Posted on 2nd October, 2009 | No Comment
- You can’t be Superwoman. You could try, but you’ll probably just wear yourself out and, frankly, they don’t give awards for Superwomen. If you can afford it, cut back on the work hours, and don’t even think about taking a shorter-than-usual maternity leave.
- Rest. Step away from the computer, put your feet up, close your eyes, read a book, listen to music. Sleep doesn’t count as rest, by the way: your normal nighttime sleep is also still required. Rest in between meetings at work, take naps on weekends, and avoid social events you don’t really want to attend anyway by saying quietly (and with just a hint of gravity) “Oh, I’d love to, but I can’t. I have to rest.
- To assist you in resting. Consider having groceries or dry cleaning delivered, go out for a meal once in a while instead of cooking at home, and enlist the aid of those who live with you in things like doing the dishes, putting stuff away, or cleaning the tub.
- When you aren’t resting exercise. Take walks, go swimming or take water aerobics, do whatever activities your ob-gyn says is okay for your particular stage of gestated bliss. Exercise is great for the skin, perks up the mental attitude, keeps the kilos down, and promotes your baby’s health, too.
- Obviously, you won’t smoke, take dope, use over-the-counter medications, or drink alcohol. Pay attention to your caffeine intake, too (remember, what Mommy does, baby does. too). Also, watch the sugar. Diabetes occurs more frequently in older pregnant women, and watching your diet can help keep your blood sugar under control.
- Under eye circles sometimes along with morning sickness because you get dehydrated, and it shows up in the thinning skin under the eyes, Drink plenty of water throughout your pregnancy.
- Buy the prettiest maternity clothes you can find, Subsiding into sweats for months on end will compound any feelings of unattractiveness you may experienced. Your body will certainly grow rounder- even around the ankles- but that’s no reason to give up on fashion. Fashion loves you, and will always take you back.
- Your skin color may change during pregnancy, and you may need to buy different shades of makeup. Some lucky women look fabulous between months four and eight: their skin glows, their eyes sparkle. If you are one of these women, count your blessings. If you’re one of the other 90%, treat yourself to an occasional facial.
- Some women get acne from the drastic hormonal surges of pregnancy. Check with your doctor before using anything remotely medicinal: your skin may absorb chemicals that aren’t good for the baby. The acne is temporary, and will disappear once your body’s hormone levels have evened out.
- Pamper yourself. Check out the nearest spa in the mall, beauty and your favorite facial care center. Don’t be frugal about spending something that will make you feel good and look beautiful.
- During your pregnancy and after the baby comes, accept help when it’s offered. Lots of new moms feel that they should be able to do everything themselves, but in fact, it takes a village to keep Baby’s laundry done. Line up a reliable relative sitter before the birth, so that as soon as you can, you can go out for dinner or a movie without worrying. Fatherly creatures should also be pressed into service when it comes to hourly chores such as feeding, changing or holding baby. Training your partner in baby-tending does more than get you some extra sleep: it helps Dad and Baby bond.