As an expectant mother, your emotional and mental wellbeing is just as important as your physical health. Pregnancy tips haven’t traditionally included coping methods against pandemics, but these are unusual times. Given the nature of the challenges in the world outside, we’ve put together some simple ways for you to stay positive and healthy during this COVID-19 pandemic and after. As with all pregnancy self-care tips, do what works best for you and your baby.
Do What You Love
It is also important to do what makes you happy. Read books you enjoy, listen to music that makes you feel energized or relaxed, bake if that makes you feel good, dabble in some art, start a herb garden on your balcony. This could help keep negative emotions at bay.
Get Some Exercise
Physical activity is a great way to keep your emotional and mental health in good shape too! Plus it will help keep your body fit and your immune system strong and better able to combat infections. Get your gynecologist to suggest the exercises best suited to you.
Try These Relaxation Methods
Relaxation techniques like the ones listed below can help lower blood pressure, slow heart rate and breathing, help digestion, reduce muscle tension, ease chronic pain, improve your mood, help improve sleep quality, ease fatigue, reduce negative emotions like frustration, and even help your confidence! All of this is very important as you nurture a new life and in the months that follow as a new mother. It becomes doubly important at times of added stress like the pandemic, to be able to unwind and relax. Here are some things you could try:
- Deep breathing
- Yoga
- Deep breathing
- Art therapy
- Meditation
- Visualization
Always check with your doctor before starting any new exercise or wellness regimen.
4 Tips To Stay Calm But Well-Informed In The Pandemic
Disturbing forwards and sensational headlines can make you worry and add to your stress. Here’s how to get past this problem:
- Stick to reading only healthcare websites for guidance/safety and prevention tips.
- Read about restrictions and movement protocol in your city from official government websites if you need to step out.
- Limit your reading on COVID-19 related information to once or maybe twice a day, not more. And only if you have to.
- Read positive and uplifting stories about the pandemic. Perhaps of local heroes who are doing great work in the community or some prevention measures that are working well.
Stay Connected
Make time to talk to other people so you feel like you have your support system around you. Chatting with your friends and family will be a good diversion from day-to-day challenges and is a great way to beat stress and stay positive.
Sleep More!
Ensure you get a full 7-9 hours of sleep every night to reduce the chances of developing anxiety and depression. If pregnancy is tiring you out, take an extra nap in the afternoon if you feel the need to. Create a bedtime routine to relax before it’s time to sleep, this will help you fall asleep and may help with setting a fixing time for rest.
Stay In Touch With Your Doctor
If you are unable to meet your gynecologist for routine check-ups in person, try and stay in touch virtually or via messages/phone calls. This will help you allay any fears or concerns and address your routine pregnancy-linked questions as well. Your doctor may also provide you with some additional pregnancy self-care tips to help make your pregnancy more comfortable both physically and mentally.
Learn more about pregnancy self-care for expectant mothers, pick up tips from experts, and make your pregnancy journey as positive an experience as possible with more from the #MamaXpert blog and community.