It is a known fact that pregnancy causes many positive (and negative) effects on a woman’s body. Typically, we don't notice these changes until around the second trimester of our pregnancy. This is when we become more energized, our skin clears, and most importantly (in my case, at least) our locks of hair become silkier and longer.

However, once the pregnancy slowly drags on and that moment where your confidence has built up again slowly starts to disappear and is replaced by a looming cloud of laziness and apathy. All we truly care about is having everything ready and getting this baby out! With our exhaustion seeping deeper into our bones, we find it increasingly hard to take care of ourselves, or even get out of bed.

What women who are expecting lack to know is that taking care of ourselves will only benefit us in the long run. I know it is hard, trust me. But I did find some tips that helped me learn to take care of myself all over again.

Here are 7 tips that will help make taking care of yourself the main priority again.

1. Fight The Laziness

Like I said, I totally understand how heavy laziness takes over our bodies. We are growing a human being inside of us! Though it is completely acceptable to be lazy once in a while, it is not good to be bedridden either. We are pregnant, not terminally ill. Unless directed by your doctor, getting out of your bed and out doing pregnancy safe activities is the way to go. You will feel great, and the extra exercise will make baby happy as well.

2. Bathe Daily

I know what you’re thinking. “Jen, that is disgusting! Who doesn’t shower every day?!” Well, most pregnant woman. Now, what I mean by bathing daily is to make sure all areas of your body are clean. This does not mean you have to hop in the shower, wash your hair, and do the whole shebang. Just take a warm bath and find relaxing ways to bathe and feel good about yourself.

3. Try To Get Back Into Your Shaving Habits

Shaving is known to be more of a nuisance and a chore rather than an activity we actually like doing. It is even worse when your belly is the size of a bowling ball and you can’t even see your legs and lady bits. Even though having a large belly is a good enough excuse for you not to shave, it shouldn’t be avoided. Shaving doesn’t have to be done every day. You can shave once a week to make sure your legs aren’t looking like your husband's/boyfriend’s. You can’t participate in No Shave November when it is the middle of February and the weather is leg ready. If you need help, which you will, then do not be embarrassed to ask your mother or your significant other. After all, what you have is no surprise to them!

4. Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!

We are typically thirstier during pregnancy than when we are not. This extra intake of water is necessary for pregnant women because of all the changes that we are going through in our bodies. I personally thought that I was on point with the whole water intake, but after being told that I was severely dehydrated at a doctor’s appointment, I had to up my water intake again. Little did I know that the appropriate 8 glasses of water had to be jumped up to 12. Water is important and is more important for your little growing buddy. If you simply don’t like to drink water because of reasons like the taste, then try using products like Mio that help bring flavor to your drinks.

5. Don't Forget To Take Your Prenatals

Doctor’s prescribe prenatal vitamins for a reason. They are packed with important nutrients that our bodies and our baby need. Though it is easy to skip the vitamins and simply just change your diet, it is hard to know if you are actually getting more nutrients that you need. Our prenatal vitamins are so important for us that they even recommend taking them a few months after delivering our baby.

6. Keep Up Your Healthy Eating Habits

Do not do like me where the first week, I ate super healthy and the next week, I ended up in the drive-thru of Mcdonalds. It is important to fight your unhealthy cravings. If you give in to your cravings and end up eating too many fatty foods, it could cause your baby to have a high birth weight. Babies who have a high birth weight tend to have a harder time being delivered naturally. Plus, eating healthier will make you feel more energized. Try meal planning and have a diet of grains, fruit, and vegetables. Sure, you can splurge every once in a while with your favorite sweets, but make sure it isn’t an everyday thing.

7. Do Not Isolate Yourself

This is pretty important. Pregnancy can be very hard and not many understand unless they are going through it or have gone through it. Just because people don't understand the stress you are going through to prepare for the arrival of your little one, does not mean you have to cut them out of your life. I know they say to cut out anything that causes stress, but if someone is honestly trying to help you, then try to help them understand and come to a compromise. Trust me, when the time comes after delivery, you will need all the help you can.

**

I'm so close to the finish line when it comes to my pregnancy. I've learned how taking care of myself helps me with self-confidence, as well as being more productive even when I feel sluggish. Being active during pregnancy is very beneficial, but make sure you balance activities with rest. The key is to listen to your body and make sure you notice when something needs taking care of.