Having a baby is a beautiful and exciting moment in every woman’s life, but pregnancy can be challenging as well. It’s not uncommon for new mothers to feel stressed, exhausted, and generally underwhelmed by all the changes their body goes through. What if this isn’t your first or even your second time being pregnant? What if it’s your third or fourth time? You may have felt differently about it then, but here you are now, once again not enjoying the process of being pregnant.
Many women go through this in their lives, so don’t feel like you’re all alone. Uneenjoyable does not mean unendurable. You just need some ideas on how to cope with the side effects of pregnancy so you can enjoy the nine months. Here are some ideas;
How to cope with your pregnancy
1. Acceptance and being true to yourself
Pregnancy is a beautiful time when you can fully accept yourself, warts and all, and you can become more true to yourself. If you are having a difficult time accepting your pregnancy, try to remember that it is only temporary. Focus on the positives of being pregnant, such as how your growing belly makes you feel all feminine and special, the lush hair, and the pregnancy glow is a real thing.
Enjoy it!. Those negative thoughts that arise in your mind, such as feeling fat and unattractive, are untrue and unfair. You are pregnant, and your body is going through a lot of changes. You cannot expect to look the same, and you should embrace yourself as you are now.
2. Find someone to talk to
If you are having a hard time coping with being pregnant, talk to someone. It could be a friend or a family member, or you could even go to a professional. Having someone to listen to you and acknowledge how you feel and what you are going through can make a world of difference. It’s not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength that you are reaching out and asking for help. Pregnancy is normal, but the way you’re feeling is not. Find someone to talk to, and your pregnancy will seem a little less difficult.
If you can, find other mothers-to-be in your area feeling the same way as you, then you can understand what each one of you is going through and support each other
3. Nourish, nurture and indulge in yourself
Some of the best ways to help yourself while being pregnant are to nourish your body and indulge in things that make you feel good. This can be anything from spending time in a hot bath with some essential oils to eating your favorite foods. See how your pregnancy affects your body, and find out what makes you feel good.
Take care of yourself, both mentally and physically. Your baby gets its nutrients from the food you eat, so make sure to eat the right foods, especially during the second trimester when pregnancy makes you super hungry and also comes with cravings.
4. Take time to empower yourself
Being pregnant, especially for the first time, can be full of uncertainty. You are growing a baby inside your body, and you have no idea what it feels like. You are probably really curious about what’s happening inside you, but sometimes you just can’t see it or feel it. You might feel like you have no control over your body or the process of growing a baby, but you do.
It is all happening inside you, and you are in control. You are growing a baby, and that is a wonderful thing. Empower yourself by visualizing your body growing a healthy and happy baby. You can do this by visualizing where your baby is growing, what it looks like, and how it is thriving inside of you.
5. Bond with your baby bump
Every pregnancy is different and there is no such thing as ‘normal’ when it comes to feeling connected to your baby. A little bit of connection with your baby bump can go a long way in helping change how you feel.
While some women feel instantly connected to their unborn child from the minute they learn about their pregnancy, for others, it can take longer, often until childbirth for that connection to develop and take hold. So try activities that help you bond with your baby. This can be anything, from reading them a story from your childhood to singing to them, to even naming the baby.
6. Check your diet
Make sure you are eating right during pregnancy. Your body is making a lot of changes, and you need all the right nutrients. While you don’t have to be as strict as with a vegan diet, make sure you are eating a balanced diet that includes lots of fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins. You might also want to consider taking a prenatal vitamin to make sure you are getting all the vitamins and minerals you and your baby need.
Additionally, there are certain foods that you should avoid during pregnancy. Alcohol and caffeine are two substances that have been linked to birth defects and miscarriages.
7. Focus on making it to the end
When you are struggling with being pregnant, it’s easy to get caught up in your negative feelings and thoughts. You might be worried about your partner or your baby’s health, or you might be worried about the delivery. Whatever it is, try not to get caught up in your feelings. Instead, try to focus on making it to the end of your pregnancy. On those tough days when you feel like nothing is going right, remember that your baby is growing daily. Focus on that and you will notice the journey becoming more manageable.
8. Keep connected with your partner
Pregnancy can be stressful for a relationship, especially a dysfunctional one, but it doesn’t have to be. Your partner is there to support you through your difficult pregnancy, and they can help you feel better. Try to remain close and connected, and you can get through this together. If you are feeling overwhelmed, try to take it one day at a time. This can help you stay calm and feel safe.
9. Sleep
Most pregnant ladies experience pregnancy fatigue, which can leave them feeling out of sorts and moody. Addressing this issue and getting adequate sleep can be a game-changer. For these reasons and many more, it’s essential to get a sufficient amount of sleep while pregnant. Nap when you can, work on a relaxing bedtime routine, and prioritize getting rest each day
10. Go Baby Shopping
Pregnancy is an exciting time filled with anticipation, preparation, and planning. This means that, for most ladies, the prospect of becoming a parent means shopping for baby clothes and other supplies that you need before and after the baby is born and we at Zawadi Baby Shop have got you covered. Whether it is the cute baby onesies that warm your heart, baby shawls, or even the C-shaped pillow that provides comfort to you, the mother when resting, we’ve got it all. Feel free to come to our store or browse our website to make a purchase at the comfort of your own home.
You can also email us at [email protected]