7 Self Care Tips for a Healthier and Stress Free Pregnancy
While you’re pregnant it can be easy to forget about yourself while thinking about all the preparation for the arrival of the baby.
It seems like babies need so much stuff, but they really don’t need a lot.
From car seats to strollers, to onesies and socks (so many socks…) to diapers and baby bath stuff, it seems endless. Plus all the nursery stuff! It can definitely get overwhelming.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you buy from my link I might make a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay. See the full affiliate disclosure here.
(This post contains affiliate links, meaning I make a small commission from any links you click and buy from. I only recommend products I love and appreciate your support! Find the full disclosure policy here.)
I know when I first started researching all the stuff my baby would need while I was pregnant, I found endless lists on Pinterest. They were perfectly categorized into nursery stuff, the amount of clothes he would need, all the nursing stuff, all the baby care items and all the baby travel items.
It was daunting. The best thing I did was dig a little a deeper and ask around to find out the things I really would need for baby, as well as have a baby shower so other people could buy me some of the basics!
Besides thinking about all the stuff you need to prepare for your baby, you’re told to prepare for labor, you think about everything that could go wrong, and you’re wondering how you’re going to raise a little baby into a decent human being.
I know how stressful it can be.
It seems easier said than done, but the reality is, the calmer you are the better it is for you and your baby.
You can’t forget to take some me time before you are knee-deep in diapers.
So, here are a few ways to de-stress during pregnancy, to stop thinking so much about the all the ways you have to prepare, and to stay focused on what really matters – the excitement of having your baby here!
A very helpful way to stay stress free during your pregnancy is to keep lists of everything you need to get done or get ready for baby! These checklists will help you stay super organized so you don’t need to worry!
SLEEP
This is so much easier said than done.
Throughout my whole pregnancy, sleep had been difficult. In my third trimester, it seemed impossible. It’s uncomfortable and I take up so much more space, I never get the space I need in bed with hubby beside me!
Pregnancy pillows like this one are a dream come true when it comes to sleep and pregnancy. This one is sooo soft and comes with a travel case, a cover, and a few different color choices!
I did find I could nap for a bit here and there, and that helped me a lot. Nap when you can.
Honestly, this is one of the biggest and best pieces of advice every mom I know had given me. Especially when you’re getting bigger, baby is getting bigger, and taking a few steps leaves you completely out of breath.
Napping lets you recuperate a bit and maybe even get a few things done around the house, do some yoga, or make dinner.
However, if you don’t have the energy to do anything, don’t. Just rest.
BUY NICE FITTING MATERNITY CLOTHES
RELATED: The Best Maternity Clothes for Every Trimester of Pregnancy
I am a firm believer in the fact that, ‘if you look good, you feel good’.
That’s not to say that sometimes you can’t just have a pajama day and laze around the house.
Sometimes you don’t want to put makeup on or do your hair. Sometimes you just want to wear oversized t-shirts, because they fit the best and are super comfy.
However, for those days you do feel like you have energy to get ready or you have no choice but to leave the house, maternity clothes that fit you and show off your bump really make a difference.
Undercover Mama is an awesome place to find every comfy maternity piece of clothing you could think of! They have so many different options for all times of year, and are perfect for postpartum and breastfeeding as well!
- These nursing tanks are perfect for a growing bump and to use while breastfeeding. They are so versatile and come in packs!
- If you want something both cute and comfortable, while also pregnancy and breastfeeding friendly, these dresses are all that and more!
- Undercover mama is really a one stop shop. If you want to get your sweet babe a little gift too, these knotted hats and blankets are so soft and adorable!
- They even have cute, comfortable tops and top covers that make any shirt breastfeeding friendly!
Your body is going through so much, so investing in some nice fitting maternity clothes will make you feel so much better about it.
It really is worth it for your confidence. You deserve it!
MASSAGE
Get a massage, either from someone who specializes in pregnancy massage, or a little back or foot rub from your partner.
I was on my feet a lot when I was pregnant, and I found the bigger baby grew the quicker my feet hurt.
Pregnancy massages are great for relaxation and can really help with any pregnancy-caused pain you may be feeling in your feet, neck, or back.
It can also help with circulation and swelling!
ASK FOR HELP AND TALK IT OUT
Anything that has been stressing me out I immediately talk to my husband, my sister, my mom, or a friend.
If you feel like you have no one close to talk to, there are plenty of resources around for you to seek out. Just ask or Google it!
Even your doctor would be happy to talk to you about anything that is stressing you out about your pregnancy or the baby.
Sometimes you just need someone to sit there and listen.
It also helps to delegate. Take advantage of any of the people telling you that if you need anything they will help.
Ask them to pick something up for you while they are out, or to do a load of dishes while they are over. Everyone is always ready to help the pregnant lady!
DON’T PROCRASTINATE
I am a major procrastinator.
However, when it came to getting ready for baby, I knew I was going to want the last little bit of my pregnancy to relax. I also knew I would be too big as well as too tired to worry about anything major.
So, we got the nursery done pretty early, and finished most of our shopping in the last little bit of my pregnancy. I even had my baby shower a little earlier than I think most people do, just because of how things worked out.
I am so glad it worked out that way though, because by the end I was in no mood for a big baby shower!
I think this is was first time I didn’t procrastinated something…
TAKE A BATH OR SHOWER
My family makes fun of me for how much I like to shower. I just like to be clean, and the hot water is soothing to me.
Baths are also so calming, and I think any pregnant mama can agree. Just make sure the water isn’t too hot and enjoy.
PAMPER YOURSELF
Go to the spa, get a new haircut, get a manicure and pedicure, get a massage, take a walk, take a well-deserved nap… anything that makes you feel good and relieves some stress, do it.
Stress isn’t good for you or baby, so invest in your mental and physical health.
These are just a few things that will most likely help you relieve some pre-baby stress.
These are the things that have helped me de-stress during pregnancy. My husband was great at making sure if I needed to get something or do something to make me feel better, I get it or do it. Anything that relieves some discomfort is great!
Make sure to take care of yourself, because taking care of you is taking care of baby.
If any of these things helped you, or you know a mama who needs some relaxing and de-stressing, please feel free to share!
