Pregnancy

•  Take A Seat

If you have always been someone who always looks after everyone else, it is important to ensure that during pregnancy you are being taken care of by your partner, family, and close friends.

Instead of moving around and managing everything at gatherings of family and friends, take the opportunity of sitting down whenever you need to, this would also help you avoid swollen ankles.

Varicose veins occur when blood gets collected in the veins which further cause discomfort and swelling – most often in the feet and legs. It may be uncomfortable too, so put your feet up on a  footstool and let someone else bring you snacks and your (non-alcoholic) drink.

• Stay active

Low impact exercises such as swimming, walking, and pregnancy yoga can be great for the body and mind. It will enhance your sleep, physical stamina and also help your body to prepare for labor and delivery. 

We have also known from research that exercise in pregnancy can help you lower stress levels and it even produces endorphins which are feel-good hormones, which will give you a happy boost.

• Take Time To Relax

Make sure to get some quality time for relaxing with your partner.

It can be a movie night in or a stroll in the park at the weekend, it is important to spend enough time together before your little one arrives. Enjoy the last moments together when it is only the two of you and look ahead to exciting times ahead.

•  Accept Help

Allowing someone else to serve dinner or peel the veggies may help ease pregnancy pressure.

It can be a good way to get used to a helping hand as you’ll need it once the little one has arrived. If you are feeling overwhelmed, allow yourself to be looked after.

• Make A Mocktail

Sometimes a tipple may feel hard to resist. So you can try making one of these mentioned delicious smoothies or fruit punches instead? Not only are these best for you and the baby, but these will also leave the hungover relatives and friends rather jealous:

Soothing smoothie – You will need 1 banana, half a teaspoon of vanilla extract, a pinch of nutmeg, a cup of milk, a cup of crushed ice – blend everything into a thick smoothie.

Ginger zinger punch – Try orange juice, mix it with lemonade, add a pinch of ginger and plenty of crushed ice.

Winter warmer – Try heating some fresh cranberry juice, add nutmeg,  cloves, a stick of cinnamon, and some orange zest.

• Travel Smart

If you are travelling away from home always remember to carry the pregnancy notes with you. They let medical staff know the full antenatal history as it helps them to give you the correct treatment. Consider them as your and your baby’s passport for the best possible pregnancy care. 

If you are jetting off for a bit of sun then consider the following precautions:

• Wear support stockings to help blood flow.
• Drink plenty of liquids and if it’s a long haul flight.
• Try to maintain mobility during the flight by often walking up and down the aisle or doing leg stretches.

• Be Prepared And Know The Contact Numbers

Pre-packing the hospital bag a little earlier than it is necessary can minimise the risk of having to go around looking for important things when labour starts.

Make sure you have bought enough maternity pads, nappies, and other newborn essentials before the supermarket sells out of things during the festive period or the opening hours are reduced.

Also, ensure that you have all of the important telephone numbers handy and ensure you have the contact numbers for the birth centre, labour ward, and day assessment unit.