Treat Yo’ Self, Mama: A Guide to Self-Care and Treats During Pregnancy
Let’s talk about something super important: YOU. You’re out here growing a tiny human, which is nothing short of miraculous, and you deserve all the love, patience, and treats in the world. I know it’s easy to get caught up in the endless stream of baby prep, nursery decorating, and Google searches that have you convinced that your craving for pickles and ice cream is somehow a sign of doom (spoiler: it’s not). But here’s the thing: pregnancy is the perfect time to practice self-care and give yourself permission to indulge in a few treats along the way.
I’ve spent enough time around glowing, stressed, and very hungry pregnant women (hey, I’m a newborn photographer, after all!) to know that a little self-care can go a long way. So let’s get into it: how to treat yourself while pregnant—from positive vibes to actual treats that’ll make you feel like the goddess you are. And yes, chocolate counts.
1. Practice Patience (With Yourself)
First things first: you’re growing a human, which means your body is working overtime. That might mean your feet swell, you lose your keys three times in one day, or you cry over a commercial where a puppy finds its forever home. It’s all normal, I promise. So the first step in treating yourself during pregnancy is simple: cut yourself some slack.
When your energy levels dip or you forget something for the umpteenth time, remind yourself that you’re literally building a person. You wouldn’t expect someone running a marathon to bake cookies at mile 13, so why are you expecting perfection from yourself while you’re running the biggest race of your life? Embrace patience, mama, and give yourself the space to be human.
2. Get Moving (Even if It’s Just a Little)
Okay, I get it. Pregnancy can sometimes make you feel like a human potato—especially during that first trimester when the couch is basically your best friend. But trust me on this one: moving your body can actually help you feel better. I’m not saying you need to take up marathon training (unless that’s your jam), but even gentle activities like yoga, walking, or prenatal Pilates can work wonders for your mood.
Bonus points if you’re able to get outside for a bit of fresh air. Nature + a little movement = happy mama. And don’t worry, if your idea of “movement” is waddling from the couch to the fridge and back again—hey, that counts too!
3. Indulge Your Cravings (Within Reason)
Let’s talk about the one thing on every pregnant woman’s mind: food. Those cravings are real, and they’re not going anywhere. Whether you’re all about the salty snacks or you can’t stop thinking about that pint of Ben & Jerry’s sitting in the freezer, pregnancy cravings are your body’s way of saying, “Hey, I’m working hard over here. Feed me!”
Here’s the deal: indulge yourself. If you’re craving chocolate cake at 10 a.m., go for it. Craving pickles and peanut butter? No judgment here. It’s important to listen to your body (even if it’s being a little weird), but also keep in mind that balance is key. It’s totally cool to enjoy your treats, but don’t forget to fuel yourself with the good stuff, too—veggies, protein, and lots of water will keep you feeling your best while you wait for that cake to bake.
4. Schedule Regular Massages (Or Get Your Partner to Pitch In)
Pregnancy is beautiful, magical, and, let’s be honest, kind of a pain in the back—literally. As your belly grows, so does the strain on your muscles, and sometimes you just need someone to work out those kinks (that aren’t caused by your baby kicking your ribs).
Enter the prenatal massage. Not only does it feel amazing, but it can help relieve all that tension in your back, shoulders, and hips. It’s also a great way to take a moment for yourself in the middle of all the baby prep chaos. If regular massages aren’t in the budget, don’t be afraid to ask your partner to step in with a DIY massage—just make sure they’re prepared for the weird angles they’ll need to navigate around your bump.
5. Stay Positive (But It’s Okay to Feel What You’re Feeling)
Pregnancy can be a rollercoaster of emotions. One minute, you’re over the moon with excitement about your new baby, and the next, you’re crying because your favorite show got canceled. Here’s a little secret: it’s all normal. Those pregnancy hormones are no joke, and they can make even the calmest of us feel a little… wobbly.
The key here is to stay positive, but don’t force it. It’s okay to feel all the feelings—good, bad, and ugly. You don’t have to be glowing and blissful every minute of every day. Let yourself experience the highs and lows of pregnancy without judgment, and if you need a little extra help staying positive, try journaling, meditation, or talking with a friend who’s been there. It helps, I promise.
6. Take Naps (Whenever, Wherever)
One of the greatest gifts of pregnancy? The excuse to nap anytime, anywhere. That growing baby is sucking up all your energy, and the best way to recharge is to let yourself rest. Don’t feel guilty for grabbing a quick nap in the afternoon or crashing on the couch at 7 p.m. after a long day. You’re growing a baby, and that’s hard work.
Plus, once the baby arrives, you’ll be surviving on a sleep schedule dictated by a very tiny, very loud new boss. So, enjoy the luxury of naps while you can!
Photo by Erin Wilwert Photography.
7. Pamper Yourself (You Deserve It!)
Now, for the fun stuff: pampering. Treat yourself to a spa day, a mani-pedi, or even just a long bath with all the bubbles. It’s amazing what a little pampering can do for your mood. You deserve to feel beautiful and relaxed, especially with all the changes happening to your body. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to take some “me time” before your days are filled with diaper changes and feedings.
8. Celebrate the Journey (And Don’t Forget to Capture It)
Here’s the thing: pregnancy is a wild ride. It’s full of ups and downs, cravings, emotions, and the excitement of knowing you’re about to meet the newest love of your life. Through it all, remember to celebrate yourself and this incredible journey you’re on.
And speaking of celebrating… don’t forget to capture the magic of pregnancy and those early newborn days! Whether it’s through a maternity session, newborn photos, or both, these moments are fleeting, and you’ll want to remember them (even if you don’t feel amazing right now). That’s where I come in!
At Erin Wilwert Photography, I specialize in helping moms feel beautiful and empowered during pregnancy and beyond. Whether you’re glowing or just trying to make it through the day, I’m here to capture those precious moments so you can look back on them with love.
Ready to treat yourself to a photo session? Let’s chat!
Feel free to head to my contact page and shoot me a message!!
