Pregnancy is always exciting, but it is not always fun when you’re struggling with morning sickness or feeling more tired than you ever have before.
If you want to ensure you make the most of your nine months with your baby inside you, there are some of the best ways to make the experience much more fun even if you do have a few challenges along the way.
1. Use your pregnancy privileges
When you are pregnant, people are more willing to accommodate you than they usually would be, so whether you really need to pee or you would like to sit down on a packed commute, don’t be afraid to use your pregnancy privileges to get you to the front of the queue or a decent seat on the train or whatever. Anything that makes you more comfortable is something you should never feel embarrassed about asking for.
2. Do up the nursery
One of the most fun things about being pregnant, particularly if home interiors or creativity are your things, is to do up the nursery. Check out these fun small nursery ideas and start planning your preferred layout colour scheme, furniture purchases and so on and then spend as much or as little time as you like making the place perfect. It will take your mind off anything that is stressing you out, and you’ll love making the room just right for your little one.
3. But don’t go overboard
Of course, going overboard with your nesting can cause you a lot of stress, so don’t be afraid to take a step back and remember that as long as your baby has food, shelter and a safe place to sleep at night, they will be just fine. It’s not worth stressing yourself out over if decorating and buying lots of baby stuff is not your thing.
4. Get some cute maternity clothes
If you’re the kind of woman who always likes to look your best, then a really good way to enjoy your pregnancy more is to look at it as an opportunity to also improve your wardrobe, Whether you shop charity shops for second-hand maternity wear or your invest in a brand new wardrobe, have fun experimenting with new colours, cuts and styles, and your ever-growing belly won’t annoy you nearly as much as it sometimes does.
5. Have fun with your baby bump
If it does feel like your baby bump is always getting in your way, no matter how much you love the little one growing inside, something you can do to embrace it more is to have fun with it. Place a Smartie on it when baby is kicking to see how far he or she can dislodge it, have a plaster cast made of it in all its glory, use a stethoscope to listen to your baby, take pictures, and just generally get to know that baby bump of yours a bit better.
6. Practice self-care
If you can’t take a step back from life admin and really treat yourself to a whole day of self-care now and again when you’re pregnant, when can you? Pregnancy can be extremely tiring and you deserve a break. So, book one day off a week where you do nothing but look after yourself whether that means heading off to a local spa for a mud bath and a facial, a day snuggled up with a good book or popcorn and a movie with your partner, and really enjoy it!
7. Get a pregnancy massage
Speaking of relaxing, there is nothing more relaxing when you’re pregnant than a decent pregnancy massage. It will help to relieve your tension, help you to de-stress and most importantly keep those back pains at bay. Just make sure you book a qualified massage therapist who has experience in pregnancy massage and you really can’t go wrong.
8. Try pregnancy yoga
Pregnancy yoga is also something you might want to think about trying. It might not sound like much fun because who wants to be bending and stretching when they’re heavily pregnant but actually, it can be really relaxing, and it can also help you to stay as fit and toned as possible throughout your pregnancy. More important than that it can help to get your body ready for the birth, which means you will be much more confident going into the delivery room. It’s not for everyone, but if it sounds good to you, do give it a try.
9. Indulge your cravings
Whether you are craving chocolate-covered pickles or meat pies at midnight, why not give in to temptation at least once in a while. Eating a little of what you dancy will not do your or the baby any harm, providing you aren’t craving something that it is advised pregnant women do not eat, and you’ll feel a whole lot happier if you give in to your cravings now and again than if you’re living in a constant state of denial.
10. Take advantage of your heightened senses
Many pregnant women complain about their heightened sense of smell in particular because it can make really bad smells like stale fish or onions smell even worse, but conversely, it can also make wonderful smells smell even better. So, sniff the rose in the garden, wear your most expensive perfume every day and take advantage of that pregnancy has made possible for you. The same applies to your sense of taste too.
11. Try a new hairstyle
Many women find that their hair grows stronger, thicker and more glossy when they are pregnant. If that is the case for you, why not play up to it by going to the salon and trying out a completely new hairstyle?
When your hair is in good shape then a really simple haircut can look amazing, and when you have a baby to look after, simple haircuts really do make life easier for you, so talk to the stylist and see what he or she suggests.
12. Bond with your kids
If you have kids already, spending the time you are pregnant really bonding with them and telling them how much you love them, while also talking about the baby coming and what will happen then can be a really lovely way of spending family time. It will also help to prepare the kids for the coming baby and hopefully reassure them that you love them just as much.
13. Have regular date nights
When you have a newborn baby to look after, date nights are likely to be few and far between, so you should really use the time during your pregnancy to bank lots of quality time together while you can. Yes, you might not be able to indulge in wine and oysters, but you can still have a lot of fun romantic experiences with a baby on board and making time for each other now will help to strengthen your bonds before the baby arrives and brings his or her chaos with them.
14. Make mummy friends
Joining a local group for other mums who are expecting a baby at the same time as you is a really good idea, not only to help you have more fun with people who get what you’re going through right now, but also to build up a support network for when the baby does come. It can be lonely when you’re a new parent, especially if you don’t have any friends with babies, but by meeting people in the same boat now, you can ensure that you have people to hang out with once the baby is born.
15. Do whatever you used to do
Some women feel like they shouldn’t do the things they used to do before they were expecting. They give up running, stop going to bards with friends and basically stay at home more often than not. This is so unnecessary. Yes, you might not be able to run as fast or as far, but you can still enjoy a jog, and you might not be able to drink alcohol, but you can still have a nice virgin cocktail or three with good friends. So, keep doing what you love most as best you can.
16. Don’t worry if you aren’t having fun
Of course, it can be difficult to have fun when you are pregnant. Your feet are swollen, your back aches and you seem to be sick more often than you imagined possible This is normal for many women and it is completely fine for you to feel less than happy about it from time to time. So, if you really aren’t feeling the fun, don’t beat yourself up about it, do your best to get along and try again the next day.
I hope these ideas help you to have as much fun as possible in your pregnancy journey. It should be one of the most special times of your life, and although some days can be hard, they don’t all have to be. Good luck!