Pregnancy can be one of the most magical times in a woman's life, but let's just be honest; it can get a little dull at times: wake up, take your prenatal vitamins, drink plenty of water, eat well, exercise, hydrate belly, rest, rinse and repeat. Yawn.
As if the morning sickness and sleepless nights weren't enough, boredom often gets tossed into the mix when you're expecting. Thankfully, with a dash of fun, a sprinkle of joy, and some inspo from us here at 8 Sheep Organics, you can take your pregnancy from a total drag to fab.
In this post, we're exploring all things fun and uncovering the best activities for pregnant women during all stages of pregnancy. Whether you're nearing the end of your third trimester or have just recently found out that you're pregnant, these endorphin-boosting activities listed below are sure to bring a smile to your face.
The First Trimester
Congrats, you're pregnant! Right now, you're probably on a rollercoaster of emotions with all those pregnancy hormones taking you on one heck of a wild and emotional ride.
You also might be experiencing some morning sickness in addition to always feeling as though you could use a cat nap — if you need to snooze the day away, go for it! After all, your body is using a massive amount of energy to literally create life!
But if you’re feeling energized and looking for something fun, check out these awesome activities listed below:
Shop 'Til You Drop (on your couch)
Feeling bored but don't want to leave the house (or the comfort of your couch)? Throw on some cozy sweats, keep your hair in yesterday's messy bun and find a comfy spot to kick up your feet and shop the latest and greatest deals on the web.
From handcrafted organic pregnancy products and cute maternity clothes, to things for your new baby, you can find a number of awesome items online. Many studies show shopping releases mood-lifting endorphins, so don’t forget to add retail therapy to your to-do list!
Check Out a Prenatal Class
Any seasoned mama will tell you to watch for whacky hormones during pregnancy — especially during the first trimester. To keep yourself happy (and sane) during this vulnerable time, creating a positive influence on your mind and body is key. Consider joining a prenatal class where you can keep busy and build a social circle that will have your back anytime you need emotional support.
From prenatal yoga and pilates to dancing and crocheting, there are many prenatal classes to choose from. Do some research to find what classes are offered in your area, and let the good times roll!
Note: Before you engage in any aerobic activity, be sure to check the physical activity guidelines for pregnant women to prevent the risk of potential complications and get approval from your healthcare provider.
The Second Trimester
Hip-hip-hooray, you're almost halfway through your pregnancy! For many moms-to-be, this is the easiest and most enjoyable trimester.
As you enter this stage of your pregnancy, you'll likely notice less nausea and have gotten your appetite back. Chances are the constant fatigue has subsided, and your energy levels are up too! In short, your second trimester is the best time to get more active!
Here are a few activities to try during this exciting stage in your pregnancy:
Pamper Yo'Self
Have you practiced #SelfCare today?
Most of us will spend all our time fretting over the baby, and tend to forget about our own well-being. It’s easy to forget that we are literally creating a baby! Therefore, it’s important to make sure we treat ourselves to some TLC. Spend an afternoon pampering yourself with an ultra-soothing prenatal massage, followed by a much-needed mani/pedi. Alternatively, you could stay home and take a refreshing afternoon siesta and enjoy some healthy fro-yo.
At the end of the day, enjoy a relaxing and indulgent bath with our Therapeutic Bath Salts. These salts will calm your mind and wash away any tension in your muscles.
Go on a Girl's Trip
When you're going through the emotional motions of pregnancy, there's arguably nothing better for the soul than being surrounded by your besties. Kick boredom and any negative feelings to the curb with a spontaneous, fun-filled girl's trip. Go for something that doesn't require too much travel and is relaxing and rejuvenating.
Alternatively, you could also have a fun girl's night at the house where you can chit-chat, do a marathon TV session, and sip mocktails!
The Third Trimester
Welcome to the third trimester— you've reached the final stretch. (Literally!) You may feel as if there's no way your tummy can grow any more than it already has, but it undoubtedly will.
In fact, even during the very last month of pregnancy, your baby will rapidly put on weight, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. This means that you can expect your belly to keep growing until the birth of your little one.
Although everyone is different, gaining about half a pound to one pound per week — meaning you'll gain between 25 and 35 pounds by the end of your pregnancy — is typically considered healthy in the third trimester.
This extra weight might not affect you at all, or it may leave you feeling uncomfortable and not in the best of moods. If you're in the latter group, these activities listed below may help flip that frown upside down:
Plan a Photoshoot
A photoshoot can certainly lift your spirits!
Schedule an appointment with a pro or call up a buddy to take pictures to commemorate you! Flaunt that adorable baby bump, get crazy with poses, and capture precious moments. Although you may not feel amazing at times during your third trimester, this is an amazing moment in life, and a photoshoot is a great way of capturing this!
Instead of a photoshoot, you could also take belly photos — simply grab your camera and snap a few shots of your bump in front of the mirror. You can also color your belly with some non-toxic body paint if you'd like to add a little pizzazz.
Indulge a Little
Once your small bundle arrives, eating an indulgent meal in peace may be difficult. So fulfill your cravings pre-labor and treat your tastebuds to all of your faves (sorry, no bubbly!).
Whether you’re a chocolate lover, pizza aficionado, or addicted to cookies, the third trimester is the time to give attention to your cravings and indulge in the foods you love.
A Final Word
You may not be able to go scuba diving or horseback riding, engage in an intense game of basketball, hop on a set of skis or partake in any kind of rough physical activity for nine months. Still, you can shop 'till you drop, relax with the girls, and indulge in good food!
Whether you decide to make an appointment for a little retail therapy or pamper yourself with handcrafted organic bath essentials, these mom-approved activities are sure to brighten up your day. Just remember to listen to your body and take it easy when you need to.
Sources:
Why Retail “Therapy” Makes You Feel Happier | Cleveland Clinic
2nd-trimester pregnancy: What to expect | Mayo Clinic
Weight Gain During Pregnancy | ACOG
Fetal Development: First Trimester | American Pregnancy Association
Second Trimester: Fetal Development | American Pregnancy Association
Third Trimester of Pregnancy: Fetal Development | American Pregnancy Association
The Impact of Social Support and Pregnancy on Subjective Well-Being: A Systematic Review | NCBI
Physical Activity and Exercise During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period | ACOG