1. Soak in a Bubble Bath
Even when you aren't pregnant, a nice bubble bath washes away all your blues. During your 2nd and 3rd trimester, you'll begin to appreciate it even more as your back muscles steadily receive more weight to carry. The warm water will relax you and your muscles. Make it even more relaxing by lighting several scented candles and turning off the lights. You may have read that extreme hot temperatures (like a sauna or hot tub) may cause damage to the fetus. If you like your bath as hot as a hot tub, a fifteen minute soak is safe.
2. Have a Cup of Tea
Tea seems to have a healing effect on your senses. There are several teas out there that are naturally decaffeinated (decaf teas won't trigger heartburn) and have holistic benefits. Raspberry tea is a favorite for pregnancy because it supposedly helps labor and delivery. You should ask your doctor which herbs are safe for pregnancy. Find a tea that is just too yummy and treat yourself!
3. Take a Cat Nap
Nothing refreshes the body and mind like a nap. As your pregnancy progresses, you'll find yourself wanting a nap more and more, usually in the afternoon hours. If you are able to, do it!
4. Take a Dip
Swimming takes on new meaning when you are pregnant. After holding up an extra 20 pounds for a while, floating in water is just the rest your back and body needs. But besides giving your body a break, there are added benefits as well! Moms-to-be are often most comfortable, and have less injuries, when they follow a non-weightbearing exercise routine, such as swimming. A study by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) reveals that pregnant women who follow a non-weightbearing exercise program are more likely to continue it into the third trimester than those who attempt weightbearing exercises such as running or lifting weights. If you are in your 3rd trimester and going through a work out tape or taking a long walk seems too much (weight) to bear, go swimming. You'll get exercise and hardly notice it.
5. Get Your Hubby or Go to a Salon for a Massage
Massage is a wonderful way to relax, increase your energy, and relieve discomfort during your pregnancy. The caring touch of massage can help you experience your changing body in a positive, accepting way. Massage can also be something special for you at a time when so much of your attention is on the baby. Pregnancy massage has been shown to aid relaxation, decrease nausea, increase circulation for mother and baby, aid in deeper breathing, decrease pregnancy aches, and decrease levels of stress. After the baby is born, postpartum massage helps in the recovery process.
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