It might feel like you’ve got nothing to do while you’re stuck at home on lockdown and pregnant. The number one priority right now is staying home and staying safe, even though times are uncertain. We’ve put together some tips on ideas of things you can do around the house while you’re self-isolating to help you stay calm, in a positive mindset and prepared for baby’s arrival.
ISOLATION TIP 1: MARIE KONDO YOUR HOME
When your little one arrives you’ll be busy, so why not dedicate some of your new-found time and attention to sorting out your clothes, decluttering your home, and getting everything organised before baby arrives!
ISOLATION TIP 2: LEARN TO MEDITATE
Meditation and practicing mindfulness in the lead up to birth has been shown to reduce stress that comes with the upcoming big life changes, but today, relaxing and de-stressing is more important than ever for mums-to-be! There are plenty of apps and online tutorials that can help you get started if you’re a newbie to meditation!
ISOLATION TIP 3: EXERCISE
Wanting to stay active during lockdown? Did you know there are many benefits of prenatal yoga, and you can easily do it at home! Yoga can help with strength, flexibility and the endurance of muscles needed for labour. It has also been shown to help improve sleep, reduce stress and anxiety. It may even help with lower back pain, common in pregnancy as well as nausea and headaches! It’s also a great way to ease back to fitness post-pregnancy too.
ISOLATION TIP 4: BAKE
Experiment with something new or bake an old favourite. It’s also a great way to involve children if you’ve already got little ones! Why not FaceTime your family and friends too and enjoy a virtual coffee morning with your delicious creations?
ISOLATION TIP 5: AT HOME SPA DAY
There’s no better time to treat yourself to some self-care…think face masks, hair masks and long baths to really relax before your little one arrives. Light some candles, make yourself a cup of tea and chill out – bliss!
ISOLATION TIP 6: LEARN A NEW HOBBY
How about knitting? Surprisingly calming, knitting is a great way to relax, it’s very therapeutic and practical too as you could practice your new skill by knitting your baby something to wear, how cute!
ISOLATION TIP 7: MAKE A PHOTO ALBUM OR PREGNANCY SCRAPBOOK
Now is the perfect time to get creative, so why not use your time at home to put together a scrapbook to ensure that your precious memories from your pregnancy are treasured.
ISOLATION TIP 8: NESTING
This is common in pregnancy, and is when, most often in your third trimester, you have the sudden urge to organise your home. As your body prepares for the arrival of your baby, your natural instincts kick in and you quite literally get your ‘nest’ ready. So, with all the new found time on your hands, why not use it to get your nursery ready? Build the cot, choose your decor and wash your baby’s clothes. You can relax knowing it is all ready for your little one’s arrival.
ISOLATION TIP 9: READ
Why not read those pregnancy and parenting books you keep meaning to, or stay home and relax in bed with a cup of tea and a good book! You can’t get much cosier than a book, blanket and a hot drink!
ISOLATION TIP 10: PREP FOR MATERNITY LEAVE
Maternity leave often flies by before your bundle of joy arrives, so you could use this time to plan exactly what you need and want to do during your leave. Make lists of everything you need to buy, do, practice and learn before baby comes. There are plenty of online courses you can join over video call or through pre-recorded videos, covering everything from pregnancy, labour and birth to postnatal life, feeding, changing and more. You’ll be more organised and you can make the most of your leave! Future you will thank you!
