Motherhood

Motherhood is a very lovely feeling. The memories of it can be cherished forever. These are the earliest memories which a child doesn’t know, but would keep on asking you for details as they grow. It is really amazing as a mother to see the same excitement they show on their faces all the time even as they did as a baby or even now as grown-ups.

Few tips, precautions & advice for mothers-to-be. 

Healthy eating

Rice, bread cereals, fresh vegetables, milk, yogurt or cheese, meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs or nuts and 8 x glasses of water is a must.

A brief Checklist for pregnant women

·         Take a good look at your lifestyle and health

·         Eat well balanced diet

·         Intake of folic acid supplements (citrus fruits/ juices etc)

·         Avoid caffeine

·         Talk to your doctor about how much weight you should gain during pregnancy

·         Eat foods which are rich in iron, calcium and protein

·         Do not skip your breakfast

·         Drink plenty of water to avoid constipation

·         20- 30 minutes of walk (at least 4-5 times a week) is a must

What to wear

• This is one of the most beautiful and exciting thing in a women’s life, so make sure your pregnancy clothes are right and you look GREAT.
• Wear comfortable front hook/ zip clothing. Today there is a wide variety of fashionable & beautiful wears for pregnant women in the market. Pick your clothes that make you look beautiful & feel easy. Maternity jeans are versatile & comfortable. You can use them after the delivery too.
• The clothes should be light weight, adjustable and absorbent.
• Foot wear should be comfortable and well fitting and easy to wear. If you prefer high heels, go for platform shoes with ankle fitting for better grip.
• Hair grows faster during pregnancy, so try to trim your hair.
• A well fitting supporting bra should be worn.

The first thing to do when you get up in the morning:

• Totally relax
• Close your eyes
• Fold both of your legs   
• Do  some breathing exercise for  at least  8-10 times
• This breathing exercise really helps you during pregnancy & later.

Almost all pregnant women have sleep problems & sleeping irregularities.

Anxiety and stress levels too rise as the date approaches.

Other frequent problems could be backache, gas, frequent urination, congestion, heartburn, leg cramps and nausea.

A few important tips

• Take a warm shower at bedtime be careful not to slip of in the bathroom.
• Relaxation
• Deep breathing (I am repeating it)
• Sleeping continuously on your back for a longer period can increase your chances of getting backaches
• Try to sleep from your side
• Use more pillows to support your back and abdomen
• Make your room comfortable
• Don’t watch television or read in bed
• Use your bed only for sleeping
• Go to bed when you are tired and sleepy
• Drink adequate fluid earlier during the day and not in the late evenings to avoid waking up in the night.
• To prevent leg cramps stretch your leg muscle before bedtime
• If a pregnant woman is diabetic, then tight control of blood sugar is a must to avoid complications for the baby or during pregnancy

Few more tips:

• Consider travelling by air for long trips to conserve energy & time
• Don’t forget to wear seatbelts during a drive
• Moderate exercise, even yoga is recommended
• Keep you mind calm and happy
• Try to adjust t yourself and don’t complain, every moment is an experience of a life- time, so just enjoy every moment of it.
• Select any activities you enjoy like reading listening to music, something which keeps mind happy
• Do not read in the dim light
• Drink a cup of warm milk before going to bed
• If you feel uneasy while sleeping, then change the position or use an easy chair to rest
• Also try to change your menu as often, this will bring in variety and you will enjoy what you eat

Getting ready for big day

• There are lots of things to plan when you are closer to deliver your baby.
• Make a list of important contacts (friends, doctors, clinic etc)
• Discuss everything with your husband
• Keep your vehicle ready at all times
• Set your and the babies  kit like baby  linen, stitched baby clothes, cream,  feeding bottle, spoon and mug to feed  the baby, diapers etc arranged

For mother

• Creams
• Toiletries 
• Front hook clothing and nursing bras
• Cut and file your nails
• Trim your long hair and make it manageable

After delivery

Pregnancy is a wonderful way for women to bring out her real glow. Even her hair becomes more beautiful than ever, but it could also be a story of weight gain which makes the skin stretch and cause stretch marks.

Preventing these marks is a lot of work. The secret is moisturizing and more moisturizing. Skin massages is also a remedy during pregnancy.  Massaging with creams or oils like a mixture of equal quantity of olive and almond oil or pure coconut oil is recommended.  Use a soft brush or a hand glove which makes the process more vigorous and effective as it increases circulation.

Application of these oils can be started right from your pregnancy till even after the delivery.  For better effect, apply these oils for over a night and wash it in the morning.

·         For normal skin: Make a paste of gram flour and turmeric powder with few drops of lime juice.

·         For dry skin: Use some fresh milk (instead of lime) to rub you marks. This also helps to lighten stretch marks.

After your delivery continue to eat well. Return to healthy weight gradually and slowly get back to your routine of regular exercise

Take a pleasure in the miracle of pregnancy and birth of your healthy child.


This blog is dedicated to my dear Asma and all the aspiring mothers-to-be :D

All the best girls!

Mama