Pregnancy is an amazing time! It can also be difficult as in brings so much change. You are, in all ways, expanding––your body growing as your baby rapidly gets bigger, you are adding to your family and therefore your love, also, is compounding with each passing day. The journey you are embarking on can make the responsibility feel immense and, at times, impossible. Along with this, pregnant women are bombarded with information about what they should and shouldn’t do.
As a specialist in yoga for pregnancy and motherhood, I have heard many students state the overwhelming nature of all of this. Simplifying this time of your life is so valuable. Too much worrying and anxiety can be harmful for your growing baby. I encourage you to step back, relax, observe and wait while you are pregnant. Here are some more specific ideas to ease through your pregnancy.
- Don’t obsess about nutrition. Take Prenatal vitamins (which are recommended by your healthcare professional), then eat normally––even respond to your cravings. You many read “pregnant women shouldn’t eat this, this and this”…be aware that much of it is overhyped. Listen to your body and take the idea of “moderation” to heart. Three cups of coffee is pushing the wisdom of healthcare practitioners––but do enjoy that single latte.
- Do be physically active. Now is not the time to start a new, rigorous fitness practice, but walking, Prenatal yoga (or other prenatal fitness), targeted stretching, etc., is great for you. If you were into the gym before you got pregnant, there is no reason to stop now. You will notice that you get more “winded,” so do give yourself more breaks and be kind to your body.
- Do get bodywork done. Now is the time to “indulge” in prenatal massage, yoga classes, acupuncture and visits to the chiropractor. You should understand that this is not extravagance. Aches and pains during pregnancy are, unfortunately, typical. Now is a great time to take care of your body––and find a body-centered modality that works for you. For example, getting a pedicure is not only great for your swollen feet, but it is an inexpensive way to treat yourself. Any self-care now will help you recover more easily after the birth of your baby.
- Don’t stress about not having all of the latest baby gadgets, furniture, cute clothing and decorated, themed nursery. We live in a consummerist culture where we are constantly convinced that our little babies need all of these items. They don’t! Your baby won’t care what he or she wears for years. All you really need before baby arrives is a car seat, diapers and maybe a few clothing items. If you plan to breastfeed, you don’t need to purchase anything to nourish your baby. After your child arrives, you will gradually learn what you do and don’t need.
- Do write a birth plan, but don’t get too attached to it. Many women want to have ultimate control over the way in which their child enters the world––water birth with no medication, or epidural in a hospital, the perfect playlist on the iPod, or any other number of requests. It is a wonderful, fulfilling and empowering exercise to visualize your perfect birth. Birth plans are also useful for your care providers. But, we must remember we are bringing little human beings into the world. No two humans are the same––this includes both Moms and babies. Sometimes, seemingly, babies have their own agendas about their entrances––from dramatic to quietly peaceful. Whereas the concept of non-attachment is imperative throughout your pregnancy, you will need more of that attitude during your labor. And…your child will continue to surprise you, ruining most of your ideals about “how things should be” throughout his or her life. So, roll with it, starting now.
- Do find your “village.” The need for community starts during pregnancy. If you are not normally a social person, try to extend yourself a bit to attend a prenatal yoga class, a Mom’s group or even connect with the other women in your childbirth classes. It is wonderful to have this support and feedback throughout your pregnancy and these people will become your friends after your baby is born…and your child will have built in playmates as he/she ages. Face-to-face interactions are more valuable than online support, which can sometimes be anxiety-provoking. So, get out and find your people!