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From the moment you realize that you are pregnant till the day you give birth to your baby, pregnancy can have a physical and emotional toll on your health and body. Though being pregnant might be the best thing to ever happen to you, it might be hard to welcome all the changes that come with it.
Your belly starts to grow, and along with your expanding waistline, comes other skin, hair, and physical changes that you might not be entirely prepared for. Your hormones may start acting crazy and you can experience a range of emotions that you haven’t felt before. Being a woman is not easy, and with pregnancy, it can get even more tough. But fortunately, there are different ways that you can look and feel your best during this time with a few simple and easy steps. Here we list down the things you can do during those nine months to make your pregnancy go like a breeze.
Stay Active
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You don’t have to give up on your workout just because you are pregnant. Staying active during pregnancy can lead to a better pregnancy and childbirth experience. Though certain high impact workouts and lifting weights are off-limits, there are plenty of other workouts that are safe during pregnancy. Working out is great not just for your body, but for your soul. It helps you destress and relax. Unless you are running a high-risk pregnancy, your doctor would be onboard with exercising during pregnancy. So make sure you discuss it with your doctor first.
Go For Spa And Massage Treatments
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A spa day can be the best thing to happen to you if you’ve had a long and stressful week at work. Everybody loves a good massage as it can be relaxing and helps you to relieve the stress in your muscles and joints. You can book a prenatal massage with a certified therapist by checking with your health care provider first. Also, it’s best to avoid sauna sessions or any other treatments that will most likely raise your body temperature.
Relax
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Dealing with all the changes during pregnancy can be overwhelming for most women. And that is why it is important to learn how to relax. Yoga or meditation is a great way to relax your mind and body so that you can adapt to the changes in a healthy and better way. Granted, meditation might not be everyone’s cup of tea. So try reading a book or listening to your favorite music or simply get in touch with nature.
Change Your Makeup Routine
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With your changing skin, your makeup routine may need some freshening up as well. For dry skin beauties, use a cream or liquid-based concealer. If your skin feels oily, use a powder foundation or stick foundation. Always check the label of the products and make sure that it’s pregnancy-safe.
It’s Time For Some Maternity Shopping
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You may not have to start shopping for maternity clothes until you are halfway through your second trimester. You don’t have to change your entire wardrobe now that you are pregnant. Just invest in a few items such as a pair of maternity pants, leggings, and a few dresses. Make sure you invest in some good quality maternity and nursing bras that provide you the right support and are super comfortable. Lastly, trade your stilettos with comfortable shoes.
Focus On Your Diet
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There’s a reason why doctors say “Eat a rainbow.” Your diet should contain different fruits, vegetables, pulses, and grains to get all the vitamins and minerals your body needs. Instead of eating 3 large meals a day, have 5 small meals at regular intervals. Avoid foods such as raw eggs, uncooked meat, high-mercury fish, and soft cheese (1).
Having a healthy pregnancy is easy to achieve if you are following healthy habits and prioritizing your health over everything else. Follow a healthy lifestyle and a wonderful pregnancy is guaranteed!
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