Living Your Best Life During Pregnancy
As a pregnant woman, finding ways to build confidence and live your best life is a must. However, it can also be challenging, particularly when you’re experiencing the stresses that come with pregnancy. If you want to get on the right path, Taryn Melgoza Photography shares some tips that can help.
Find a Fitness Routine That Works for You
When you’re pregnant, your health — and the health of your baby — is a top concern. In many cases, experts recommend getting 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days, if not every day, during the week.
However, you need to choose the right fitness routine during your pregnancy, too. Usually, your first step is to speak with your doctor. They can tell you if there are any special considerations to keep in mind and can also make recommendations about suitable activities.
If working out wasn’t part of your routine before, you may want to start by walking at a moderate pace as a form of exercise. Water aerobics is another solid choice, as the water can reduce stress on joints.
Pilates or yoga classes that are designed for pregnant women are also worth considering. They require very little equipment and often focus on gentle movements.
If exercising was part of your routine before, then you can likely continue with similar activities as long as your pregnancy isn’t complicated or high-risk. However, you may have to adjust your approach as your pregnancy progresses.
Update Your Diet for Your Pregnancy
In some cases, you may need to adjust your diet during pregnancy. That way, you can maintain your and your baby’s health, keep your energy levels up, and otherwise live your best life.
As with exercise, it’s smart to speak with your doctor about your nutritional habits. They can let you know if any changes are essential. For example, there are certain foods you should avoid during pregnancy. High mercury fishshould be eliminated from your diet, as well as raw or undercooked seafood, meats, and poultry.
Raw or runny eggs are also risky, so it’s best not to eat those, as well. The same goes for unwashed fruits and vegetables, and unpasteurized foods.
While alcohol is a complete no-go, limiting caffeine is also wise. There isn’t a clear line when it comes to how much caffeine may be safe, so many doctors recommend avoiding it entirely.
Finally, you want to be cautious about herbal teas and supplements. Some herbal teas and supplements are unsafe during pregnancy, while others may be fine. As a result, you’ll want to consult with a medical professional before consuming any while pregnant.
Manage Stress, Prioritize Rest
Being pregnant puts a lot of pressure on your body’s systems, and as your baby grows, you’ll be managing a variety of emotions and physical symptoms, which is why it’s so important to make rest a priority. You’re likely going to feel a different kind of fatigue than before you were pregnant, so listen to your body. You may be unable to take naps during the day, but you can go to bed earlier, and you can implement bedtime routines that pave the way for a good night’s rest.
Reducing stress is also important, since it not only affects you but the baby too. Sleep and regular exercise can reduce stress, but consider also protecting your personal time, asking your friends and family for help, and trying to manage any work-related stress that could adversely affect your health.
Sometimes it can be helpful to consider professional help in the form of therapy when striving to minimize stress. Traveling more than is strictly necessary, however, can be challenging, especially close to term. Fortunately, a convenient appointment with an online therapist makes things easy. Instead of venturing out, you can meet with a licensed therapist in the privacy and comfort of your home. And online therapy is often less expensive than a more traditional in-person appointment.
Consider a Career Change
When you’re pregnant, it’s normal to reevaluate various aspects of your life. If you’re worried that your career doesn’t provide you with enough flexibility to raise your child the way you’d like, then it could be time to make a change.
One excellent option is to launch your own business. By starting a venture, you remain in control. As a result, you may have an easier time maintaining work-life balance, ensuring you can be an involved parent while also earning a solid income. Juggling a baby and a business will definitely be a challenge, but the autonomy that comes with being a small business owner can be well worth the effort.
Pregnancy can take a lot out of you, which is why it’s so important to make your health a priority now and after the baby arrives. Take the steps above to stay active, eat healthy, get enough rest and live the life you deserve. Reach out to Taryn Melgoza Photography to capture those precious newborn, pregnancy, and family moments.