Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Your Pregnancy Diet Plan: 4 Other Lifestyle Changes to Consider

Your pregnancy diet plan should be about a lot more than what foods to eat while pregnant. You should also look at the lifestyle changes you can make that will help the next nine months to be a profoundly rewarding experience. These lifestyle changes can also help you long after you give birth to maintain a healthy and active way of life.

In this article, we focus on the four major areas of life that most women find are out of balance. By incorporating healthy change into these parts of your life, you can bring yourself back into balance, whether you are pregnant, about to conceive, or if you've just delivered your baby.

Getting a Support Network

Most new mothers are stressed out about the prospect of motherhood and can really use a support network to bring life back into perspective. So it's important to develop a network of friends who are also in this same stage of life-mothers who have recently had children and are still living "in the trenches," so to speak.

These new mothers can be a wealth of information and support about life with a new baby. You can develop friendships that lead to playdates, playgroups, and other kid-centric activities. You can also exchange ideas about potty-training, kid-friendly activities in your area, schools, and other information. Most areas have a Mom's Club available; seek one out so you can develop bonds with your peers.

Sleeping Well

Never underestimate the power of a good night's sleep. After the baby is born, you will experience a period of time where eight hours of sleep at one stretch may be uncommon. It's wise to get as much rest in during your pregnancy as you can.

However, you may find it difficult to sleep well as your body grows and changes. A body pillow is a great investment, as it cushions your baby bump and allows you to rest on your side more comfortably.

Soothing music, pregnancy massage, and reading a good book before bedtime are also excellent ways to promote restful sleep. Try to avoid staring at a computer screen or TV screen before bed, which can disrupt your body's natural production of melatonin, making it difficult for you to fall asleep.

The Importance of Exercise

Exercise is important during all phases of pregnancy because it can actually help alleviate many of the common complaints that pregnant women suffer from, such as aches and pains, sleeplessness, constipation, and water retention.

Exercise will also help keep you in shape for labor and help you keep your weight gain to a minimum. Seek out gentle forms of exercise like water aerobics, walking, and swimming.

Stay away from rough aerobic activity such as tennis, horseback riding, and jogging. Your center of balance changes as your belly expands, making you more prone to falls. By finding gentle forms of exercise, you will minimize your chance of slipping and falling.

Stress Management

The changes brought on by pregnancy can be stressful, but allowing yourself to give in to stress is one of the worst mistakes you can make. The three lifestyle changes mentioned above, such as exercise, plenty of sleep, and a support network, can all help you manage stress effectively.

Prenatal yoga is another excellent way to manage stress, plus it keeps you limber and strong for labor. Prayer and meditation can also be implemented into your daily routine to manage stress.

Some women also find that journaling can be a helpful way to combat stress. Find a way to manage stress and include it as part of your daily routine-you'll be glad you did.








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