Self-care is essential all the time, but when you’re pregnant, you deserve extra pampering.
Your body is busy growing and nourishing a bright little life, and that can take its toll on your body and mind.
As ecstatic as you are to welcome your tiny bean, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t do nice things for yourself throughout your pregnancy.
In fact, that’s the main reason that you should treat yourself: you need to be relaxed, well-rested, and happy for your baby.
6 Pregnancy Pampering Ideas
The good news is that you don’t even have to splurge to be kind to yourself. Check out this list of pampering ideas that won’t hurt your budget.
Take All the Naps
Expecting mothers are tired. It affects every mom at different times, and for some, it doesn’t last that long, but every woman hits a wall at some point.
Even if your pregnancy infuses you with energy, you’ll feel fatigued more often than you did pre-pregnancy.
That’s okay, mama!
You’re sleeping for two now. Besides that, it’s a good idea to rest when you can.
Soon enough, you’ll have to get accustomed to long days and sleepless nights.
Allow yourself to take naps anytime it’s feasible.
A sleep detox will rejuvenate you, plus it has a positive impact in the long term.
Indulge in (Some Of) Your Cravings
You have to maintain a healthy diet during your pregnancy, and there are certain foods that you absolutely shouldn’t eat.
That being said, denying yourself your strongest cravings won’t do anything but make you miserable.
Always exercise moderation and never eat anything that isn’t safe, but give yourself the freedom to fulfill your cravings no matter how weird they seem.
You can treat yourself to the occasional cupcake or piece of chicken-fried steak.
Don’t feel bad if you desire things that you’d never normally eat, either. Let your body tell you what it needs to nourish the baby.
Build Your Nest, Mama
Have you heard of hygge, the Scandinavian concept of fun and coziness?
It can be interpreted to mean many things, but for you, going hygge can mean giving in to your desire to nest.
Employ the philosophy as you prepare your home for the new baby. It can apply to redecorating the living room or designing the perfect nursery.
The object of hygge is to create the coziest, most welcoming space. It’s a feeling more than anything.
Think of how you feel when you relax in a rocking chair, stroking your bump, or the emotion you experience when you read a captivating book on a rainy afternoon. That’s what you want to capture.
Book a Preggo Massage
Pregnancy massages are heavenly. It doesn’t matter if you didn’t splurge on massages pre-pregnancy.
Once you’re expecting, you may find yourself aching in places you didn’t even know existed.
As fulfilling and wonderful as it is, pregnancy takes a toll on your body. The changes that occur can put a strain on your bones and muscles.
Book an appointment with a massage therapist who has experience with massaging pregnant people.
It might be something you treat yourself to on the regular.
Here’s a pro tip: follow it up with a nighttime self-care routine that works for you. It might involve a skincare regimen, a warm shower, or an hour of mindful meditation.
Bring in a Housekeeper
You have to take care of yourself. If you don’t care for yourself, then you can’t take care of anyone else, either.
Sometimes, that means delegating tasks that you don’t have time for or can’t do—even the day-to-day responsibilities.
The further along you get in your pregnancy, the harder it is to find the time and the wherewithal to dust, sweep, and vacuum regularly.
Consider hiring a housekeeper if it’s in the budget. Having someone come in bi-weekly can be a weight off your shoulders.
Find a New Hobby
A relaxing hobby has numerous benefits. Anything that soothes you and keeps you calm is essential.
Learning a new skill engages your mind, creativity, and imagination.
With painting or knitting, you can create beautiful things for the baby.
Trying your hand at pregnant yoga keeps you active and helps to prepare you for the birth of your child by making your muscles flexible and supple.
How do you pamper yourself during your pregnancy?