If you’re anything like the average first-time mother, you likely have been researching San Diego obstetrics and gynecology now. And while this may feel like a new and overwhelming experience, trust us when we say that it gets a lot easier as time passes. With that in mind, here are some essential tips for how to care for yourself during your pregnancy so that you can stay happy and healthy and raise a healthy baby:

Eat Well and Stay Active

The most important thing you can do for yourself is to keep your diet as healthy as possible during pregnancy. Although many women think they can’t have any alcohol while pregnant, this is totally possible so long as you don’t consume more than one drink per day. And while it can be tempting to increase your caloric intake to make you feel more full and less hungry, you should feel free to eat smaller meals throughout the day. This can help keep you from feeling too full and prevent you from putting on excess weight. And while you certainly don’t need to become a professional athlete or take up a new sport, you can certainly still stay active during pregnancy. Whether you choose to walk, exercise with a wearable device like an exercise band or prenatal ball, or challenge yourself with an exercise challenge app, staying active is an easy and healthy way to maintain your pregnancy weight and improve your mood. And if your pregnancy brought about a new hobby or interest, now is the time to explore it!

Get Your Checkups and Treatments Completely Checked Off

If you’ve been keeping your prenatal care appointments, you may not even realize how many of them you’ve already missed. This is especially important if you had any complications during pregnancy or while giving birth. And while you can see your OB at any time during your pregnancy as long as you call ahead, you are likely due to having a checkup at around 32 weeks. If you’ve been keeping up with your prenatal checkups, you can see your doctor at any time during your pregnancy. And since doctors have learned a lot about the health of pregnant women since the last time you were pregnant, they should be able to help you understand what’s happening with your baby and how to best care for her.

Take Some Time for Yourself

Now that you’re expecting, there’s a good chance that your life has completely changed. If you’re like most people, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed. While there’s no rush to get back to your old life, taking some time to relax and unwind can be incredibly helpful. This doesn’t need to be anything extreme, and it can take many forms: taking a bubble bath with a relaxing soundtrack, getting a massage, soaking in a sauna, etc. Anything that helps you relax and unwind can really help you feel more comfortable and confident in your skin.

Don’t Forget To Get Stuff Done Around The House

It’s likely that you and your partner have been doing most or all of the cleaning around the house while you’ve been TTC. This can be especially stressful if you’re not feeling so great or if you’re trying to get pregnant. It’s a good idea to find someone who can help you out while you’re on bed rest. You can also hire a cleaning service to help you out while you’re on bed rest. You don’t want to exhaust yourself or put too much pressure on yourself to get everything done when you’re not feeling your best.

What Else?

If you have any final questions or thoughts on what to expect during pregnancy or how to care for yourself during your pregnancy, we’d love to hear from you. Simply leave a comment below and we’ll be sure to get them answered!