Here is an A to Z grooming session for the expecting mothers.
Being pregnant can be a delightful experience. For some expectant mothers, however, it can be a harrowing time, especially with morning sickness. But with right precautions and good regime, pregnancy can become enjoyable period for you.
Pre Pregnancy Planning
For some it comes as a surprise when they conceive, but it you plan your pregnancy, you can do a lot of things better.
*The first step should be eating healthy and giving up all harmful habits including smoking.
*Begin some form of exercise. Walking is the best and practising Yoga is a good thing too. Start some breathing exercise as well as they help in natural childbirth.
When Pregnant
Once the pregnancy is confirmed, plan out your remaining 7 to 8 months in an organised manner to reduce your worries and double your pleasures.
*Make a chart of your visits to the gynecologist so that you are always on time.
*Make a note of your complaints before the visits, so you don’t waste time while you are there.
* Do consult your gynae on exercises you are doing
* Keep tab on your health and maintain a diet chart. You don’t have to eat for two and pile on weight but you can be aware of nutritional value of food that you consume.
Your Wardrobe
It is extremely depressing when all your clothes become too tight to be worn and you don’t want to spend too much on a new wardrobe in the hope that you will be back to your normal shape soon after the baby arrives. Until that happens, you can try to make the best with a few suggestions.
*Select loose but shapely designs and cuts.
*As you might require visiting the toilet more often than usual, don’t let your outfits be fussy. Remember problems such as incontinence increases as pregnancy advances so keep it in mind when stepping out.
*Be prepared for the front opening designs for post-delivery period as you might plan to breast feed the baby.
There are a few designers who design outfits for pregnant women and you might want to feel glamourous on certain evenings. So go ahead and splurge. Pregnancy outfits should not translate a dowdy.
Skin & Make-up Care
While it is important to be aware of the right regime for your skin and hair at any time of your life, it is even more important at the time of your pregnancy.
*Include the necessary dietary supplements as suggested by your doctors.
*Avoid sleeping immediately after consuming food as it interferes with digestion and also tends to accelerates weight gain.
*Your skin also needs nourishment apart from the necessary medication as skin begins to break due to stretching. It is always possible to control stretch marks, though once you get them, it is near impossible to get rid of them with natural remedies.
*Some women tend to experience dark pigmentation around certain areas including back of the neck. Do point them out to a dermatologist and take preventive action.
*Get good sleep so there is no build up of dark circles under your eyes. If you are prone to them then use a nourishing eye contour cream that is right for your for your skin type and age.
*As far as possible use natural ingredients in your facials and scrubs.
*Follow the regime of exfoliation, cleansing and moisturising with the right ingredients and always use sunscreen when you step out of the house.
*Folic acid gets depleted during pregnancy and the effect shows on the hair and nail conditions. However, by the time the effects are visible the harm is done and it is to late to reverse the trend. Remember that after the baby comes, your work will increase and you will not be able to give as much time for your personal grooming. Also you need to feel and look glamourous while you are pregnant. Consult your doctor and take preventive actions during pregnancy.
*You might become allergic to certain products you were using earlier. Or even some aromas or fragrances might put you off. Keep these items away in your refrigerator as you would probably get rid of these problems soon after the baby arrives.
Once the Baby arrives
Pre and post natal depression is not a problem of just the western societies. They are as much part of us as now as they were before. Consult your doctor and if your doctor is not sympathetic about it, take a second opinion.
Remember that all the sexy mothers like model Nadia Hussain, Rubab,Malaika Arora have worked hard at getting that figure back. Of course it won’t happen overnight but with a little planning you will get your life and figure back.
Help your husband become a good dad right from the beginning. Don’t wait for him to offer help, ask for it directly and specifically rather than waiting until you are too angry or too tired.
Above all remember to enjoy your pregnancy. It will be over soon enough and these days it is quite normal for couples to opt for a single child so it might not be experienced again. And in any case a second pregnancy is often very difficult from the the first one. So, why wait for a second chance. Enjoy the first time you are pregnant as it is truly a celebration of womanhood. Raise a glass of fortified drink of milk to that.... You are an expecting Mama and all the world should say is Mama Mia!
Essential Nutrients
* Folic acid: This is the most vital nutrients for the pregnant woman as it helps in developing the baby’s nervous system especially in the first few weeks.
*Calcium: A pregnant woman needs double the quantity of calcium that is normal as it leads to the healthy growth of your baby’s bones and teeth which start to form at about week eight.
* Protein: Fish, meat, nuts, peas, beans and dairy foods such as milk and eggs are a good source of protein.
* Vitamin C: This helps in building a strong placenta, enable your body to resist infections and help in absorbing of iron.
* Fibre: This should form a large part of your daily diet since constipation and piles are common in pregnancy and fibre will help prevent it.
Beside rich source like fruits and vegetables, brown rice, nuts, cereals including oats, beans, peas and pulses etc are good source of fibre.
*Water: Water plays a key role in your diet during pregnancy.
Celebrating Womanhood
To be a mother is the greatest gift of God to womanhood. The period of pregnancy needs to be enjoyed and the arrival of the baby should be a celebration in the form of welcoming a life on this earth. Hail the mothers!
