Taking care of yourself during pregnancy is very important!! Don’t forget to do so while you are growing this tiny human!! Here are a few tips to help with this…
Skin Care: Many women experience acne during pregnancy. Placental hormones increase the oil production in your skin that can increase the amount of acne. You should avoid skin cleansers with with high levels or Salicyclic Acid and all Retin-A products. Over the counter Benzoyl Peroxide creams are safe. Facials are also safe. Stretch Marks are due to the stretching of the skin and are part of normal changes during pregnancy. (Try Momma Mio Products… they work great as well!)
Pain/Massage: Pain is VERY common during pregnancy.
Especially in your abdomen, back, pelvis, and sometimes vagina. Typically pain is normal as long as you don’t have any of the following symptoms: Fever, vaginal bleeding, or leaking of amniotic fluid. Massage therapy during pregnancy can reduce anxiety & symptoms of depression, decrease stress, relieve muscle aches & joint pain, and improve labor outcomes.
Look for a massage therapist who is specialized in prenatal massage. Another great product to help with vaginal pain in pregnancy and for postpartum is Vagi-Kool.
Sleep: Sleep is very important during pregnancy but something that may be hard to get as you get closer to the third trimester. The reason you are told not to sleep on your back is that it may hinder the blood flow to your baby due to the weight of the pregnant uterus compressing on your major blood vessel. This typically is not an issue until well into the 3rd trimester.
You may find a body/pregnancy pillow to be useful while sleeping.
Many women find essentials oils (such as lavender) to help with sleep and relaxation.
Sex/Intercourse: Sex is safe during pregnancy. However, it may cause your uterus to contract. Avoid positions that cause discomfort. A few reasons to avoid intercourse include… Incompetent cervix, Preterm labor, Placenta Previa, or for some other medical reason that your Physician instructs you not to do so…!
Hope this helps!
