Preparing for pregnancy is a task that I don't take lightly. Pregnancy is beautiful, but it does take work to make sure that I'm conscious of everything that is occurring during this 9-month period. Pregnancy changes me in all aspects: physically, emotionally and mentally.
With my fourth pregnancy, I've been trying really hard to focus on eating right as well as taking care of my body for not only baby, but myself. Even with three other kids running around, I'm making sure that I am keeping my body, spirit and mind prepared for the additional craziness that is about to come.
In This Post
Getting to Sleep On Time
This should not be hard during the first trimester. When the second and third trimester rolls around, I often get "nesting" urges to clean and prepare the home. Looking back on my first three pregnancies, I should have slowed down and taken the time to rest! Rest is important - especially during the last two trimesters when your body is working overtime for baby.
Taking Vitamins During Pregnancy
Your growing baby needs calcium for a healthy heart and you need it for bone health! Did you know that if you don't get enough calcium in your daily diet, the baby's calcium needs will be met by taking calcium from your own bones, putting your own bone health at risk? The daily recommended calcium intake is 1000 mg to help mom and baby stay healthy. Making sure that I am taking in folic acid and vitamin D is also important. I love that Viactiv Calcium Chews help achieve recommended dietary levels of these nutrients (as a supplement to diet/food sources and do not replace the need for a prenatal vitamin). They have half the sugar and half the calories of leading gummy calcium supplements. I know that some days, I can't get my healthy plate just right - so having this extra boost from Viactiv is super helpful! Learn more about your calcium needs during pregnancy. They are available in either delicious milk chocolate or caramel flavors and you can find Viactiv at these locations. Find Viactiv on Facebook and Instagram.
Getting the Proper Exercise
With my doctor's recommendation, I've been doing prenatal yoga before all the babies are up! I didn't think just ten minutes would provide any benefit, but I must say that I've had LESS leg cramps in the middle of the night! Stretching has helped me tremendously in my third trimester. I've noticed a huge difference in how my body reacts when I complete the yoga exercise and when I skip out!
Watching What I Eat
I won't lie and say I eat super clean. I do every so often satisfy my pregnancy cravings. But with baby number four, I'm trying to eat more fruits and vegetables! While I despise salad, I've been eating more of it because I want to make sure that baby gets a healthy start and I can hopefully use it to my advantage to bounce back to my pre-baby weight!
Asking for Help
With my previous pregnancies, I was always weary of asking for help to take care of my other kids, getting dinner on the table, running errands - you name it. It can be mentally draining if you try to do everything on your own (especially during the nesting phase). My recommendation is overcome feeling like a burden, and ask for help! Family and friends will gladly help you!! And if a stranger looks at your belly and offers a hand when opening the door, smile right back!
Clean your mind, take care of your body and reduce your stress with the tips above. Your mind, body and spirit will thank you!
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of #Viactiv about #BumpUpYourCalcium. All opinions are 100% my own.
Viactiv Calcium Soft Chews are available in milk chocolate or caramel flavors at major retailers including CVS, Rite Aid, Target, and Walmart, as well as supermarkets nationwide.
Learn more about Viactiv and pregnancy here.
This is a product-provided, sponsored conversation on behalf of Viactiv that contains affiliate links. I received Viactiv Calcium Soft Chews for my own personal use. This post is not intended to address or diagnose any medical conditions. All opinions, text and experiences are my own. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing or planning on becoming pregnant, speak with your healthcare provider if you have any specific health questions or prior to taking any dietary supplements.