4 Rules Every Pregnant Woman Should Adopt ASAP

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The first time I became pregnant, I read everything I could get my hands on. I had What to Expect When You’re Expecting on my nightstand and could barely wait for Baby Center to email me the update of what fruit or veggie my growing baby looked like.

I also pushed myself too hard. I tried to continue all of my regular task without letting pregnancy “hold me back.”

Now I see how foolish I was being. Slowing down and taking care of your body is the best gift you can give yourself while you are carrying a new life.

I think the miscarriage I had last January aided in my ephiphany. If I could go back to my previous pregnancies, here is some advice I would’ve given myself:

It’s Okay to Rest

I know. I’m guilty of not resting. My husband jokes that I nest my entire pregnancy. He’s partially right. I’m very type A and I want things done in a timely manner (basically when I want it done).

I have a hard time waiting on my hubby to help. But honestly, you are growing a tiny human. There are times that your body will force you to rest, even if you try to resist.

So take it from me, a third time mom, just rest.

Do As Much As You Can In the 2nd Trimester

The first trimester is always rough for me. This pregnancy was truly the roughest because baby boy made me feel naseous…..alot. The things I normally love made me sick.

On top of feeling sick, I was also extremely tired. The first trimester sleepy (a phrase I made up entirely on my own) always hits me hard.

This summer, we sold our house and moved into another.

On top of that, I started a new job and found out I was pregnant.

After getting over the first trimester ick, I started working on decluttering and fixing up the nursery. My family thought I was crazy since we still have so much time, but I know my body.

Now that I’m in the 3rd trimester, I’m experiencing back aches because baby boy sits so low. The sleepiness has also returned. I’m typically not out of bed before 10 AM on the weekends. My girls even ask me why I sleep so much. So take it from me–utilize your energy in the 2nd trimester.

Pair Those Extra Snacks With Exercise

This is my last pregnancy and I promised myself that I would stay in shape. While I’ve fallen off the fitness track a little, I try my best to stay active. I take my kids to the park, we run around the farm (which is a few acres), and I don’t always park in the closest space in the parking lot.

Unfortunately, the pregnancy weight doesn’t just magically fall off after having a baby.

My husband is a farmer, so my exercise comes from being on the farm with my family. Walking around collecting eggs or playing with the kids is great because most of the time I don’t realize how much I’ve been walking until I go home and sit down. Find something fun to get your blood pumping and your body moving!

Take Time to Reconnect With Your Husband

Adding a baby to the mix doesn’t exactly aid in the romance department. Postpartum life can be rough. Sleepless nights coupled with all the other stressors of adding a newborn to your household often puts your love life on the back burner. Take some time to go on dates with your love before the baby arrives.

Spend time nurturing each other and speaking each other’s love language.

My husband and I went on a babymoon for our anniversary. Being out of town away from the kids helped us remember why we feel in love. If it wasn’t for my lack of energy after walking around the town, I would’ve forgotten that I was pregnant. Having these sweet times together will sustain us through the transition of bringing home baby and “normalcy.”

When you read books & articles about pregnancy, there are so many “rules” that moms should follow. I’ve found that the best rules for a pregnant women are the ones that keep them healthy, rested and happy.