Besides prenatal care, self-care is important for a healthy pregnancy. Here’s how.

Being pregnant can be exhilarating, but it is also overwhelming at times. It’s easy to get caught up preparing for the arrival of your baby, especially if you’re a first-time parent. But don’t forget that your wellbeing is crucial too. To start with, here are five self-care tips for a healthy pregnancy.

1. Get the right nutrition

Food is life. Besides giving you the nutrients for a healthy baby and pregnancy, eating well boosts your mood and raises your energy levels. A healthy diet also helps with common conditions during pregnancy such as gestational diabetes or anaemia.

For the best benefits, choose a nutritious diet that is high in protein and healthy fats, but low in sugar, trans fats and simple carbohydrates. In other words, cut down on processed foods.

Pick nutrient-dense foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts – these are filled with vitamins and minerals that are good for your baby’s growth and development. The more colourful and varied they are, the better.

If you’re suffering from a diminished appetite or nausea, try eating multiple small meals throughout the day or opting for nutrient-rich snacks such as fruits and nuts. 

2. Exercise and move around

Keeping active when you’re pregnant has its benefits. Besides boosting your energy levels and helping you sleep better at night, exercising also helps you prepare your body for childbirth and postpartum.

If that’s not reason enough, prenatal exercise can also alleviate your pain and lower the risk of major pregnancy complications!

Some of the exercises you can engage in include low-impact aerobic classes, swimming, prenatal yoga and pilates, or simply walking.

For a bonus reward, sync your steps on StepUp to start earning points that can be exchanged for free local data and more. 

3. Unwind and unplug

Pregnancy can be a stressful time, what with all the changes you’re experiencing. To boost your mental health and wellbeing, it’s important that you find time to unwind.

Dedicate a portion of your day to yourself. Whether it’s taking a slow walk or meditating, take this time to be in the moment and enjoy things as they are. This will help avoid burnout and reduce the stresses of pregnancy.

New to meditation? You can practise mindfulness with step-by-step audio guides that are available on StepUp, and earn points while you’re at it. 

4. Get peace of mind with maternity insurance

If you have a higher risk of developing pregnancy complications or are simply worried about a premature birth or having an emergency during childbirth, it’s worth getting insurance for your pregnancy.

Maternity insurance plans provide protection for both you and your child during pregnancy as well as after. For example, you may enjoy coverage against pregnancy complications and childbirth medical negligence while your baby will be covered against congenital diseases and hospitalisation, including neonatal care, for up to three years.

Apart from comprehensive coverage and flexibility, maternity insurance also ensures that your baby is covered immediately from birth, even if diagnosed with a condition.

5. Sleep well

A good night’s rest does wonders to your mind and body. Unfortunately, most pregnant women have difficulty sleeping especially as the due date draws closer.

To give yourself the best chance at sleeping well, try establishing a bedtime routine. Avoid screen time before you sleep and keep your mind free – unwind before sleep by taking a warm shower, stretching lightly, meditating or reading a book. Exercising in the day could also help you sleep better at night. 

Find a position that is comfortable to sleep in. In the first two trimesters, it’s safe to sleep whichever way you want. But note that it’s not advisable to sleep on your back once you enter the third trimester and sleeping on your side would be the better (and more comfortable) option. Additional pillows can also help with the extra weight of your bump. 

Pregnancy is just the start of your motherhood journey.

Rejuvenate your mind and body with these five self-care tips during pregnancy to keep yourself and baby healthy.