It’s been really important to me to stay healthy during this pregnancy, as it’s been a pretty stressful one to begin with.  I’m always pretty health-aware when I’m expecting (if there’s any time to be health-conscious, it’s when you’re growing a human in your body!) But this time I’m really trying my best to go above and beyond within what I feel capable of right now.  Today I thought I would share some of the things I’m doing this pregnancy to stay happy and healthy from my first trimester and beyond.  As with anything on this blog, these are all things I find that work for me personally– every pregnant woman has to do what feels right to her, AND needs to do her due diligence to make sure that all of it is approved of by her own physician or midwife!

Supplements

This pregnancy, I’ve been taking a prenatal vitamin, an Omega-3 supplement, and a femme-centric probiotic.  I’ve been really in to both the Ritual prenatal, and the MegaFood Baby & Me 2 prenatal.  I’m not taking these at the same time! LOL. I had both sent to me and tried them each for thirty days and I was very impressed.  I particularly liked that the Ritual one has a lemony taste, which was great for my first trimester nausea.  I like to take my prenatal vitamin before bed because I find I remember best at the end of the day.  The Omega-3 supplement is by Nordic Naturals. I love taking extra Omega-3’s during pregnancy to help support baby’s brain development and function.  Lastly, my midwives for my last two babies have recommended a femme-centric probiotic.  What I mean by that is one that contains strains of probiotics that are specifically useful for vaginal and reproductive health.  The brand I got this time is Femdophilus.  The probiotics also help with digestion and immunity. I’ve been adding a scoop of Collagen to my coffee in the morning, also, for an extra boost of protein and beauty power!

Lots Of Water

Staying super hydrated is always a good call when pregnant, and to help myself with this, I make sure to use some reusable water bottles. I like metal Swell bottles for when I’m running errands or need to pop one in my bag, or a BPA-free cup with a straw and top for when I’m at home. I sometimes get bored of drinking lots of water (strangely, water intake feels more tough for me in the winter months), so I’ll squeeze a lemon or an orange in it to spice things up.  You can also make some delish spa water by filling a pitcher with some chopped up fruit or veggies, and topping it all with water! Keep this in the fridge and fill your cup as needed. Replace Daily.

Smoothies for Extra Nutrients

A huge help to me during this pregnancy has been adding smoothies in to my nutrition plan to get an extra dose of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.  I have daily harvest ones in my freezer to make for on the go, but I also love just throwing a frozen banana, a handful of spinach, coconut or almond milk, 2 tbs of organic peanut butter, and some chia seeds in a blender.  I also bought a juicer and try to juice a few times a week to get some extra greens.

Walking A Lot

My past two midwives have really stressed walking as a great way to stay fit and to prepare yourself for birth during pregnancy.  I’ve been trying, as much as possible, to take the walking option whenever time and distance permits. Living near downtown Westport has been a game changer for that! When I was pregnant with Marlowe, I used a Fitbit and would try to walk about 3-4 miles (in steps) per day. I am averaging WAY less this time (LOL) but trying to get more and more steps in every day. I notice that getting out in the fresh air really helps me refresh my mindset and stay happy.

Workouts

Moving my body has helped me stay healthy AND happy this pregnancy.  I find that when I am active and challenge my mind and body at the same time, it has a really lasting effect on my energy levels.  I’ve loved doing Prenatal Yoga, which really calms me down and centers me in my motherhood experience.  But I like mixing it up with strengthening workouts too! For at-home workouts, I’ve been using Obé Fitness for a couple of years now and they have great prenatal videos you can do anywhere (it’s on the site and on the app).  If you’re interested in signing up, you can always use my discount code “EVAMARTINO”. 

Stretching

I get really tight when I’m pregnant, probably as a result of my muscles and tendons working overtime, and I find that stretching for five minutes at the end of the day helps me get rid of my aches and pains of pregnancy– especially as I go in to my 30th week! My little guy is three pounds now, and let’s just say that making it up the stairs in my house is not as easy breezy as it was a couple months ago…LOL.

Therapy

For me, mental health is a HUGE part of my overall awareness of wellness.  I’ve really dedicated myself the past few years to prioritizing my mental wellbeing alongside my physical wellbeing– and my entire life has improved as a result.  Pregnancy can be so overwhelming and emotional in a variety of ways…and it can be frightening too! No matter how many times you’ve been down the road, adding a new human to the mix can bring up a ton of buried emotions and fears.  Going through a divorce, and a big family transition on top of all of that has been a challenge for me– and prioritizing therapy has been an important way to stay on top of it all during this time.  I highly recommend therapy while pregnant (and beyond!).

Acupuncture

I’ve turned to acupuncture a few times during this pregnancy to get rid of acute symptoms of stress and to promote deep rest.  I’m lucky to have a great girlfriend who is an acupuncturist and has an amazing local practice, Indigo Acupuncture and Wellness! I always feels so rested and rejuvenated after a session with her.  She has helped countless women with fertility stuff too– and even has a whole new femme health arm of her business– so make sure to check her out if you are interested in fertility support as well!

Essential Oils

I’ve been a fan of essential oils for YEARS (check out how I make my own cleaning products with them!) but I find that besides having active constructive uses in the home, they are great for promoting wellness.  I’m not an expert, and I know there are entire communities of people who are, but I know how I like to use oils to relax and rejuvenate me.  I personally prefer DoTerra essential oils, since I love their blends, and I find their oils have a more “clean” and pure scent to them. I have a diffuser for my living area, and I love diffusing peppermint in the mornings, and the Citrus Bliss blend in the afternoon. I also love On Guard for when anybody is sick to promote wellness in the home! Then, at night, I have a little essential oil stone next to my bed.  I love putting a few drops of lavender on it when I’m going to sleep to help me relax. Sometimes I add a drop or two of Eucalyptus if I’m stuffy. 

Actively Setting Boundaries Against Stress

Perhaps my most important tool for wellness these past seven months have been doing my best to set boundaries against known stressors.  After doing a lot of work on myself the past few years, I now have a good sense of what my stress triggers are, and what I can handle emotionally and physically. I’ve also learned that it’s ok to say No! There are so many factors at play while pregnant, and knowing what you need in order to feel healthy and strong is so important.  I’ve been making a huge effort to put up boundaries and say no to things when needed to preserve my energy and well being.  This is almost as important as whatever you eat or the supplements you take.  Investing in yourself will never let you down. 

Do you have any great tips and tricks for staying healthy while pregnant?? Please share with the community in the Comments below!

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Photographs by Julia Dags