15 Surprising Things You Can Do While Pregnant
I remember being pregnant and all I could think about was how I couldn’t do anything. Cause to be honest, sometimes it does feel like that.
But I’m here to tell you that there IS things you can do!
So, instead of talking about what we CAN’T do. Let’s talk about what we CAN do!
There are plenty of fun, active, and creative activities you can do when you’re pregnant.
Check out this list to find out what surprising things you can do when you’re pregnant!
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Surprising Things You Can Do When You’re Pregnant
1. Have Sex
Yes ladies, you and your partner can still get it on!
It won’t harm your baby either!
Your baby is protected by amniotic fluid and the mucus plug in your cervix which helps prevent infections.
Having sex during pregnancy may even be beneficial! It may help lower blood pressure, ease pain, and promote better sleep. This article By Medical News Today says that it may even help with your immune system!
So as long as your doctor gives you the OK and you’re comfortable with it, go for it!
2. Get Prenatal Massages
A pregnancy massage could be just what you need to help you relax and relieve some of your discomfort areas! It may also help improve sleep, reduce swelling from edema, reduce headaches, and improve circulation.
But before getting a prenatal massage, be sure it’s with a licensed professional massage therapist and your doctor says it’s okay!
Post You Might Like: Pregnancy Massages: Benefits and What to Expect
3. Paint Your Baby Belly
I’m sure you’ve seen those pictures where a woman has a big cute picture on her baby bump.
I bet you’ve even thought about trying it a time or two.
And why not? It’s a cute, fun, and creative craft activity for you guys to do! Be sure though to use safe paints that don’t have poster, acrylic or latex in it.
This Belly Painting Kit is made specifically for pregnant women! And it comes with safe paints!
4. See a Chiropractor
Believe it or not, you can actually get chiropractic adjustments while you’re pregnant!
Going to the chiropractor regularly to get adjustments may lead to a healthier pregnancy as well as help with nausea and pain relief.
Before seeing a chiropractor though, talk to your doctor about it first. And be sure that the chiropractor you are going to see is a licensed professional and has experience with pregnant women.
5. Dance
There’s no reason why you can’t bust a move while you got a bun in the oven!
In fact, it’s a great way to get some fun exercise!
Just be careful and don’t do anything that’s too strenuous.
If you’re thinking about taking a dancing class, ask your doctor about it first.
6. Exercise
Not only can you exercise still when you’re pregnant but exercising while you’re pregnant is actually good for you! Exercising regularly can help reduce back pain, constipation, improve posture, improve mood, and increase energy. Exercising when you’re pregnant may even help prevent gestational diabetes.
Now, even though exercising while you’re pregnant is healthy, you shouldn’t overdo it.
Avoid any exercises that involve movements such as bouncing or jumping, jarring motions, and activities where you are more likely to fall.
If you’re not sure where to start, you can find lots of safe workouts for every trimester of pregnancy here!
7. Keep Your “Special” Diet
And when I say “special” I mean if you eat gluten-free, dairy-free, or meat-free.
Maintaining your diet while pregnant is fine as long as you get the nutrients you need for you and your baby.
Other ways you can get the protein and nutrients you need are by eating beans, eggs, nuts, seeds, rich green vegetables, taking your prenatal vitamins, etc.
But be sure to talk to your doctor about the type of diet you have so they can help you find supplements and other alternatives for both you and baby.
8. Drink Coffee
Yes, good ol’ coffee!
You can still sip that lovely cup of joe in the morning!
Just don’t overdo it. It’s recommended that pregnant women lower their caffeine intake to about 300 milligrams per day.
9. Do Henna
Henna is powdered leaves from a plant called Lawsonia inermis, also known as, the henna tree.
Henna is used as a dye to color the hair and decorate the body with eye-catching tattoos.
But don’t worry!
Even though henna stays on the body, it isn’t permanent.
These beautiful designs only last about 1-3 weeks. But make sure the henna you use is all-natural and has no added chemicals.
10. Travel
Traveling is safe to do while pregnant but as always, talk to your health care provider about any plans of traveling first.
If you travel by car be sure to wear your seat belt and to take breaks so you can walk around and stretch your legs.
When traveling by plane, do it before 36 weeks as some airlines will not let you fly by that time. Sometimes even as early as 28 weeks.
11. Take a Swim
Who doesn’t love swimming? And not only is swimming fun but it’s actually recommended when you’re pregnant!
Being in the water can help take some of the added pressure off of your body. And the coolness from the water may help with nausea as well as keeping your body cool.
12. Prenatal Yoga
Prenatal yoga is a great way to strengthen muscles and relax at the same time.
Doing prenatal yoga can help lead to a healthier pregnancy as well as help with the endurance of muscles that are needed for childbirth. It may even help promote proper breathing and relaxation techniques for labor.
13. A Babymoon
A babymoon! This is something I wish I knew about when I was pregnant!
Basically, a babymoon is like a honeymoon. But you go on a babymoon before the baby arrives.
Going on a babymoon can help you to have some fun and connect with your partner before the baby is here. It may be a while until you’re able to do something like this again.
14. Run
You can continue your regular routine of running while you’re pregnant!
Just be sure to keep your self hydrated and cool.
And if you weren’t an active runner before you became pregnant then it’s probably not a good idea to take this up now.
But as always check with your doctor first before starting any kind of exercise, even running.
15. Water Aerobics
Water exercises are a great option for pregnant women!
Water aerobics is just aerobics but performed, of course, in the water.
Doing water exercises can help reduce back pain, reduce swelling, and help with cardiovascular fitness.
Remember
Remember Mamas, be sure to check with your doctor before doing any of the activities listed above. It’s just a good rule of thumb. Especially since we’re ALL different and have different pregnancies.
If you have a high-risk pregnancy your doctor may suggest that you don’t do any of them.
It’s important that you listen to your doctor.
We want you to have fun but also have a safe pregnancy.
(Please keep in mind that I am NOT a doctor or any kind of medical professional. I’m only a Mom who is going off of her own experiences and research. If you’d like to know more you can read my full disclaimer policy here.)
Related Posts:
What to Avoid During Pregnancy
38 Ways to Get Totally FREE Baby Stuff for New and Expecting Mothers
What surprised you most? Do any of them sound interesting to you? Tell us what it was below in the comments! And if you liked this post, share it! Thank you!
I am an athlete, always work out and continued to ski throughout my 3 pregnancies. ….until I couldn’t find a pair of ski pants to fit,lol
Aw I love this list! Great ways to make pregnancy more fun! I never did at art on my baby belly, but want to! Thanks for sharing!
I love this list! So many soon-to-be mamas are afraid to do anything while pregnant! This is going to help so many, not just for the ideas, but also to decrease their stress from worrying if what they are doing while pregnant is ok.
This is a great list! I actually traveled to Europe from Los Angeles during our first trimester. It was definitely a different trip than we had planned because I was so tired, but I’m so glad we were able to go and explore Europe in some last baby-free time!
I have had a c-section with both kids so I never had the problem of waiting on baby to come but my sister-n-law will definitely love this advice for her next pregnancy.
great post, my absolute favorite thing i did all the time with my first pregnancy was get regular massages and yes drinking coffee still was a must! i do wish we had taken a baby moon for either of my pregnancies!