Love your pregnancy, love yourself
Ways to lift your spirit
SEEDING YOUR CEREAL
With all the layering that you’ve done this winter, it’s normal for your skin to become dry and flaky. Try adding sunflower seeds to your cereal or grab a handful as a snack during the day. These seeds are rich with essential fats and a great source of vitamin E, iron, magnesium and minerals.
KEEP UP THE CITRUS
Citrus fruits are found in abundance during this time of the year. Vitamin C helps to keep your immune system going, as well as keeping your gums healthy. Satsumas, clementines, naartjies and oranges are easy to peel and make the perfect snack along with those seeds!
TIME FOR TEA
Soothing drinks are one of the best ways to warm the cockles of your heart. But remember that the tannin in Ceylon tea can interfere with your iron absorption, so be sure to have a cuppa between meals and remember to take your supplements. Rooibos tea is a better choice for you when pregnant.
SOOTHING TRADITIONAL REMEDIES
Being pregnant means you can’t just take any over-the-counter products. Here’s a way to mix a remedy for sore throats. Combine hot water, honey and juice from a lemon and sip. Gargling with good old salt water is still a winner for easing a sore throat!
WARM BATHS
Baths are great for warming you up and relaxing tired back muscles and tired feet. Bath should be warm and not too hot! If you have to get in slowly, a bit at a time, cool the water down.
MOISTURISE YOUR SKIN
Exposed skin can become dry and tight during winter, so you may need to have a richer moisturiser than usual.
MASSAGE MIRACLES
The touch from a loved one can do wonders for you physically and emotionally. Ask your partner to ease your aches and pains with a gentle but firm massage to the areas of your body that really hurt. This usually means your back, shoulders and of course your feet. Use a massage oil that feeds the skin as well. Beware of the use of essential oils as some are not safe to use during pregnancy. Lavender and chamomile are soothing, calming essential oils and safe to use during pregnancy. Be sure to ask a qualified person before you buy.
NAP TIME
Most of us work a full day, but taking some time out to take a power nap is more beneficial than you know. Whether you can nap in the day or nap when you get home from work, 20 minutes can make a huge difference to your energy levels. It’s really a “must have”, rather than a “nice to have”. If you can’t drift off to sleep, then just relax with your feet up and have some quiet time.
“NOSEY” BUSINESS
A stuffy nose is one of the niggles that pregnancy brings, due to the influence of the pregnancy hormones on the mucous membranes. Winter can compound that problem, big time! You shouldn’t take decongestant medication, so get some Olbas oil or eucalyptus oil. Place a few drops and some boiled water into a bowl. You may wish to place the bowl in a paper bag or a plastic bag and close the top around your nose and mouth, keeping your eyes out of the bag. Inhale the steam. Be sure not to burn yourself. Get your partner to help you with this. Some midwives suggest placing two drops of tea tree oil or marjoram oil on a tissue to sniff as frequently as you can. A runny nose is common in winter and your nostrils can become sore and inflamed from even the softest tissue paper. Place a thin smear of petroleum jelly around the area to soothe it.
WALKING AND MOVING
Take advantage of the cooler times of the winter days and get out into nature to walk. Exercise and being outdoors is one of the best ways to lift sagging spirits. The increase in your circulation will help ease varicose veins and swollen ankles and also warm you up. It’s worth doing – especially when you really don’t want to!
GET YOURSELF A ONESIE
Seriously! There’s nothing nicer than coming in from the cold and getting into something, soft, warm and unrestrictive. Do yourself a favour and invest in one, if you haven’t already.
WATCH THE WATER!
Even in winter it is possible to become dehydrated. Water is the best choice when it comes to fluids to hydrate. Not only will drinking water prevent your skin from becoming dry, it keeps your mucous membranes moist, protecting you from invading bugs that are just looking for a cracked, dry nose to enter your body.
COMFORT FOOD
Without a doubt, cold weather seems to enhance our appetites. Be sure to eat those all-important carbs, but don’t be tempted to go for the sweet sticky buns. Seek out healthier options, such as cheese on a wholewheat roll with some chicken soup (see recipe).
EXERCISE AND BEING OUTDOORS IS ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO LIFT SAGGING SPIRITS