Looking to feel more joy and happiness during your pregnancy, today I’m going to share some habits of pregnant women that make them happier, more resilient and have easier pregnancies. They are also likely to have better births, so that sounds pretty cool!
How do I know so much about happy pregnant women? Hi, I’m Hilary — many people know me as The Pregnancy Nurse 👩⚕️. I have been a nurse since 1997 and have 20 years of OB nursing experience, I am also the curl head behind this website Pulling Curls. I’ve seen a LOT of pregnant women through that time and I know what they do to give them the calm confidence that allows them to feel a little more joy during this hectic time.
One way to stay happier is to have me on your pregnancy journey with you. I can do this in a few emails each week that target exactly where you are:
**Pro tip: Happiness is relative. There will be a lot of aches and pains as your pregnancy progresses (especially as you enter this last month). But, I have seen pregnant women live this and feel SO much better…. so give them a try!
Stretching/Yoga
Moving your body is so important during pregnancy, labor and postpartum.
The problem is when you are So tired and your body just hurts, it’s not our first inclination (often) to stretch it.
So, personally, I just got into the habit of doing prenatal yoga 3x/week. I would also note what felt particularly good and try to do that every day.
Your muscles are literally thinking “WHAT’S GOING ON” as your posture and center of gravity change, so be kind to your body and stretch those muscles.
I like these cards as there’s no pressure to do it like they do on TV (but there are lots of great YouTube videos out there — you might find some you like there).
It’s never too late to start this habit. No, you won’t be as relaxed as the people in the videos, but commuting is a big win — you don’t have to do it “like them” — just do it!
Hydration
I know, I know — it’s like water is the magic cure for all things pregnancy.
BUT I find that some of the meanest women also tend to have some of the darkest urine.
I get it, you’re miserable, you don’t want to get up and pee every 3 minutes, but like stretching, this little effort can pay off BIG time.
With my 2nd pregnancy I came down with a really bad flu and thought I was drinking too much, but at my doctor’s visit my urine was tested and it was DEAD in terms of hydration.
She gave me two sachets of fluids at that appointment and I left feeling like a whole new person!
If I had just taken the time to drink a ton everyday and then stay on the toilet, I would have felt a lot better (and not needed an IV).
Get one of those cold water bottles that keep the water at the temperature you want. It will really be worth it!
Preparation
Many people live through pregnancy with SUPER anxiety about:
- If they will be able to make the right choice when “the time comes”
- Everything that happens in the hospital
- If their partner will step up to the challenge
- What will life be like with the baby?
And honestly, there’s just no reason. If you’re nervous, scared, or anxious about the rest of your pregnancy, labor, birth, or life after baby, you can prepare now.
Our online prenatal course for couples really is the easy way to prepare — in just a few hours you can feel much more confident (couples report feeling 50% less stressed after class and over 60% more prepared).
Staying positive
I get it, as things keep piling up, it’s hard to stay positive.
Money can be tight (oh man, just looking in car seat prices makes me nervous), not sure what you are doing for maternity leave/work.
You may not like your doctor or they may say things that make you worry.
You worry that something bad will happen at birth and sometimes it consumes your thoughts.
To stop.
Did you know you can control your thoughts? Yes, things will pass – but YOU are the one who decides whether those thoughts will stay and fade or if you are going to tell them to go and fill your mind with positive things.
I’m a big fan of manifestations and affirmations. I also really like how much happier they help me feel about life. Are bad things still happening? Yes, but honestly, thinking about them in my head hasn’t made me more prepared to deal with them — so maybe I should just get into the habit of being positive.
Get some of my favorite pregnancy affirmations here:
If you’re not sure how to be positive, I’d recommend writing down 5 things you’re grateful for every morning and 5 things again before bed. It really helps remind me how great my life is and how much I should be happy.
Secret bonus: Kicks count
In addition to knowing your baby is growing and thriving, kick counts also give you time to bond with baby (and think about your amazing future), time to put your feet up and just rest of. You deserve this! Get my kick count cheat sheet here:
Pro Secret: I will say that being younger makes you feel A LOT better. If you’re further along in life, I’ll vouch that pregnancy is just harder on your body. This is why our ancestors got pregnant at 16, I assume? So, you certainly can’t change EVERYTHING, but you CAN do what you can. 🙂
If you like simple tips that make pregnancy easier, I have even more to help with labor, delivery and postpartum life. Let’s make you happier and more prepared in our Online Prenatal Course for Couples!
Or, if you’re not ready for the full course, check out my free prenatal course — It’s your first step to becoming your own boss.
