Swim! Nothing takes the weight off your feet like water. Swimming is not only one of the best ways to exercise, but it can also help you learn to breathe easier, keep your core fit, and stretch your back muscles, all to help with pregnancy and childbirth.
Shopping. Yes, this may not be the best of advice, but it sure is an exercise. Also, surely these purchases will come without buyers’ remorse. Anything you buy will look super cute on your baby, plus you might even find something useful on sale. It’s also a great time to make your baby shower registry list!
Take walks outside (weather permitting). Walking is not only good for your physical health, but it will also take away some of the stress that comes with waiting for an event as big as the arrival of the baby. Take this time to discuss the details of life after the baby with your partner. This is a good time to clear your mind and think about your schedule once the baby arrives, make a list of things to take to the hospital, etc. Basically, use this time outside to talk and think about whether your current life choices will be suitable for life with the baby. Think of it as a detox for your brain, as well as a great cardio workout. You will be surprised how many things and solutions your brain will think of when you leave it.
Get massage. Ask anyone you feel comfortable with to give you a back or foot massage. Visit spas and enjoy pregnancy massages, mani-pedis, etc. Take this time for yourself, but remember: it’s more fun with a friend or two!
Learn new recipes. One of the most exciting and at the same time terrifying parts of becoming a parent is that you have a whole new person that you are responsible for, in every way. And of course, preparing fresh and tasty meals should be at the top of your to-do list. There are many books that talk about healthy cooking for babies, why not try them? Plus, you and your partner are sure to enjoy the newly discovered flavors and recipes. Try to stay away from foods with condiments and precooked things. Lean heavily on fresh food made from scratch. Avoid the microwave, plastic and aluminum foil. Learn now and get good at it so you can prepare those healthy and delicious dishes faster when the baby arrives and surprise everyone around you. After all, the ingredients make up the dish, but the love and care you put into it is what everyone will feel, especially the little one!
Eat well. Your baby will develop a taste for food based on what you put into your body during pregnancy. They will most likely like what you ate and will reject the food you didn’t eat: it will seem strange to them and therefore unsafe. Until they can make their own decisions, you are! Be sure to not only exclude poor eating choices and habits, but also include healthy ones, thus helping your baby to be healthier and even make better choices for himself in years to come.
Sleep well. As exciting as expecting a newborn can be, sleep will soon be in high demand, so try to get as much as you can now. You may not have too many opportunities once the baby arrives. Some may find it a good idea to train their bodies not to sleep and stay up late, hoping this will prepare them for sleepless nights in the future. But remember, any stress you endure will also affect the baby, so take it easy, for the baby’s sake. Your body will start preparing for whatever it takes anyway. You may find it quite difficult to sleep even during pregnancy with the baby rolling around in there. Many believe that this is the natural way to prepare mom. But still, whenever she gets the chance, make sure you get a good rest, sleep, and store her energy, she’ll need it!
