7 Easy Ways to Practise Self-Care During Pregnancy

When you’re pregnant, you tend to put all your energy into caring for the baby in the tummy. You focus on eating for two, moving for two and dreaming for two. While there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s easy to get caught up in all-things-baby and forget about self-care.

So here’s a reminder for all soon-to-be mums: Look after yourself during pregnancy, too. Protecting your physical and mental health is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. Plus, you don’t even need to schedule a spa visit or go on a holiday to practise self-care. Here are some easy ways to look after yourself as you go through the ups and downs of pregnancy.  

Are you always the one who looks after everyone else? It’s time to take a rest from cooking and topping up glasses at parties. Let your family and friends care for you. Plus, sitting down will help you avoid getting swollen ankles, especially during the latter stages of pregnancy. 

If you need to go out and shop alone, make sure to have time for a tea break. Wandering around with heavy bags and a baby bump isn’t good for your ankles, joints and back.

Even if you’re not entertaining at home or shopping outside, you need to pause and rest. You shouldn’t feel guilty about giving yourself a time-out every time you need it. Take ample time to sleep, meditate, watch Netflix or do anything you need to recharge. Self-care is all about listening to your body. So even if it’s midday, go and take a nap if you feel tired.

Your body is working as hard as it can to take care of the tiny human inside. It goes through many different changes, so you deserve all the rest you can get—no questions asked.

While it’s essential to get ample rest, make sure to exercise whenever you can. Low-impact exercises, such as walking and pregnancy yoga, are great for your body. They can boost your physical stamina to help prepare your body for labour and childbirth itself.

Working out is also good for your mind. It can reduce your stress and increase the feel-good hormones. Sometimes, a short walk in the park is all you need to get through a difficult day. 

These days, it’s easy to get caught up on social media. A single tweet or Facebook post is enough to make you feel stressed the entire week. So, it’s always a good idea to unplug—even just for a day. Spend the day connecting with family and friends face to face. 

Here’s another idea: Schedule your unplug on a day you’ll receive your Dearbump Gift Box or Pamper Package. These subscription boxes are full of goodies, such as facial masks, tasty treats and fun reads. The goodies are carefully selected with your stage of pregnancy in mind. Sign up now, and you can look forward to something nice each time you unplug.

Once the baby comes, everything will be hectic between you and your husband or partner. So make sure to spend quality time with them during the pregnancy period. Whether it’s a date night at home or a short walk in the park, it’s crucial to spend time together before your bundle of joy arrives. It’s a familiar way to relax and cherish special moments.

It may be difficult for you to ask or accept help, but allowing someone else to set the dinner table or do the weekly groceries can help ease the pressure during pregnancy. Again, it’s time to take a pause, get ample rest and gain more time to relax alone or with your partner. Allow yourself to be looked after, especially if you’re tired and overwhelmed. It’s also a good way to get used to having all the help you’ll need once your little cherub arrives.

There’s a lot to plan, manage and think of during pregnancy. That’s why our final tip is to establish a daily routine that works for you. It can help you maintain a healthy diet, stay active, relax, get ample rest and get used to accepting help. In turn, you’ll have a healthy pregnancy—and be more than prepared to welcome your little one into the world.