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Tuesday, January 18, 2011

37 weeks & 5 ways to feel great during pregnancy


Today marks 37 very long weeks. Although this is considered "full term," I am not ready for this baby to arrive and I hope she isn't either. As uncomfortable as I am sometimes and as much as I can't wait to meet her and to welcome her into our family, I want her to bake a bit longer. Many women consider 37 weeks to be a "safe zone" for a baby to be born, but in my eyes, pregnancy is 40 weeks for a reason. I would feel much more comfortable being 6 days late than 3 weeks early, even though I know from experience that being late is just no fun.

This pregnancy has actually been pretty easy. Different than the last one, but relatively easy. I've felt really good and I think it has a lot to do with a list I made when I found out I was pregnant. When I was pregnant with Evan, I was a serious couch potato sometimes and I didn't realize how much that affected the way I was feeling until I got pregnant again and realized that I wanted to feel better about myself this time around.

Now that I'm almost through with the pregnancy, the list has been transformed a bit as I've learned more about how to really feel great at a time when it can be difficult.


5. Don't be unrealistic. If you didn't do yoga and pilates 5 times a week pre-pregnancy, chances are you aren't going to suddenly start doing prenatal. Don't let yourself feel too horrible if that DVD you bought didn't get enough use.

4. Get dressed. For me, this is the absolute most important one and also one that should transfer into motherhood. Yoga pants are comfortable and baggy jammies are even more comfortable, but let's face it: they don't scream productivity. Just by throwing on some jeans, you can make yourself feel better about the way you look. Avoiding sweatpants all the time will also help with number 3.

3. Eat fruits and veggies. Cravings are a natural part of pregnancy. Believe me, I hate chocolate and I couldn't love it more right now. But even when you feel like all you want is Coca-Cola and candy, throw in some of the good stuff too. Eating well makes you feel good. Eating well makes the number on the scale feel better. I have been much more aware of what I eat this time around and I am on track to gain about 10 less pounds this pregnancy, while still gaining enough to be healthy.

2. Get glammed up once in a while. This can be hard if you already have a kiddo at home. There just aren't as many opportunities to put on a cocktail dress. Make sure that when you buy your maternity clothes that you buy something that makes you feel really pretty every time you put it on. While the maternity essentials like tanks and tees are great, buy something with a little lace or some fun details. Wear earrings. Curl your hair even if you only have to go to Target that day. Allow yourself to feel pretty even when it feels like you just can't. Near the end of pregnancy, make sure you give yourself the opportunity to go somewhere where people will see you radiating that beauty.

1. Be happy. Become aware of your moods. The mood swings have definitely been the biggest obstacle in this pregnancy for me and for my relationship with my husband. It's been intense and difficult. Tears have been shed. Over the course of time, I've had to become more aware of the ways in which I can control my behaviors to help my moods. This is still something I am working on, but I realize now more than ever that I am in control of the way I feel and the way that I handle those feelings. If I let an irritable moment spiral out of control, things can only get worse, but if I take a difficult moment and recognize it and learn from it and try to become better from it, I can be happy. And so can you!

3 comments:

Kristin said...

Look at that Belly!! Love it, you look great!

maria said...

I like this blog post, good advice and thoughts :) It's funny how we get these craving, and their opposite. I normally love chocolate, but when I was pregnant I couldn't stand it.

Elizabeth said...

Wow you are carrying high Jaimie! Maybe that old wive's tail is true. Haha. Nevertheless, you look awesome! Can't wait to meet the little princess!