You feel the excitement of becoming a new mother. Your skin is glowing throughout your pregnancy. But as you make your way into the second and third trimesters, pregnancy can feel difficult.

Your body is constantly changing. You want to do what’s best for your body and the baby, so continue reading these 5 tips for a healthy and relaxing pregnancy.

Drink 8 to 12 Glasses of Water Each Day

Water is your best friend whether you’re pregnant or not! It helps you better digest your food, decreases the chances of constipation and hemorrhoids, and increases your energy.

Health-care professionals recommend drinking 8 to 12 glasses of water daily. If you’re having trouble drinking that much water, that’s fine! You can also incorporate water into your diet by eating water-rich foods or drinking fruit-infused water to add some extra excitement to the drink.

Stretch Every Day To Decrease Tense Muscles

Do your muscles feel stiff and tense? Stretching is more effective at relieving this than you might expect. Anytime you feel pain in your body or become overwhelmed with stress, take a moment to stretch.

Stretch your neck, back, arms, and legs while holding each position for at least 20 seconds. Take deep breaths in and out as you stretch. You’ll feel your body relax, and your mind will also unwind during this daily ritual.

Treat Yourself to a Massage

Pregnancy can take a toll on your body. You often can’t find a comfortable way to sit or sleep, and even moving around feels like a chore. While stretching is a good practice, another amazing way to rejuvenate and relax your body is to get a professional massage.

There are some essential guidelines for massages during pregnancy. For example, it’s best to avoid massages during the first trimester and wait until you’re in at least the second trimester to get one. You should also ensure the masseuse has a prenatal massage certification. They will use the correct techniques to make you feel relaxed while keeping you and the baby healthy.

Take Care of Your Mental Health

There’s no way to ever feel truly ready to care for your first baby, but you can try your best to mentally prepare yourself.

Practice positive self-talk and make mental health a priority. Navigating the world of pregnancy isn’t easy. But if you practice healthy habits in the months before your baby’s birth, you’ll know you’re capable of continuing those habits once the baby arrives.

Exercise for at Least 30 Minutes Each Day

Typically, the last thing you want to do during your second and third trimesters is exercise. However, it’s one of the most important ways to have a healthy and relaxing pregnancy.

While some things change when you’re pregnant, others remain the same. You don’t need to lift weights or go to the gym every day. Some of the best exercises are ones you already know, like walking, yoga, squats, lunges, and arm lifts. The goal is to exercise however you feel most comfortable each day to keep your body and baby healthy.