Easy tips and ideas for friends and family members to help mums-to-be have a healthy pregnancy
How family and friends can help mums-to-be have a healthy pregnancy
Having a relative or friend who’s pregnant can be a really exciting time, especially if you’re close to them. But at the same time, you know things are going to change for everyone once the baby arrives. And maybe neither of you wants to miss out on doing the things that you’ve always done together.
On top of all the other pressures of everyday life, there’s lots for mums-to-be to think about while they’re pregnant. Sometimes they might want to make some changes to their lifestyle to look after their baby’s health. If you’ve had kids yourself you’ll know that everyone’s pregnancy is different, and she may be doing it in a different way from when you did it.
Helping your friend, sister or daughter to have a healthy pregnancy and baby doesn’t have to be hard. It will be a lot easier for her with your help - and there could also be some benefits for you too!
Top tips – things you can do together while she’s pregnant
Give her a hand with the shopping
Carrying heavy bags is especially hard when she’s already carrying a baby! Plus it will be a great workout for your arms.
Try to cut down on the amount of alcohol that you drink
The best advice for pregnant women is to drink no alcohol but if she’s used to drinking with you, this can be tough. Join her in cutting back and you’ll feel good too.
Read tips for cutting down, on Change4Life
Stop smoking
Smoking while pregnant, or inhaling secondhand smoke, can be like blowing smoke in a baby’s face. So if you’ve always been puffing partners, now could be the perfect time to give up together. Plus, you’ll save some money – just think about how you could celebrate once the baby arrives!
Get support to stop smoking with Smokefree
See if you can get her up and about more
Walking for 150 minutes each week can help her and her growing baby to stay healthy. Plus it’s a great, free way to spend time together, and you’ll get some exercise too.
Try eating some healthier foods with her
Maybe she’s even craving something she doesn’t usually eat? If you like cooking, see what you fancy making together. You could even make a load and freeze some - handy when the baby’s arrived.
For some healthier meal ideas, try Change4Life’s recipe finder
All this can give her a great start
Supporting your friend or family member with all of these things can not only help her have a healthier and happier pregnancy, but can also lessen the risk of postnatal depression later.