Maternity Bliss
Carrying a baby in your tummy for nine months, however exciting it may be, does make a mess of your moods. Pregnancy is a delicate time for a woman’s emotional state. On top of all the physical changes, the woman has to deal with emotions set on a roller coaster ride. Here are 9 ways to feel good about yourself despite the frenzied hormones of pregnancy:
1. Flaunt your Radiance.
Gone are the days of tent blouses and overalls with huge kangaroo-like pouches. Those loose tops and dresses make mommies look as huge. Try tops with V-necks and empire cuts. Trendy maternity clothes that enhance curves look sexy — not promiscuous — on pregnant women. These types of clothes really do celebrate pregnancy. For utmost comfort, get paige maternity jeans and other clothes in stretch fabrics such as Lycra jersey, cotton, and chiffon.
The right wardrobe will work doubly well with a hairstyle that’s low maintenance, comfortable, stylish. Try one of two no-brainer hairstyles: long tresses that you can tie back into a bun, or a super-short yet super-chic wash-and-wear cut. Don’t take your pampering to the colorist, though. Chemicals from hair dyes may not be safe for the baby in your womb and when you’re breastfeeding.
Avoid clogging your pores with cosmetics since they might contain harsh chemicals that can affect your baby. If you have to wear makeup, keep it light. Remove your makeup as soon as you get home. Use a mild facial wash and makeup remover.
2. Exercise
Exercise counteracts the extra weight you gain. Since labor and giving birth are two of the most exhausting ordeals a woman has to go through, getting fit and keeping fit during pregnancy is a must. Of course, your doctor has to consent to what form of exercise you can do.
Aerobics and calisthenics are highly recommended by doctors. For a more “zen” workout, try yoga or pilates — but only after your doctor has given you the go signal. Many moms-to-be have found these two books: Yoga for Pregnancy or Pilates for Pregnancy helpful in doing yoga and pilates routines tailor-made for their growing baby and belly. However, it is still recommended that you get a private yoga or pilates instructor.
3. Eat Healthy
Step up on the nutrition department since you’re eating for two now. Good eating habits may keep complications like anemia, morning sickness, leg cramps, premature labor, and mood swings at bay.
Foremost in your diet should be fruits and green leafy vegetables. They contain vitamin A for healthy skin, bones, and eyes, folic acid, vitamin E, vitamin C, extra fiber, calcium, and trace minerals. Don’t completely discount fat from your diet. You and your baby also need calories, though your baby needs just about 300 calories per day. Easy on the sweets, go strong on the fluids.
But if there’s such a time when you need guilty-pleasure comfort food, it’s when you’re pregnant. Once in a while, treat yourself to an oatmeal cookie, a small helping of fries cooked in vegetable oil, buttermilk pancakes, a banana milkshake, and dried fruits. Then step away.
4. Pamper your Body
Nothing pampers a pregnant woman’s body like a trip to the spa. During pregnancy, your body retains extra fluid causing some body parts — especially your feet — to bloat and uncomfortably heavy (aside from the fact that your joints are expanding to ready your body for labor). A foot massage helps ease the discomfort.
5. Have Fun with the Girls
A support system is essential, especially now that you have a little person growing inside of you. Call the girls over! Have a girls’ poker night and, instead of money, bet with baby accessories. Play Pictionary or Scrabble — anything that will require minimum waddling and maximum mental activity. Your friends can also help you with your choice of clothes and juicy maternity jeans.
6. Bond with Hubby
Enjoying life with your husband becomes infinitely better when you’re about to have a baby. Go on a DVD marathon with him. Alternate between “chick flicks” and “manly-man movies” so you both accommodate your viewing preferences. Or have a lunch some place out of the ordinary.
7. Spend Time with Yourself
Sometimes all the fuss coming from family and friends can get overwhelming that all you want is to be alone for a while. By all means, go ahead. Relax with a stack of books. Bliss out with music, too. Studies show that soothing music can calm a fetus. But don’t pick any random CD of sonatas. Play music that you like and makes you feel good. When you feel good, your baby feels good also. If you want to dance along to your favorite track but your lower back just can’t handle it, lie back, snap your fingers, and wiggle your toes to the beat.
8. Prepare for D-day
Start a journal or make a scrapbook of what you’re going through. Show this scrapbook to your child when he or she is about to become a parent, too. Enjoy a creative brainstorming session with hubby by mulling over possible baby names.
Pack your belongings, as well as your baby’s, a month before your due date. Don’t forget important documents and IDs like medical insurance IDs, SSS ID, and your credit card and ATM card, etc.
Visit the hospital and assess the room you’ll be staying in: Will you need extra blankets and pillows? Is there room for hubby to sleep in? Can you charge your cellphone in the room? Is your room near the nursery? Do a run-through with your hubby of what to do when you begin labor.
If you don’t have a nursery for the baby at home, set up a “baby station” in your room so that everything will be in place when you and your baby come home from the hospital.
9. Rediscover and Reactivate your Talents
Several factors such as financial stress, lack of emotional support from your partner, or anxiety about your health or your baby’s may make your self-esteem dip a bit. That’s normal and will get better. All you need is to focus on what you’re good at and do it.
If you’ve always liked working with your hands, create something — perhaps a mobile for your baby’s crib or a hand sewn quilt to use as your baby’s first comforter. If you’re imaginative and eloquent, why not write a children’s story and read it to your baby?
Many times, if your condition prevents your from doing some things you’re used to doing, pregnant women as yourself may go through a feeling of usefulness. The secret is to concentrate on what you can actually still do rather than on what you can’t.
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