To say your body goes through changes during pregnancy is a big understatement. Shifting hormones and the body’s accommodations for building new life underlie the physical and mental experience of pregnancy. But while the exhaustion and discomforts of pregnancy may be dramatic, there are plenty of ways to endure the experience with greater peace and poise. Here are some natural, healthy tips to uphold a healthy pregnancy and allow you to focus on the many joys that come with the miracle of life that is happening inside you.
Rest & Recharge
Even if you have another kiddo or two running around, or especially if you don’t, REST. Take naps whenever possible, even if they are just catnaps. The additional energy invested in your baby’s growth means that your body needs extra time to recharge.
Stretch Your Body
Keep your body limber. Stretching not only helps relieve stiffness and discomfort throughout the body, it promotes healthy breathing and circulation. Yoga is a great way to incorporate both stretching, breathing, and strengthening exercises.
Walk In Nature
Try to take a walk or two everyday…rain or shine. The combo of getting your heart pumping and being outside is a winner. Not only does nature nourish the soul, the dose of vitamin D on sunny days can be an extra mood boost.
Daily Multi
Make sure you and your baby get all the nutrients you need. Choose a healthy prenatal multivitamin, preferably whole-food based with natural folate and supportive herbs. PureNatal® fits the bill with gentle, fermented vitamins and minerals made with organic vegetables and fruits, plus a blend of organic sprouts, berries, ginger, and red raspberry leaf for extra support. You may also consider extra plant-based calcium and magnesium, such as Bone Renewal®, if your OB-GYN agrees. Not only do these essential minerals support bone health for you and baby, it can foster restful sleep..
Go Whole
Eat a whole-foods diet based on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, pastured eggs, healthy organic or grass-fed meats, and omega-rich salmon and seafood. Opt for organic whenever possible for optimal nutrition and purity.
Egg-Cellent
Focus on getting enough choline in your daily diet, which is important for supporting the developing brain of your baby. Eggs are an excellent source of choline, but if you don’t consume them, you may consider a choline supplement.
Omega Up
Omega-3 fatty acids (particularly EPA and DHA) play important roles in maintaining a healthy pregnancy, and for nourishing fetal growth and development. Aim for 2-3 servings of Omega-3 rich fish per week like wild salmon to get the much-need DHA (or take a fish oil supplement). If you don’t do fish, consider an algae-based DHA supplement.
Check Iron
Your doctor should be testing your iron levels regularly, since pregnancy demands significantly higher amounts for increasing blood volume. Cooking in cast-iron skillets, consuming blackstrap molasses, and grass-fed beef stews are simple, natural ways to add more iron to your diet. Otherwise, your healthcare provider should recommend a supplement in the right dose.
Nausea No More
Morning sickness is a drag, but there are natural ways to mitigate it. Try ginger teas or supplements, such as SuperPure® Ginger, B vitamins, like Super B-Complex™, magnesium, frequent protein snacks, or acupuncture to help stave off the swells of nausea.
Self-Care
Take care of yourself. Do things that bring you peace and happiness. Read a book, get a massage, take long baths. Whatever gives you that peaceful ‘ah’ feeling. Hug your growing belly, and reward yourself for nourishing a miracle.
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