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10 Steps to a Happy & Healthy Pregnancy

You have peed on the pregnancy test (or perhaps several) and it is positive.  You have been to the doctors and  its confirmed – your pregnant!  But now what do you do after the initial excitement, fear, shock, morning sickness wears off to ensure a healthy pregnancy?

healthy pregnancy
19 Weeks Pregnant
There is an abundance of information out there for expectant mums.  And following your pregnancy announcement, everyone (I mean everyone) will want to give you their two cents worth as to how approach your pregnancy.  Many of my girlfriends are now falling pregnant too and just like I did with my dear friend who had a baby a year before me, they are reaching out for some realistic advice.  She was definitely not one to sugar coat it and I greatly appreciated the valuable advice on pregnancy and motherhood that she gave me.

Happy & Healthy Pregnancy
Royal Ascot – 33 Weeks Pregnant
I have never been overly maternal – I did not rush out and buy a wardrobe full of pink frilly dresses when we found out we were having a girl.  I packed my hospital bag the morning I went into labor and over a year later, my daughter’s bedroom is still only half finished – Sorry Mackenzie.
So if you are anything like me i.e. somewhat in denial and have no idea what you should be doing, here are my top 10 tips towards enjoying a happy and healthy pregnancy.

10 Steps to a Happy & Healthy Pregnancy

Disclaimer: I am not a health or fitness professional and all opinions are based on my own thoughts and experiences.  It is imperative that you seek advice from your doctor, midwife or obstetrician before taking any medications or undertaking any exercise.

#1: Pregnancy Vitamins

My doctor in Australia advised that I should take the pregnancy multivitamin, Elevit, on a daily basis.  It is recommended that you take these vitamins whilst you are trying to fall pregnant, during pregnancy and also whilst you are breastfeeding.  They contain lots of vitamins which are required during pregnancy and they importantly contain folic acid which can reduce the risk of of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

They are readily available at pharmacies in Australia and I was able to find them on Amazon in the UK.  Note – you must always seek medical advice before taking anything during pregnancy.

healthy pregnancy

#2: Fibre

Unfortunately one side effect of pregnancy is that you can become a little ‘clogged up’ and no one wants to deal with that or the subsequent side effects.  Benefibre is great option as you just add it to your morning beverage, it has zero taste or texture and helps to keep you regular.  I took this all the way through my pregnancy and for a little while after the birth whilst my body was still getting back to normal.

healthy pregnancy

#3: Compression Socks

Some women struggle with swollen feet and legs later in their pregnancy because your body is retaining more fluid as you grow your tiny human.  It can be quite uncomfortable, so each morning when I woke up I would wear compression socks for half an hour as soon as I got out of bed.  My shoes fitted for my entire pregnancy and my feet did not grow a size like I have heard from some people.  This is one of my top tips to expectant mums on the path to having a comfortable and healthy pregnancy.

healthy pregnancy

#4: Exercise

I am not an expert in this field and you need to do your own research.  However the advice I have been given is that you can generally maintain the level of exercise that you are used to pre-pregnancy (assuming you have a normal, low-risk pregnancy).  We all know that exercise releases endorphins and it is likely to help towards a happy and healthy pregnancy. If you experience any musculoskeletal issues, speak with a pregnancy and chiropractic care specialist, and they’ll make your pregnancy as comfortable as possible.

If you are fit and healthy during your pregnancy then you will find it easier to manage your growing baby bump, birth and the recovery after birth.  I did a lot of walking whilst pregnant as well as attending pregnancy Pilates and yoga classes.  In the last few weeks I attended aqua-natal classes and I wish I had done this earlier and it was really soothing on my body.

If you’re unsure about how to exercise during pregnancy then speak to your doctor and speak to a qualified personal trainer with additional qualifications in antenatal fitness training.

Happy & Healthy Pregnancy
33 Weeks Pregnant

#5: Products For Your Growing Tummy

I believe the earlier you start using products to prevent stretch marks on your growing belly, the better.  It will get to a point that your skin is so itchy from the growing bump and you will just want to lather yourself in something 5 times a day.  I am very lucky to have zero stretch marks from my first pregnancy after following my rigorous beauty regime.

I highly recommend Mama Mio – The Tummy Rub Oil and Go-To Exceptionoil – I applied these morning and night without fail from about 14 weeks.

healthy pregnancy

#6: Hello, Bump Podcast

This is an Australian podcast which was launched right before my pregnancy which was perfect timing.  I found the advice from the mixture of experts and other mums to be excellent and hilarious, which definitely lead to keeping me happy gave me tips for a healthy pregnancy.

The discuss everything from hypnobirthing, placenta encapsulation and what you need to pack in your hospital bag.  Its a refreshing and realistic take on pregnancy, and definitely worth tuning in for those expecting or trying for a baby. Click here to download the podcast.

healthy pregnancy

#7: Pregnancy Books

I didn’t purchase a book until I arrived in England at 20 weeks pregnant.  Partly because I was in denial and partly because once I arrived, I had no idea how the system worked or how / where I was going to have the baby.  In hindsight, it was slightly crazy.  I loved the book by Clemmie Hooper – How to Grow a Baby (and push it out).  The illustrations appealed to me and it just seemed a bit more realistic than some of the other books on offer.

If I was in Australia now I would try the book by Bec Judd – The Baby Bible.  I haven’t read it but she has 4 children, looks incredible and provided great advice in the Hello, Bump Podcast.

healthy pregnancy

#8: Baby Moon

This is a very modern fad and you often see pics on Instagram of people holidaying in Maldives and rocking their baby bump, looking all glowing and glamorous.  We didn’t have a specific ‘baby moon‘ but we traveled A LOT during my pregnancy as we had just arrived in the UK and wanted to make the most of the close proximity to Europe.  It was amazing as we walked lots (maintaining my exercise), ate even more and had plenty of afternoon naps. Travelling with kids is fantastic but will never quite be the same, so make the most of your time together as a twosome.  Whether that be on a dream holiday or just lots of lovely date nights!

Happy & Healthy Pregnancy
Paris, France ~ 32 Weeks Pregnant

#9: Clothing

Its important that you still feel good about yourself during your pregnancy as your body changes.  I recommend buying some basics that you feel comfortable in such as black tops, dresses, singlets that you can then layer with your normal clothes such as a blazer or a chunky necklace or some bright lippy.  I also couldn’t have lived without my maternity jeans and leggings (my favorite brand was Seraphine).

I know it might seem like a bit of a waste of money but a few solid pieces to see you through the pregnancy will be worth it.  And not to mention, you will likely be wearing your maternity clothing for a few months after giving birth too.  I wore my Valentino flats a lot during my pregnancy too – a fab pair of (comfortable!) shoes can turn around any ordinary outfit.

For some more top tips on a maternity wardrobe, head over to Instagram and check out Sam Preston.  She has put together some wonderful fashion advice on capsule wardrobes for pregnancy – its in her story highlights!

#10: Carry On

This will be easier said than done when you are battling morning sickness early on or the pure exhaustion later on in pregnancy.  But do your best to just carry on as usual, not focus too much on being pregnant and enjoying a happy and healthy pregnancy.  The time will fly by and before you know it your little bundle of joy will be here.  Nothing can really prepare you for what happens following the birth of your baby as it completely turns your world upside down!  So for now, carry on and enjoy life as you know it.

Barcelona, Spain ~ June 2017

I hope this post helps you on your own journey to a happy and healthy pregnancy.  I love to hear other peoples advice, tips and pregnancy stories so show me some love and leave a comment below.  Shell x

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healthy pregnancy

This post contains affiliate links and I receive a commission if you visit a link and buy something on my recommendation. Purchasing via an affiliate link doesn’t cost you any extra, and I only recommend products and services I trust.  All opinions are my own.
Confessions of a New Mummy

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Shelley Whittaker

Shelley Whittaker

Shelley is the Founder of Wander & Luxe. She is an award nominated blogger and has worked in the travel, motherhood and lifestyle space since 2016. Her mission is to inspire family wanderlust by showing her adventures and sharing her knowledge and know how when travelling with kids. All whilst she tries to conquer motherhood and indulge in life’s little luxuries.

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Inspiring and Informing Your Family Wanderlust
Aussie Wife | Yorkshire Mama
Lover of Coffee, Champagne and A Little Luxe
Perth, Western Australia

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17 Responses

    1. The morning sickness was awful for me too! Its so difficult when you are trying to hide the pregnancy and carry on at work as if everything is normal. We all go there in the end though 🙂

  1. Looking back the pregnancy part was the easy bit! I agree that vitamins are so important and carrying on as usual is a great tip, you have to be sensible but not overly cautious as I think that makes you feel worse. I had terrible sickness but it upset me less when I was getting on with things and keeping distracted

    Katrina x
    #KCACOLS

  2. These are great tips. I don’t remember much what I did back then (it was a long time ago and my memory is rubbish lol) but I think I did most of the things you suggested. I remember travelling to Peru on my first pregnancy as I wanted my family and friends to see me pregnant. Didn’t want them to miss out but with my 2nd pregnancy, we didn’t go anyway. I was also very focused to keep fit. Wish I am still fit now! Thanks for sharing your tips with us at #KCACOLS xx

  3. The morning sickness was the worst for me. It was hard to try and keep it a secret around Christmas too. But I always made sure that I took my vitamins everyday and filled my diet with fresh wholesome food. Thank you for linking up with us for #KCACOLS we hope to see you next time.

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