A new baby...a new you

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Written on 08/12/2011

A new baby...a new you

Pregnancy can be a kick-start to a healthier lifestyle. We spoke to mums to be who were inspired to make a few changes.

Pregnancy can be the biggest turning point in your life.

Not only are you preparing to welcome a new little one into your life, you can also reflect on your lifestyle – and make changes if necessary.

"Pregnancy may be the trigger women need to look at their diet," says Boots nutritionist Vicky Pennington.

"Other triggers can happen after birth, when you're seeking to lose the baby weight or feed your little one."

If you're planning to start a family, consider making these changes now to give your little one the healthiest start.


New baby: New start

Polly Yates

Polly Yates, nine months pregnant from Leicestershire, found that becoming pregnant was the perfect opportunity to make a few lifestyle changes.


She says: "Before I even thought of starting a family, I smoked, occasionally drank alcohol and was guilty of raiding the biscuit tin much more regularly than the fruit bowl!

"When I found out I was pregnant I immediately gave up alcohol and smoking altogether which noticeably improved my health. I feel like a much better person because of it and financially, it has helped me save those extra pennies needed to spend on the baby."

Polly's top tip: "My tips for anyone quitting smoking are to just keep thinking about the little person inside of you. It was hard for me to quit but just thinking about my child gave me the strength to get through it."


Pregnancy: Eating for two

Louisa Walbyoff

Louisa Walbyoff, four months pregnant from Nottinghamshire, made sure she was eating the right foods and taking folic acid and vitamin D, as recommended by the Department of Health, when planning to start a family.

She says: "I read online articles that helped me plan a healthy diet filled with a vast array of vegetables and the right supplements such as folic acid.

"In all honesty, I felt I was being over-cautious but my midwife reassured me I was doing everything right, and it feels good to know now that I've given my baby the best opportunity for a healthy future."

Louisa's top tip: "My advice for anyone who is looking into a healthy diet for their pregnancy is to do your own research and discover what suits you best. There are many options to consider when planning a healthy pregnancy."


Exercise and mums to be

Another healthy habit important to think about is your exercise regime. If you are a regular at the gym, there is no need to give this up. However, if you're not, a walk in the park or a light swim could be beneficial for you.

The most important advice is to listen to what your body is telling you and decide what you feel comfortable with. You'll need to avoid contact sports where there are any risks of damage to the baby. It is important, however, to keep as active as possible.

Alice Daily

Alice Daily (above right), eight months pregnant from Nottinghamshire, manages to fit an exercise plan into her busy schedule.

She says: "I make sure I go on walks regularly and swim on a weekly basis to keep my fitness levels up. It not only helps me relax but will hopefully make shedding the baby weight a lot easier!"

Alice's top tip: "I managed to add the walking to my daily schedule by getting some fresh air after my evening meals. Also, with working in an office and sitting down most of the time, I make a conscious effort to walk about every couple of hours to keep my energy up."


A relaxing pregnancy

It's important to find moments of calm and relaxation during your pregnancy.

Jane Waterfall

Jane Waterfall, 34 weeks pregnant from Nottinghamshire, tried yoga and meditation techniques during her pregnancy, to help improve her breathing and to help her relax.

She says: "Yoga that was specifically designed for pregnancy helped me to relax and encouraged me to focus on my breathing and my muscles."

Jane's top tip: "My advice is to sign up to one of your local classes as it will give you the opportunity to meet like-minded women who are experiencing the same changes as you are and the chance to share ideas among the group about pregnancy tips."


Products to consider

If you're looking to relax, pamper yourself or use supplements during your pregnancy, here are some products you may wish to consider.

Sanctuary Mum To Be Pure Pamper Bag:

Enjoy some "me time" with this special selection of pamper products, perfect for pregnancy or post-pregnancy skin.

Tartankatie loved the pamper bag. "Its a very personal gift and it made me feel special," she writes, giving it five stars in our ratings and reviews.

Sanctuary Mum To Be Pure Pamper Bag

Little Me Mum to Be Luxury Bath Soak:

Unwind with this rejuvenating and regenerating luxury bath soak. Containing organic lavender and sweet orange, it is the perfect partner for some "me time" and can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars.

Zoe999 claimed she "couldn't live without" the bath soak and added: "It is definitely the way to relax."


Little Me Mum to Be Luxury Bath Soak

Vitabiotics Pregnacare Plus Omega 3 – Pregnacare Tablets:

Formulated to support the nutritional care of mother and baby, the Pregnacare Plus supplement was voted the favourite pregnancy supplement in the Boots vitamin awards 2011.

Vitabiotics Pregnacare Plus Omega 3 – Pregnacare Tablets

More information on what you can eat during pregnancy can be found in Vicky Pennington's guide to a healthy pregnancy diet.



Read more like this:
Pampering tips for new mums
Pregnancy holidays and baby showers

Related categories:
Mother and Baby
Parenting Club

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