How I’ve been prioritizing Self Care during this Pregnancy

During my first pregnancy, I did very little to take care of myself other than try to keep down as much as I could and get ready for a baby. It was something I really regretted in the end because, let’s face it, as soon as you have a baby you become “mom” and there is very little time for you anymore. But this time around, I’ve been better about implementing self-care into my routine. Keep reading for how I’ve been prioritizing self care during this pregnancy. 

Naps & Sleeping in

Not the most glamorous, but definitely the most important thing I’ve been doing is taking naps when I feel I need them and sleeping in in the morning. It was funny because right before I found out I was pregnant, I felt so tired all of the time. But I didn’t want to “waste time” taking naps or staying in bed because I was so busy. Now I don’t even fight it. If I need sleep, I make the time for it. 

Upping the Ante on my Morning & Evening Routines

I’ve always been religious when it comes to my face care, but have rarely stuck to a body moisturizing routine. I found Bio Oil to be a big help in preventing stretch marks last pregnancy so as soon as my baby bump popped, I got back to this ritual and now I am moisturizing from head to toe every morning and evening. 

Treating Beauty Appointments as Self Care

As much as I love my hair stylist (Heather, you are the GOAT) I’ve never been one to sit back, relax and enjoy my visits to the spa whether it’s to get my hair, nails or any other service done. But since this time has also turned into my “alone time,” I am trying to treat these appointments as opportunities to just take a deep breath and forget the laundry list of things I still need to do waiting for me at home.

Massages

Alex treated me to a massage when we were down in Newport in December when I had just reached 12 weeks, so now that I am past 24 weeks I am really overdue for a repeat visit (though somewhere local to me this time). But it’s on my list of things to schedule this week so hopefully I’ll get something on the books soon.

Cleaning Up & (more importantly) Out

This may not seem like self care, but the feeling I get when I have a clean house is undeniable. Not only is it easier for me to operate in a clean, clutter-free environment, it’s better for my ADHD. I am not kidding myself, I will never have one of those Instagram-perfect homes where there isn’t a kid’s toy in sight, but before this second little one arrives, I would like to have achieved some sort of organized chaos instead of just … chaos.

How did you practice self-care during your pregnancy? Any special rituals that you instituted that you kept up post baby? DM me your advice!