Pregnancy is a unique and exciting journey, filled with anticipation, joy, and a fair share of questions and concerns. Ensuring a healthy pregnancy is crucial not only for your well-being but also for your baby. With countless sources of information available, it can be overwhelming to know what steps to take. We have simplified things by highlighting four essential tips to support a healthy pregnancy. From nutrition and exercise to mental well-being and maternity bras, these guidelines will help you navigate this remarkable chapter of your life with confidence and ease. Let’s dive in and explore 4 essential tips you can do to create the best possible environment for you and your baby.
1. Maintain a Balanced Diet
Tiredness in early pregnancy can make thinking about food a chore, however, taking care of your body and mental health by eating nutritious food is super important for stabilising energy levels and helping towards a healthy pregnancy. Focus on eating a balanced diet with lots of fruits, veggies, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Certain nutrients like iron, calcium, and omega-3s can be extra helpful during this time. Your body needs more energy so eating small amounts is often a great way to achieve this. Don’t hesitate to accept offers for home-cooked meals, assistance with grocery shopping, or consider a meal service, especially if you are experiencing nausea or low energy in the early stages of pregnancy.
“It’s about progress, not perfection!” Stressing yourself out about eating the ‘perfect diet’ won't do you or your growing bump any good. Live by the 80/20 rule… where 80% of the time you eat only real food that is nutrient dense and 20% of the time you can do whatever you want. Be sensible about this, if you have celiac disease, then eating gluten isn’t going to do you any favours.
Baby Center have great tips on the best foods and recipes for a balanced diet here
If you have any specific dietary concerns, get professional medical advice from a dietitian or your healthcare provider.
2. Exercise Regularly
Pregnancy is an ideal time to adopt healthy lifestyle changes. Giving your unborn baby the best start in life is a great incentive to reduce caffeine, add more greens to your diet, and include regular exercise in your routine. Medical experts recommend that all healthy pregnant women aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise on at least five days a week, providing numerous benefits for both mother and baby.
If you weren't active before becoming pregnant, start slowly. A daily walk is a good way to introduce exercise into your life. It will improve your strength and circulation, preparing your body for childbirth.
If you already exercise regularly, prenatal yoga sessions are perfect to relieve tense shoulders, pregnancy heartburn and lower backache.
Pregnancy fitness experts FittaMamma say, ‘We love prenatal yoga and would always recommend it as a fantastic exercise for pregnant women'.
The breathing techniques you practise during a pregnancy yoga session are hugely beneficial, especially to managing the pain and discomfort of childbirth. You don’t need to be super-fit or extra bendy to enjoy the benefits of yoga and only need minimal equipment, just a yoga mat or blanket, a good maternity sports bra, and something comfortable and stretchy to wear. Remember, listen to your body, and consult with your midwife or healthcare provider before starting or changing your fitness routine.
3. Prioritise Mental Well-Being
Two things that really help with mental well-being are Community and Selfcare
Self-care looks different for every new mama. Whether it’s taking a bath alone for half an hour, going for a walk, spending time with a friend, or ignoring housework to read a great book, it’s all self-care. Find what lifts your spirits, makes you smile, and lightens your day, and make it a regular part of your routine. A mom-to-be who prioritises her well-being is better prepared to handle the challenges of motherhood. Schedule self-care like you would any other appointment. A routine that prioritises your health and emotions has a positive impact on both your baby and family. Don’t feel guilty about it—find things that make you happy and relaxed. These moments of rejuvenation help you recharge, connect with your awesome self, and feel confident in your new role.
Connecting with other mums-to-be who are experiencing similar feelings can be super comforting. Consider joining local or online support groups specifically for new mamas. These groups offer a chance to connect with people who totally get what you're going through. You can share your thoughts, get valuable insights, and receive emotional support during this transformative time.
In these groups, you can discuss all kinds of mum stuff, ask questions, and get advice from others who have been there. Remember, you're not alone on this journey. Having a support system can make the transition into motherhood easier and more enjoyable.
4. Wear Comfortable and Supportive Maternity Bras
Even though no one else can see it, you’ll be surprised to know how a good bra can boost your confidence. Whether at home, out and about, or at work, Hotmilk Lingerie has created comfortable supportive maternity lingerie that will give you power and motivation for the rest of the day. Vibrant colours, florals, and prints are uplifting. Solid colours like reds, purples, blues, or black can make you feel powerful.
Here are just a few customer reviews, that give us all the feels.
"Obsessed with this bra! I have it in 2 colours, it is so comfortable and makes me feel sexy in my changing body! So happy I found Hotmilk 😍" - Elle M.
*Elle ordered - Heroine Plunge Maternity Bra
"I'm in love with this bra! I'm actually back buying the skin coloured right now! I was so tired of feeling unattractive with my uniboob nursing bras. This is so sexy and I can still nurse comfortably. I highly recommend" - Isabella F.
*Isabella ordered - Temptation Powder Maternity Bra
"Beautiful, functional bra! The lace is nice and soft and doesn't irritate my pregnant breasts. I love that it is built to expand with nursing so I was able to buy it during pregnancy and should be able to use it after birth. I feel pretty, comfortable, and supported." - Stef M.
*Stef ordered - Warrior Soft Cup Maternity Bra
We love designing maternity lingerie that empowers. Beautiful, sexy, or powerful high-quality lingerie is about you and you only, how it makes you feel and elevates the mother in you. 💕 Hotmilk Team x
