5 Essential Self-Care Activities for Moms-to-Be

If you are pregnant, desire pregnancy, or have pregnant family and friends, this blog post is for you. A lot of people focus only on the baby during pregnancy and postpartum. I am here to tell you that that isn’t enough. You are a human, carrying a human. You deserve care, attention, love, self-care, and more.

Pregnancy is like running a marathon; you fight for yourself and your unborn child. It can be very overwhelming, taxing on the body, and quite scary, to be honest. One thing that has helped me along my journey is practicing self-care. Your baby will be their best self if mommy takes care of herself. It took a while for this reality to set in for me, but once I did, I indulged in activities that allowed me to relax and made my body feel good.

Here are 5 Self-Care Activities To Indulge in

1. Prenatal Massages

   • Prenatal massages are a true blessing during pregnancy. They offer complete relaxation, especially when those aches and pains kick in. I'm sad to say that I didn't start until my second trimester, around 24 weeks. However, you can start as soon as 14 weeks. Most massage parlors won't take you before 14 weeks, so check with the one you prefer. A monthly membership at a place like Massage Heights guarantees much-needed time to release, relax, and rest. Don't worry about breaking the bank; you can use platforms like Groupon to find excellent deals on massages.

2. Facials

   • Pregnancy may or may not change your skin. My skin went through a few bumpy months during the first trimester. So I decided to start getting facials again. You tell your esthetician your areas of concern, and they go to work. Remember to disclose that you are pregnant so they will not use chemicals on your face. My esthetician also asked me if I needed extra pillows to get comfortable since it is a service that requires me to be on my back. If you're concerned, they can adjust the table slightly and allow you to turn your body to the side. It's doable. I made it a point to have a facial every month to keep my skin in great condition.

3. Aromatherapy baths or showers

   • One of my favorite self-care practices is taking aromatherapy baths or showers. I live by Dr. Teals Epsom salt, body wash, shower spray, and body oil. One thing I'm going to do is take a bath, especially while pregnant. It soothes so many aches and pains, plus allows you to relax after a long day. In addition to relaxing, you can use this time for personal growth by playing audiobooks, watching your favorite YouTube channel, or listening to Christian hypnobirthing tracks to prepare for labor while in the tub. How you want to occupy your time in the tub or shower is up to you.

4. Chiropractor

   • I was initially surprised when my doula highly recommended visiting a chiropractor to help keep my body aligned and prepare for labor. I didn't think going to the chiropractor could be a form of self-care, but it is. Self-care isn't just about nail shops and massage parlors; it's about ensuring you feel your best. So, I began seeing a chiropractor specializing in prenatal care and the Webster Technique. This technique helps with round ligament pain, pelvic pressure, and back pain, all common discomforts during pregnancy. My chiropractor created a tailored plan for me, and I started seeing her weekly. The sense of freedom and relief I felt after each visit was remarkable. It's a form of self-care that directly contributes to my well-being. If you see a chiropractor make sure they specialize in prenatal care and the Webster Technique.

5. Rest

   • It is true when they say get all the rest you can before the baby comes, it is true. Take all the naps your heart desires. Don’t feel like you must be a superwoman while pregnant. Sitting down and caring for your growing body with rest is okay. Don’t try to keep up or compare yourself with other pregnant women who might be more active than you. That does not have to be your story. Pregnancy is a unique journey for every individual, and your self-care should align with your needs and comfort. Trust me, rest is important. You do not always have to be doing something.

If you are pregnant, I hope you are practicing self-care during your pregnancy as often as you can. Pregnancy is a journey that deserves the utmost care and attention for the baby and yourself. Self-care during pregnancy is more than a luxury; it's a necessity. By focusing on activities like prenatal massages, facials, aromatherapy baths, chiropractic care, and rest, you're investing in your well-being and, by extension, your baby's well-being.

So, embrace these self-care activities, create your routine, and pamper yourself. Remember that you deserve it, and a happy, relaxed, and well-cared-for mom can provide the best start for your precious little one.

If you have a friend who is expecting, surprise them with a gift card or girls’ day to do one of these things for themselves. They will appreciate it.