Loving Your Bump
It’s the season of the year when love is in the air! Do you feel it? Do you feel it for yourself and the miracle of life that you are growing inside? Self-love is a vital part of our emotional well-being that can improve how our body feels physically, too—especially during pregnancy. Some people love being pregnant. Self-love flows naturally out of the wonder and joy of carrying a baby. But not everyone has a natural fondness for being pregnant! Either way, when the pregnancy hormones are flowing and you’re growing a new life inside. It’s the perfect time to try some of these Valentine’s Day-inspired self-care strategies and love the bump you’re with this season.
First Trimester
Just because you’re in early pregnancy doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate with friends! When you get together with your loved ones, serve holiday-themed mocktails, or fruit-infused water. Pink lemonade with berries can be a festive drink to share when you and your family toast to the newest member! Plus, staying hydrated is a critical part of feeling well throughout the first trimester and mildly flavored beverages can be easier on the stomach and help with fatigue and nausea.
Chocolate is everywhere around Valentine's Day, but remember to enjoy it in moderation. High-quality chocolates are a better choice as a treat because they often have less sugar and more antioxidants. Eating too much chocolate at one time can cause stomach discomfort, but just the right amount can be good for your mental health!
Once you get a positive pregnancy test, you know that major body changes and hormonal changes are happening every day so practicing mindfulness is an essential habit to incorporate into your life. Start and end each day with 3 grounding breaths to help regulate your nervous system and maintain your mind-body connection, even with all the changes. Breathwork is beneficial for easing nausea, improving sleep, and even helping manage labor contractions, so this is a very useful tool for pregnancy! As part of your evening breath work, focus on gratitude and one thing that you are thankful for each day.
Second Trimester
As your belly and your baby continue to grow, many pregnant women enjoy having a special lotion or balm that they rub on their abdomen. You may want to buy yourself one as a Valentine’s Day gift and incorporate it into your bedtime routine. Use these moments to connect with your body and your baby. Be mindful and non-judgmental about any emotional changes you’re experiencing while you’re pregnant.
Stay familiar and connected with your changing body! Show yourself some love for all the hard work you’re doing by adding perinatal stretches or yoga poses to your evening routine.
These simple practices will help work out any tightness in your muscles before bed and lead to better sleep at night.
The physical changes of pregnancy are difficult for some people. The style of clothes you usually wear may not look like you want it to or be comfortable. So wear whatever clothes make you feel confident. I work with clients who love to dress up and be fancy during pregnancy and I have others who prefer leggings and a t-shirt. If this is your first time being pregnant, take the time to experiment to find out what you like! Because it’s Valentine’s Day, add a pink or red twist to your outfit, even if that’s not a color you typically wear. You could try a fun scarf or headband to share the Valentine’s vibe!
The end of the second trimester is the perfect time for pregnant people to start tracking their baby’s movements by doing kick counts. Create your own journal and decorate it however you want. Every day set aside a few moments to journal how you’re feeling and document your baby’s movements. If you’re noticing new mood swings or anxieties about birth, name those feelings and know that writing them down can help you mentally process and prepare for the road ahead.
Third Trimester
There’s nothing quite as soothing as an Epsom salt bath as you get closer to your due date! If the morning sickness has returned, you can add a few drops of peppermint oil to the water to soothe your digestive system. The magnesium in the Epsom salt can help reduce swelling and prevent leg cramps while you’re sleeping, so make this a regular part of your routine, if it feels good to you.
If you’re creating a birth playlist, use it prenatally to have a “dance date” with your bump every day. This can be a great way to wind down at the end of the day or for a mid-day movement break. Tell your body positive affirmations while you dance and remind yourself of how strong, capable, and amazing you are.
The third trimester can also bring a strong case of sleepiness! Your body is working so hard all day long, so give in to the need to nap more or sleep longer. This is a normal part of pregnancy and fatigue is your body’s way of letting you know how to take care of yourself during this time. Use a pillow to prop yourself up or keep yourself comfortable for deep, restful sleep.
Whether this is your first baby or your fourth, I hope you’ll take these tips and strategies and scatter them throughout the rest of your pregnancy and even into the postpartum period! You are on an amazing journey and even in the minutes it’s taken you to read this article your body has accomplished so much! I hope that this Valentine’s Day will bring you and your little one sweet moments filled with self-love and joy.
About the Author
Rebekah Mustaleski is a Medical Advisor for Motif Medical. She is a Certified Professional Midwife with Roots & Wings Midwifery, where she promotes evidence-based maternity care for families seeking an out-of-hospital delivery.
Information provided in blogs should not be used as a substitute for medical care or consultation.
Information provided in blogs should not be used as a substitute for medical care or consultation.
