Taking Care of Yourself During Pregnancy

I am currently six months into my seventh pregnancy, so I have learned a bit over the years about taking care of yourself during pregnancy. I try to make it a priority to take care of my body and the baby within during this special time of life. Here are a few pointers I would like to share with every pregnant lady about taking care of yourself:

1. Watch your diet. I don't spend a lot of time fussing over what I eat, and I do grocery shop on a tight budget; but it is prudent both health-wise and budget-wise to eat well during pregnancy. Making sure that you are getting enough protein is essential and can lower the risk of pregnancy problems such as toxemia. Try to sneak extra veggies into each meal by chopping or grating some into your meatloaf, spaghetti sauce, pizza, burgers, and casseroles. Add a salad to each meal. Drink lots of water, herbal tea, milk, and fresh juice. Eliminate soda and junk from the diet. These are all simple things that every pregnant lady knows, and they will definitely help you take care of yourself during pregnancy.

2. Get some exercise. I am not the biggest fan of exercise, but I know that this is a key component in taking care of myself during pregnancy. I purchased a pregnancy exercise DVD on eBay that I do early every other morning. I make sure that on the other days I spend some time on the treadmill. Get into the habit of taking a walk with your children, your husband, or a friend during your pregnancy. You may even consider joining Curves or partnering up with a friend who exercises regularly (particularly if she is pregnant). When labor and delivery time comes... you won't regret it!

3. Drink the right stuff. Eliminate absolutely all alcoholic beverages during pregnancy and beyond. This is terrible for your body, your baby, and your spirit. Add lots of water to your daily routine. I get up early and fix a glass of ice water for myself along with a sippy cup of water for each of my children. Drink it throughout the day, and set a goal to consume at least 8-10 glasses daily during pregnancy. Also, adding red raspberry leaf tea to your regimen during pregnancy will tone and prepare the uterus. Have a relaxing hot cup each morning to prepare for your day.

4. Get adequate rest. I know for a fact that this can be a real challenge! But pregnancy can cause you to feel very tired; and in order to properly care for yourself, you need to ensure that you listen to your body and get plenty of rest. Go to bed on time rather than goofing off on the internet or participating in every community service project or extra-curricular activity. If you feel that you need it, sleep in every once in a while. Take an afternoon nap with your children. Every once in a while, plan a day or weekend off to do nothing but rest, especially during your pregnancy.

5. Maintain a good relationship with your husband. Pregnancy can be both a stressful time and a wonderful time. Allow your husband to try to understand and help you deal with the hormones, moods, and worries of pregnancy. Open up to him instead of shutting him out. Yes, you are busy thinking about and preparing for your new baby; but don't forget who was around first (and who made this baby and pregnancy possible!). If you have other children, consider sending them to the grandparents' for a weekend and spending special time with your beloved before your pregnancy ends.

6. Maintain your relationship with the Lord. If you are a Christian, you know that it is essential to have His guidance on a daily basis in order to live a victorious life. Do not neglect the Lord during this busy season called pregnancy. You will find that you need His help in dealing with the emotions, hormones, and stress of pregnancy more than ever. Present your body a living sacrifice each morning, and ask Him to strengthen and protect your womb and the baby within it. Pray for your baby, your pregnancy, your husband, and yourself.

These are some ways that I've learned to take care of myself during pregnancy. I hope that you'll take care of yourself, too, and enjoy this special time that will one day be just a vague memory -- pregnancy!