Isn’t it SO difficult to enjoy yourself sometimes when you’re pregnant? The aches, the pains, the discomforts, and everything in between life can truly deprive you of life’s little joys. So I reached out for some inspiration on this topic just for you!
Today, you get to hear from Amber Richcreek, a dear mother over at ThePlayfulLearner. She has a great perspective on finding the enjoyable moments you can create during pregnancy. Enjoy!
5 Ways To Stay Playful During Pregnancy
If you’re pregnant right now, you’re probably thinking that I’m a crazy person who’s never been pregnant. Sure, live playfully when you’re pregnant. When your feet are swollen and your back is aching and the kid is kicking your bladder and making you pee yourself.
Oh, mamas, I hear you! I gained 50 pounds with my son and had serious sciatic back pain. (The kind where it pinches a nerve and pain shoots from your lower back, down your hip and leg to your foot. The kind you can’t really do anything about except have the baby.) I spent several days on bed rest, feeling sorry for myself and making my husband bring me more ice cream and heating pads.
I’m not going to be one of those obnoxious people that tell you what a beautiful, glowing, magical time it is being pregnant. (Or, maybe it is for you. But it’s not for most mothers who I know.) What I do want to encourage, though, is playful living. You’re still alive, and your baby can feel your emotions.
What I do want to encourage, though, is playful living. You’re still alive, and your baby can feel your emotions.
Play In The Water
You know what’s not fun? Feeling like a beached whale. Whales belong in the water. Even if you’re not a swimmer, just get in a body of water. Trust me. It makes your heavy belly feel almost weightless and releases tension. It’s also a great low-impact workout if you’re into that kind of thing.
Swimming was a lifesaver for me. As I mentioned earlier I gained 50 pounds and had intense back pain. But luckily for me, we lived walking distance to a public pool. I looked at their public swim schedule, avoided the times when teens got in free (I don’t need a headache on top of all of this) and went as often as possible. I already felt as big as a whale; I may as well release some of the tension and feel almost weightless.
Play With Your Pre-Baby Family
If this is your first pregnancy, enjoy your spouse’s company. If it’s your second, third, etc, enjoy your family before this new beautiful addition. Play with your family in whatever way works for you.
For my husband and I, we did this with staying up late playing video games and watching “one more episode” on Netflix. When the second child comes along, we may be using that pre-baby-#2 time to dote on our son, read as many books as he wants, or take him to the park.
Play With The Baby
Sing him songs, poke his little butt and read them books. Talk to your baby, even if it looks like you’re talking to yourself.
I loved prenatal yoga during pregnancy. Different poses would get him into different positions himself and I like to think he enjoyed it.
Play With Your Food
Your appetite may be a bit off during pregnancy, so experiment if you can stomach it. Try out some new recipes, or try mixing weird ingredients. I never understood that “pickle ice cream” pregnancy joke, but if you’re craving it, go for it! Why not?
Also, studies have shown that babies can taste what we’re eating in the amniotic fluid. So I’d like to think that eating a varied diet during pregnancy would give the baby a refined palate. (In reality, I’m sure my son will only want to eat goldfish crackers and bananas when he’s a toddler but let me kid myself for a little while on this one.)
Have A Sense Of Humor About It
I know we don’t want to feel like the butt of jokes, but, we kind of are. Pregnant bellies are beautiful, but they’re also kind of funny. Wear those silly pregnancy shirts, it makes people smile, and with the right attitude, it can make you smile too.
It stinks and it’s embarrassing to fart or pee yourself at unfortunate moments, but when you’re faced with those “it’s either laugh or cry” moment, choose laughter! It makes life, and pregnancy, a lot more enjoyable.
Thanks Amber!
I know now that I’ll definitely be taking some time in the water during my next pregnancy. You’d think I would have since I was pregnant mostly in the summer. 🙂 Maybe I just was too self-conscious to take the plunge.
What are the ways you find joy and stay playful while you’re pregnant? Let us know!
Playing in the water is great for anyone. I haven’t had a child but do love the water. When I moved to Tasmania I had a break before looking for work (something you can do when you get a healthy amount from a redundancy payout!). We rented across the road from the local sports centre.
Here we were in a tiny village along the river. The sports centre had an equipped gym, squash courts, a games court for volleyball, basketball etc, a sauna and it had a covered swimming pool! Better than most towns around here!
I explored the possibilities and found that the ‘old folk’ had a couple of aquarobics sessions per week. Boy did attending those sessions make me feel young! Generally the aim of the old folk was for preparation and recovery of knee and hip replacements. However there were a number of pregnant women who loved attending. They did the exercises they felt capable of doing and they thoroughly enjoyed this.
I have reservations about doting on existing children too much before a new child arrives. If you are not prepared to continue ‘doting’ once the new dotee arrives you might have a touch of jealously arise. And this can often be extreme.
As for experimenting with food, we do it all the time. I believe this stems from childhood camps when an eclectic assortment of food was put out and we could make up our own combinations. I still love butter and peanut butter sandwiches dipped in tomato soup!
In finishing I must say, ‘Never feel uncomfortable about how you look in the pool. It’s all about how comfortable YOU will be once you are submerged in that lovely water.’ And don’t forget to get that new bub in the water as soon as possible after birth. They love that too.
Wow! What took you to Tasmania? Do you live there still? You have quite the story to tell, Helen. 🙂
This is great! Attitude is everything. I loved playing with ‘my little swimmer’. The kids were so responsive. I would tickle their feet when they were kicking, sing, rub their heads when it was moving on my belly. This is great bonding time without the stress of diapers and two hour feedings…enjoy it!
That’s funny, Enid! My first boy was a kicker and would suddenly jump on my bladder without notice. So most of the time I was just pushing him around to readjust him so I was more comfortable. But I’ll have to do some tickling next time and see how it works out. 🙂
awwww, I love your home here… and this post <3 ! I've never been preggers myself, but I know several mommas who absolutely would have benefitted from this when they were 8+ months and miserable. Then again, I don't think anything really helps when you're THAT uncomfortable (right??), but playing in the water is always a lovely idea. Thanks so much for sharing and for leaving a comment so I could find your blog! XO
Hi Charlotte! I need to get in the water more too. There ARE many things that can help a big mommy find some comfort when she’s that big. That’s why I like EMAB’s Pregnancy Pamper Bundle for that very reason. Thanks for your comment!
I enjoyed this post. From a guy’s perspective, I think the ‘fun factor’ has to be front and centre (at least most of the time 😉 ). When my wife was pregnant with our first, there was a lot of anxiety for both of us – we wanted to do everything ‘right’, read as many books as we could, and I know that she compared herself constantly to other mommies and to the advice that was circulating around insofar as what ‘to do’ or what ‘not to do’ to be a successful momma; everyone was giving us advice!
I think that remembering to keep it fun and allowing yourself to laugh is great advice. Also, love and instinct are going to take over in the end… babe is going to be just fine! Great tips on the pool and practicing yoga as well.
Hi Mike. I encourage mothers to keep laughing even through their labor and deliveries when possible because of such a positive impact it has on both them and their babies. How old are your kids?
Nice – I like it. Our daughters are now 5 & 7…. time flies!
All the more reason to stay playful all the time, right? Thanks Mike.
Hi there,
This was a great post! I have gone through two not-so-fun pregnancies (also with sciatic pain), so I totally “get” this topic. It’s hard to put the uncomfortable-ness aside sometimes and dwell on the positive, but it’s so important as your mood really does affect so much of life! And there’s no acceptable reason why one should be grumpy and whining the whole 9 months! Thanks for some great tips.
Hi Marlaine. Your mood affects that baby inside too! 🙂 Just another reason to be playful and happy when pregnant. Thanks for your comment!
I really loved the info you provided I will refer other people who I know are pregnant to read this they might find it really useful
Thanks Alham! Feel free to share anytime. 🙂
Hello Sara, these are indeed unusual methods of staying playful during pregnancy and that’s what makes this article unique. Is not the usual thing you see on every website on the internet. And to be candid, these are things we should ordinarily enjoy while trying to stay playful which means they will not be difficult to do.
Thanks Sarah for this wonderful post and I also wish to add that your website is cool, and comfortable to navigate through, what a website you have here. God Bless you.
Thank, Nnamdi. Amber from ThePlayfulLearner was the primary author on this post. So I’m sure she has many more tips you can enjoy on her site. 🙂
God bless you too. Have a great weekend!
Hello Sarah,
This is a great post for moms-to-be! I have two girls, your tips will surely help others to keep it fun during pregnancy. I loved being pregnant, even though I couldn’t sleep in my 3rd trimester, it’s an incredible journey to have someone growing inside you.
Being in water is a great way to feel light too as your belly grow bigger and heavier so taking long baths is great for you to elevate some of that weight.
Loved your post,
Grace
Hi Grace! I find that using a Leachco Maternity Pillow for sleeping during pregnancy makes a HUGE difference to your quality of sleep. Next time around, give one a try. 🙂