Looking back, these are the 5 things I’m glad I did during pregnancy.
There’s no guidebook, or one-plan-fits-all when it comes to pregnancy. Do what works for you. A safe, healthy pregnancy and baby should always be prioritized.
To be honest each phase of pregnancy (and pre-pregnancy/postpartum) is highly changeable, full of unknowns and surprises (great ones and tiring ones).
These things made me feel good during pregnancy and I believe I reaped the benefits during labor and delivery as well as postpartum. (We’re talking ease, physical healing, and a feeling of overall wellness.)
Here are 5 things I’m glad I did during pregnancy.
#1 I went to pelvic floor therapy weekly.
What is your pelvic floor? An expert explains the must know information in this article.
What benefits do I think I gained from going to pelvic floor therapy while pregnant?
- The massages helped with any aches and pains I was having
- I didn’t experience any urinary incontinence
- My body seemed to be prepared and ready for delivery
- The exercises and learning to relax my body taught me things I certainly would not have known
- I had a smooth natural birth with fewer complications
- My recovery seemed to be very good – I couldn’t ask for more
#2 I rested, a LOT.
My couch time with my pups was so significant you almost wouldn’t believe it. I went from being super go-go-go to listening to my body… which really called for flat on my back, daytime naps, and some romcoms.
Just a reminder: You’re not lazy – you’re pregnant! The body needs more rest when growing a little one.
Prioritize what needs to get done and well, get to the rest later.
Surround yourself with people who want the best for you.
#3 My movement routine consisted of all low-impact exercises
I committed to prenatal reformer Pilates for the majority of my pregnancy. I had practiced mat Pilates for years but on the reformer was new, challenging, safe, and really helped all phases of my baby on board routine.
What are the benefits of reformer Pilates while pregnant? Learn all the details here.
I also went on daily walks and did some form of cardio a few days a week (stationary bike, stairs, etc.).
#4 I focused on enjoying a healthy, low stress, positive mindset pregnancy.
Your mind controls more than you realize. Stress impacts our bodies in the craziest ways. We do have the control of what we allow to infiltrate into our minds and baby’s world.
“Maternal stress is a critical determinant of fetal development, with profound implications for lifelong health and well‐being.”*
I only want to be surrounded by people that bring peace and positivity to my world. Spoiler alert: I still only allow that.
#5 I trusted the doctors I had chosen for my pregnancy and general women’s health journey in life.
Remember I’ve fired doctors before, so this one is a BIG deal to me.
It’s your health. It’s your life. Make an educated and thoughtful choice. Research doctors available within your insurance plan, meet with them, and also listen to your gut on if it’s the right fit for you.
My team of doctors were professional, proactive, caring, and excellent when it came to labor and delivery. I couldn’t have wished for a better healthcare team. And boy, and I grateful.
With the wild ride of pregnancy the one thing you really want to mentally let go of is the care you’re receiving. I knew that anything and everything would be good with my team – I knew I was in great hands.
By trusting my doctors I was able to focus on things that were “my specialty” during pregnancy: eating healthy, getting enough sleep, taking my prenatal vitamins, getting to all of my medical appointments, and taking as good of care of myself daily as possible (for baby and me)!
*Tadanki D, Kaza PS, Meisinger E, Syed A, Johnson A, Bainbridge G, Cho M, Anigbogu C, Gupta G. Comprehensive Review of the Impact of Maternal Stress on Fetal Development. Pediatr Discov. 2025 May 10;3(3):e70004. doi: 10.1002/pdi3.70004. PMID: 41036306; PMCID: PMC12483304.
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