October 10th, 2019

Tips for surviving your pregnancy with a toddler at home
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​Growing a tiny new human is exhausting! During your first pregnancy it is a lot easier to be able to rest when needed, but when you have other children to care for, things can get a little more stressful.  Here are a few tips for surviving pregnancy with a toddler (or other children) at home.

1. ASK FOR HELP! This is the hardest thing for moms (well most people) to do. Asking a relative or friend for help so you can have an hour to accomplish a task, or even get some needed rest is essential for your mental health! Find a neighborhood teenager that would be great to play with your toddler while you can accomplish some household chores! If hiring help is in the budget, go for it! Having someone come clean your house twice a month gives you the time to spend with your kids and lowers your stress! If you don’t ask for help, people who are willing to help won’t know how they are needed.
2. Rest. If you are lucky enough that your toddler still naps, take a nap with them! In the first trimester especially, you might need to go to bed when your toddler goes to bed at night. Getting good sleep will help you recharge for the next day! Sleep is also necessary to maintain good health, lowering your risk of diseases and complications of pregnancy such as diabetes, preeclampsia, heart disease and interventions during labor.
3. Quiet Time. Find some time each day for quiet time with your toddler. Find something they can do independently, and quietly, while you are able to lay back for a few minutes and prop your feet up. Occasionally this might need to be a tv show or movie, and that’s ok! Let your toddler color in their high chair (so your walls don’t get a new mural), or have a sticker book available.
4. Diet and Hydration. Too much sugar can leave you feeling sluggish and sleepy, so avoid the burnout by maintaining a proper diet and drinking plenty of water. Snacking through the day can also help balance your blood sugar and reduce morning sickness or nausea.  Healthy proteins, fruit and veggies will give you the energy needed to keep up with your toddler, and support your growing bump!
5. Exercise. Keep moving! Go for a walk with your toddler, sit on the floor and stretch together, join a mommy and me class, and keep your body strong and flexible for a healthy pregnancy. Exercising helps increase your overall energy, improves your mood, aids in better sleep, reduces your chances of gestational diabetes, and may help reduce constipation, bloating and swelling.
6. Chiropractic Care. When your spine is in line with chiropractic care, pain is reduced, and you feel like you are able to perform the household chores and play with your kids with less trouble. If you are in pain, other tasks become harder and harder, increasing your stress. Chiropractic care during pregnancy is safe and gentle, and is recommended as a way to reduce pain without using medications. Give your body support to stay feeling great with chiropractic care! When mamma is happy, EVERYONE is happy!

​Meaghan S. Brent, DC, CACCP