Feel Better Pregnant

All pregnant women go through times when they do not feel overjoyed to be pregnant. I remember feeling so big and unattractive during my pregnancy that many times I secretly wished for the pregnancy to be over so I could have my body back and fit into my normal clothes. Then I would feel guilty because pregnancy is such a beautiful experience. I could not understand why I did not feel wonderful at all times just knowing that I had created this little human being that was developing in my body.

Now I know that it is perfectly natural for a pregnant woman to not always feel her best. How can you possibly feel wonderful when your stomach is growing, you cannot fit into your normal clothes, you can’t see your feet, you waddle when you walk, your feet and legs are swollen, and other additional physical changes make you feel, well, blah! Sometime during your pregnancy, you may even start to feel bored with the pregnancy and/or feel depressed. Yes, those raging hormones kick in too.

There are a few simple things you can do to help you feel better and to beat those pregnancy blahs:

1) Eat healthy and get plenty of rest. Try to avoid caffeine.

2) Exercise. Even a short walk in the outdoors will lift your spirits.

3) Make yourself feel attractive by taking the time to groom yourself. Do your hair and put on makeup. We all feel more confident and alive when we look good.

4) Buy maternity outfits that will make you feel good. Look for maternity clothes that match the style of your normal clothes. Don’t buy just because they fit you.

5) Add pretty accessories to your daily wardrobe such as a nice pair of earrings or a pretty scarf. Most of us raid our spouse’s closet for clothes that we can wear throughout our pregnancy. Lovely accessories can even dress up your spouse’s wardrobe.

6) If you start to feel bored with your pregnancy, choose an activity that you will enjoy to help you through the boredom. Many woman will prepare for the baby by going shopping or decorating the nursery. Other woman choose a hobby such as gardening, preparing a scrapbook, writing in a pregnancy journal, quilting the baby's first blanket, etc.

7) Roughly 10 percent of women experience mild or moderate depression during pregnancy. If you feel persistent depression or anxiety, seek professional help.

8) Spend quality time with your spouse. Go for a romantic dinner or out to a movie. Enjoy doing things together because it’s hard to find time after the baby is born.

9) Take time out for yourself. Motherhood is just around the corner so take this time to enjoy your independence.

It may seem like 9 months is taking forever. Enjoy the wonderful experience of pregnancy each step of the way. There will be a time in our lives when our children have grown up and we will wish to be able to live the pregnancy experience all over again.

You can feel better during pregnancy. Remind yourself daily that you should feel good about being a woman and how wonderful it is to be bringing a new baby into the world.