Pregnancy is a terrifying and thrilling time for any woman. There is so much that we don’t know. Sometimes it means that we rely on the word of others about what to expect and how to manage. One thing that is completely in your hands during your pregnancy is your fitness. With doctors recommending that pregnant women get up and move their bodies for a healthy and easier delivery, the internet is flooded with ideas on how to maintain fitness while pregnant. One thing is certain, you don’t have to lose your figure just because you became a mom. Here are some tips to help you.

The Cravings

Being pregnant seems to give some women an all access pass to eat anything and everything. However, studies  show that what you crave is linked to nutrients that you are missing. The theory is that there is something that you or your baby is lacking in the food that you are craving. Perhaps that is why some of the foods sound so strange, like pickles and ice cream. To avoid the unnecessary calories and still have your craving satisfied, you should look for healthy alternatives. Or you could eat smaller amounts of what you are craving so that the craving subsides. Finding healthy alternatives is going to help you feel better. Too much processed foods can cause heartburn, sluggish bowels, and generally a feeling of not feeling well.

It’s all in your thoughts?

Traditional Chinese Medicine says that your body, mind, and soul are all connected. It reflects on the fact that if you feel good you are in a better mood. Conversely, if you feel depressed, then you will have trouble getting up and moving. Meditation is a whole body approach to this issue. If you can clear your mind, you can process your thoughts and refocus them in a positive way. You can use meditation to refocus your mind and lift the fog that seems to come with pregnancy. Sometimes  this can help to calm fears and even make labor easier. Meditation does take some practice. It can be hard to clear your mind completely, but once you learn the technique, everything goes so much easier.

Maintaining a healthy and fit pregnancy is essential for both the well-being of the mother and the developing baby. Here are some tips to help ensure a healthy and fit pregnancy:

  1. Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Before starting or continuing any exercise or nutrition plan, consult your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized guidance based on your individual health and pregnancy status.
  2. Stay Active: Regular physical activity is beneficial during pregnancy, but it’s important to choose low-impact activities that are safe for expectant mothers. Walking, swimming, stationary cycling, and prenatal yoga are excellent options to consider. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, as long as your healthcare provider approves.
  3. Hydrate: Staying hydrated is crucial. Pregnancy increases your blood volume, so you need more fluids to support you and your baby. Water is the best choice, but herbal teas and 100% fruit juices can also contribute to your fluid intake.
  4. Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy or dairy alternatives. Consume the recommended amount of prenatal vitamins and folic acid to ensure proper nutrition.
  5. Control Weight Gain: Pregnancy typically involves weight gain, but it’s essential to monitor it within the recommended range for your specific circumstances. Excessive weight gain can increase the risk of complications.
  6. Snack Smartly: Choose healthy snacks such as fresh fruit, yogurt, nuts, and whole-grain crackers to maintain energy levels and prevent excessive hunger.
  7. Get Sufficient Rest: Adequate sleep is essential during pregnancy to support your physical and emotional well-being. Try to establish a regular sleep routine and sleep on your left side to improve blood flow to the baby.
  8. Manage Stress: Pregnancy can be stressful, but high stress levels can negatively affect both you and your baby. Engage in relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or prenatal yoga to manage stress.
  9. Pelvic Floor Exercises: Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles through exercises like Kegels can help with labor and postpartum recovery.
  10. Listen to Your Body: Pay close attention to how your body feels. If you experience any discomfort, pain, or unusual symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
  11. Avoid Risky Activities: Steer clear of activities that pose a risk of falling or trauma to the abdomen, such as contact sports, high-impact exercises, and activities with a high risk of falling.
  12. Stay Cool: Overheating can be harmful to the developing baby. Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and strenuous exercise in hot weather.
  13. Stay Informed: Keep yourself informed about the changes happening during pregnancy and attend prenatal classes if available to help you prepare physically and mentally for childbirth and parenthood.

Remember that every pregnancy is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your healthcare provider before making significant changes to your exercise or diet regimen, and follow their guidance throughout your pregnancy to ensure a healthy and fit experience for both you and your baby.

Come On and Move

Staying active while pregnant is so important. In the early months it can help to ease morning sickness, reduce swelling, and help you to feel better. In the second trimester, it can help to ease the aches that comes with stretching muscles. At the end of your pregnancy, physical exercise can help your labor, it can ease braxton hick contractions, and reduce muscle fatigue so that you can sleep better at night. If you want to maintain your vaginal health , you must exercise regularly even after childbirth. Talk to your doctor about the amount of exercise you can do, but never do anything that is uncomfortable. Yoga is great for the pregnant body. It can help to relieve the aches and refocus energy that is locked away in joints and pressure points. Being active can be the key to help you get that pre baby body in weeks instead of months or years.