Enjoying Pregnancy

Tips for Expectant Mums to Enjoy Being Pregnant

Jan 4, 2009 Wei Yin Wong

Having the right knowledge, eating healthily, exercising regularly and expecting certain discomforts can help expectant mums to enjoy their pregnancies.

Being pregnant, especially for the first time, is like wandering into an unknown territory – it’s exciting yet frightening at the same time. There are bound to be hundreds of pregnancy questions from the new expectant mum. One of them would undoubtedly be “how to enjoy being pregnant”. Here are some answers to that question.

Get as much Pregnancy Information as possible

Read up as much as possible on pregnancy, childbirth and babycare. With ample knowledge, expectant mums can be more confident about their state and what to expect nine months down the road. Your doctor and other friends who have gone through pregnancy and childbirth can recommend a good book or two. Alternatively, check reviews on pregnancy books on Amazon.com to get some ideas.

Eat Healthily while Pregnant

Eating for two isn’t exactly right. That’s overeating and may result in excess body weight and increased blood sugar level. Eat as you normally would – lots of complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables, calcium-rich foods and very little salt, sugar, oil and fatty foods. Try having small frequent meals and drink plenty of water in between the meals.

Do Pregnancy Exercise

Most women will benefit tremendously if they exercise regularly throughout their pregnancy. Benefits include boosting the expectant mum’s energy level, relieving backaches, reducing constipation by stimulating bowel movements, preparing the body for birth as well as increasing blood flow to the skin, giving her a healthy glow. Recommended exercises include walking, swimming and yoga. Do check with the doctor first before embarking on any exercise regime.

Expect Certain Common Pregnancy Problems

While some women breeze through their pregnancies, others will be plagued by common pregnancy problems. These include morning sickness, heartburn and indigestion, skin changes, leg cramps, puffiness and swollen ankles, food cravings, constipation, varicose veins, mood swings and extra trips to the toilet. As mentioned earlier, read up on all things related to pregnancy and you’ll be better prepared to face these challenges in pregnancy.

Keep a Pregnancy Journal

A woman’s body and feelings go through many changes during the nine months of pregnancy. Jot down changes experienced on a daily basis if possible. Write down any thoughts or concerns, and record visits to the doctor or midwife as well. This journal makes fascinating reading when the pregnancy is over or years later.

Bask in the Attention

For the next nine months or so, an expectant mum will always be the center of attention wherever she goes. She’ll find that chivalry and good manners are still very much alive, that she has the perfect excuse not to do household tasks she detests and that she can take an extended nap should she choose to. So enjoy the attention and privileges as long as the pregnancy lasts!

Savor every moment of being pregnant although it sometimes can be hard to battle all the common pregnancy problems. But remember, it only lasts nine months. Once the baby is born, all the discomfort and pain will just be a memory. In the meantime, learn as much as possible about pregnancy, eat well, exercise and just enjoy having a baby growing inside you.

Those who find this article useful may also be interested to read about Fertility Food, Common Pregnancy Problems and Maternity Healthcare.

References:

Kasha Dubinska. “Tips to Enjoy your Pregnancy” in Aussie Kids parenting magazine. December 2008.

Steve and Shaaron Biddulph. Love, Laughter and Parenting. London: Dorling Kindersley, 2000.

The copyright of the article Enjoying Pregnancy in Pregnancy & Childbirth is owned by Wei Yin Wong. Permission to republish Enjoying Pregnancy in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Enjoy being Pregnant