Affirmations for the Pregnant Mama

Maintain a positive outlook during pregnancy. Incorporate thoughtful meditation into your daily routine. Set aside 15-20 minutes to consciously relax your body starting with your head and working down your spine to your legs and feet. In addition to relaxing muscle groups, internalize positive mental images and messages that help you find your inner strength. Giving birth will take a woman on a journey that is both soul expanding and physically challenging. Most women do not know how strong they are until they give birth. Arm  yourself with affirmations that are reflective of positive beliefs regarding birth.

Here are some to start with:

1.  My body has an inner wisdom.
2. I am strong.
3. My body knows how to give birth.
4. My body is nourishing my child at this moment.
5. I have everything I need to birth my baby.
6. My body works perfectly.
7. I surrender to the power of birth.
8. With practice, I can learn to ride the contractions like waves.
9. I am already strong and capable.
10. My body is flexible and stretchy and fully equipped for birth.

Trust in birth. 

Believe in yourself.

Taking Care of Those Sexy Mama Legs

Nothing cramps your style like a leg cramp. Guaranteed to make you catch your breath and utter words your mom thought she washed out of your vocabulary, they are a nuisance of pregnancy.

Many times leg cramps are a signal our body sends us that we need more magnesium and calcium.These minerals are found in abundance in green leafy vegetables as well as other foods.Summer squash, cherries, nectarines, peaches, pumpkins, tomatoes, plums, rice, seaweed, snap beans, apples and the ever popular fiddleheads are all excellent sources of calcium and magnesium. Make sure you are also getting adequate Vitamin D from the sun or supplemented in your diet. This helps with your mineral absorption.  Look for natural ways to add these foods to your diet as opposed to adding one more supplement or vitamin.

Another important element for sexy legs in pregnancy is to keep the blood flowing back up the legs. Veins get more elastic during pregnancy and with the added weight of baby and natural force of gravity, the blood pools in the legs creating varicose veins and tired legs. Do ankle pumps periodically through the day, elevate your legs for fifteen minutes 2 or 3 times a day, take walks around the neighborhood, and practice healthful postures such as tailor sitting. 

If you feel like your legs need extra support, wear supportive stockings, making sure to put them on first thing in the morning. Avoid standing for long periods of time, and avoid chair sitting for long periods, too. Move around, take breaks, listen to your body and be gentle with yourself as your body is going through changes.

Sex During Pregnancy

Sexual desire and needs change during the course of pregnancy. A woman can experience times of increased desire and low lobido, due to hormonal fluctuations and growing discomfort. Being in tune with your own sexual needs and feelings goes a long way in communicating this with your partner. Some couples are afraid they will harm the baby by enjoying an intimate encounter between the sheets. However, the baby is well cushioned and protected by the uterus and the amniotic fluid. It is best, however for the expectant partner to assume a position other than flat on her back.

Unless your doctor or midwife has warned against sex during pregnancy for medical reasons, it is not only safe but beneficial to both of you. The male hormones in the semen (prostaglandins) have anti-bacterial propterties and also stimulate slight contractions in the woman. This is beneficial as her body prepares for birth. Continued braxton hicks contractions (false labor) may also occur after orgasm, due to increased oxytocin production. All forms of sexual contact from kissing to cuddling can stimulate these false contractions, as well. In late pregnancy, some women experience a release of colostrum from their breasts as well.

Even though it is usually safe and healthy to continue enjoying sex during pregnancy, there are a few warnings.

1. No blowing into the vagina.
2. No sex after the amniotic sac has broken.
3. No sex if you have a medical condition such as the threat of miscarriage or pre term labor, until your medical caregiver gives clearance. 
4. Find a position where the expectant mom is not lying on her back.
5. Use a natural oil such as olive oil or almond oil for lubricant, if necessary.

Communicate your needs openly with one another. Be creative in loving  your partner and enjoying  your changing body.