Pregnancy is an amazing and exciting time in a family’s life. It also comes with a lot of physical and emotional changes that can affect you almost immediately. These are the best tools for a natural pregnancy I keep coming back to use over and over again.
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Essential Oils
I love essential oils, they are one of my favorite natural go-to remedies for anything like nausea to just when I need an energy boost. Do note that some essential oils are contraindicated for use during pregnancy. These are oils like Clary Sage, Geranium, Rosemary, Clove, and Cinnamon to name a few, in other words, I look out for any oil that may cause uterine contractions. I like using Clary Sage and Rosemary or Geranium after 38 weeks to help my body prepare for labor.
My favorite pregnancy-safe oils are lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, and lemon. I love diffusing a combination of one or two of these oils depending on my mood.
- Lavender– Lavender is just a great relaxing oil, it is also great for your skin. While it can be used “neat” directly on your skin. I always dilute it with some Tallow Body Butter.
- Lemon– Lemon is just a fresh clean smell as well as a great energy and mood booster. I usually like to diffuse it in the morning or when I hit my afternoon slump. Pregnancy can make you so very tired and if you have other little ones a nap is rarely an option.
- Peppermint– This oil can cut through even the smelliest smell. I love diffusing this in the nursery after changing a specially nasty diaper. I find it to be great for my pregnant nose since I seem to be able to smell every single particle of everything in the air. It can also help relieve nausea for some women.
- Eucalyptus– Eucalyptus is similar to peppermint but I find it a little bit more “minty” and refreshing if that makes sense. I use it if I happen to catch a cold. A few drops in the diffuser usually help with a stuffy nose. This helps me avoid any type of medicine including over-the-counter stuff.
Body pillow
Sleep is so important for your overall health especially when your body is housing a tiny human. As my body changes I find it increasingly difficult to get comfortable. I spent many restless nights tossing and turning as well as many cranky mornings due to the lack of rest. I finally bought a body pillow and it was amazing! There are specialty pregnancy pillows like this one. I however just bought a generic body pillow like this one and it has been working great for many pregnancies. Money was tight when we had our first baby so I went with the cheaper option but I’m sure either would work.
Exercise
Staying active during pregnancy is a great tool to have a natural pregnancy with a lower risk of interventions. I will admit this has gotten trickier the more children I have. I did great my first three pregnancies with a good exercise routine but by the time I was pregnant with my fourth baby I just didn’t have the time. Now, what I do is try to take little breaks and stretch instead of a full consecutive workout. Going for a walk is a great way to add some activity and it is something the whole family can do. An exercise ball can also help especially if you spend a lot of time sitting at work.
Track your water intake
Water is so important for your overall health. While pregnant your body produces more blood and your kidneys and liver have to work harder to get rid of waste. I try to drink plenty of water every day as part of my natural pregnancy routine but it can get hard. Here are a few tips.
- Get a special cup. I know it sounds silly but it helps. I recommend something that is at least 24 to 32 oz that way you do not have the extra step of constantly refilling it. I aim for at least a gallon of water a day having a cup with a large capacity makes it easier to accomplish. I also like something that is insulated so you do not have to worry about a coaster. A lid and a straw are also a must for me. My favorite cup is something like this one super simple and inexpensive.
- Add ice, lemon, cucumber, and mint to your water. It is so refreshing and it makes it feel more like a specialty drink.
- If it is cold I like to drink herbal tea. This helps me keep my fluid intake up and it provides warmth. I get my pregnancy tea from a local apothecary but here is a similar one. Herbal tea is a big part of having a natural pregnancy. Herbs can help fight illness and your mood when used appropriately.
Healthy Snacks
Food is one of my favorite things in the world. However, when I’m pregnant I can crave unhealthy things or reach a point when a full meal is just too much. Heartburn and nausea can sometimes make it hard to eat. This depletes my energy levels so I sometimes opt for healthy snacks instead of full meals. Be careful not to buy overly processed snacks. I like to buy things like fruits and vegetables for our family to snack on. Part of a natural pregnancy is that I try to eat healthy before during and after. Do not misunderstand, I have a huge sweet tooth and I often indulge but I make sure it is homemade with ingredients I pick. My latest obsession is this Sourdough Dump Cake, just saying.
Leg Cramps?
I have had some awful leg cramping at night with some of my pregnancies. My midwife recommended a Magnesium Supplement, and it helped. It also helps if you are getting Braxton Hicks a little too early, which in my experience, happens naturally the more children you have. I use Calm Magnesium Powder it is easily accessible, and safe (always ask your health provider), and it comes in a different array of flavors I personally like the plain one.
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