requires energy, and while you should be mindful of your diet, as contrary to popular belief, you should not be eating for two. Still, as someone who is going through major changes and often huge discomfort, you should reward yourself every now and then. Go with your gut, literally, and indulge in whichever decadent meal you crave, whether it is pizza, loads of ice-cream, or even a crazy combination you would normally hate. This is your time to have your cheat meals, so knock yourself out, but do not make a daily habit of it, as it can be quite unhealthy in the long run.
Everyone on massage duty
As the pregnancy progresses, you get bigger and the weight and strain take a toll on your back and feet. This is why everyone around you should be on massage duty – your spouse, mother, sister, brother, friends – make them all your massage victims. Indulge in a warm soak, either in the tub (keep the water below 100 degrees) or in a foot bath (a layer of smooth stones on the bottom feels amazing on sore soles), and then have someone give you a deep relaxing foot massage, and do not stop there. Pregnancy massage is highly recommended, so do not stop at the feet. It can help reduce anxiety, back pain, and it may help you with your sleep, increase the levels of serotonin and eliminate stress. You deserve this, so enjoy massages as often as you can get them.
Get dolled up
One of the numerous charming side-effects of pregnancy is that at times you will feel un-pretty and unattractive. When doubts regarding your appearance wash over you – fight back with the most gorgeous maternity dress and stylish shoes. Go get your hair and nails done, do your make up and then go out and flaunt your amazingness. You deserve to feel beautiful, so go out of your way to make it happen. Take time to doll up and let the world see it.
What to expect…
There will be times when you have had your fill of information on what to expect when you are expecting. Put down the pregnancy books and read gossip magazines and those novels you have been dying to read. Read for fun and relax your brain, there will still be enough time left to get all the information regarding pregnancy.
Live a little, sleep a lot
Once the baby comes, you will have your hands full and you can forget about ten hour sleep and afternoon naps, as well as fun trips, at least for the first several months. This is why it is paramount that you use this pre-baby time to take a fun trip. Seize the day, and live a little. Also, sleep any time you feel like it. Making a life takes it out of you, so you deserve some serious snooze time. A well-rested pregnant woman is a happy woman.
