Lots of women who work hard to look after their bodies wonder how much they can do when they’re pregnant. The truth is that pregnancy can make you feel so tired and so achy that you might not feel like doing anything. And that’s OK. During pregnancy, your body will do whatever it takes to make sure your baby’s body is healthy and protected. And if that means making you rest up for a while, then that may be what you have to do!
Of course, the birthing process is hard work. It can last many hours and is physically demanding. And if labor starts late in the evening, you could be incredibly tired within just an hour or so. It’s important to maintain your health and fitness for this ultimate endurance test. So how do you find the right balance between rest and activity during pregnancy?
In early pregnancy, your baby is rapidly developing from just a few cells into something recognizable as a baby on your first scan. This takes it out of you. The surge in hormones and shift of your internal body parts can make you feel very sick, making eating difficult. This can be stressful too. It is so important to stay hydrated. Try to eat a rounded diet even if you have weird cravings or aversions to different foods. Some doctors recommend eating fish and meat each day, but if you’re a vegetarian, you may choose not to do this.
You may also need to take supplements during your pregnancy to support the healthy growth of your child. Things can go awry, and things can go wrong. You may need more iron if you become anemic. And you may need to radically alter your diet if you suffer from gestational diabetes. Your thyroid function could become weakened, leading to extreme fatigue. If any of these things happen, be prepared to rest more. Gentle exercise like walking could be preferred. Of course, if you suffer from preeclampsia, total bed rest may be required!
Some women can continue jogging into their eighth month of pregnancy. Special Yoga for pregnancy can keep you strong and focused. But no matter how much you can or can’t do, it’s important to take care. Lifting can be too strenuous. And even sleeping habits need adjustment to be safe.
The birth itself can also be precarious. Through no fault of your own, your infant could be at risk of developmental problems. Brain damage and cerebral palsy can occur due to the birthing process. It’s important you speak to a cerebral palsy lawyer if your child suffered an injury at this time. They will be able to help you find the right help and support for your child’s needs in life. Thankfully, the vast majority of births are successful and healthy.
For a healthy pregnancy and healthy birth, it’s important you take care of your body. Pregnancy is hard, and it can feel anything but natural! But with a careful diet and careful exercise, your baby can be the beautiful and healthy little bundle of joy you dreamed of.
Image credit:
Image 1 – Tatiana Vdb – https://flic.kr/p/e4nLge
Image 2 – Ginny Washburne – https://flic.kr/p/9ZNPii