Or, you may be one of those mums-to-be who falls gracefully into her role of being with child, immediately develops healthy glowing skin, along with thick shiny hair, strong white fingernails and a robust appetite.
Whether maternity makes you feel like crawling into bed and hiding in your pyjamas for the next nine months, or you're ready to go out and conquer the world, there are several sure-fire ways to make sure you feel great during pregnancy- or just look like you do!
Eat Well
The literature will tell you, and it's true: you are not eating for two. Even if you were you would be eating for yourself and a tiny being whose tummy is the size of a walnut at when born full term. While there really is no excuse for pigging out on high-fat or high-sugar foods, you can still indulge your cravings if you make sure to balance your diet with nutritious options.
Enjoy whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and lean proteins throughout the day. Try to eat balanced meals and healthy snacks in between to avoid plunges or spikes in blood sugar.
If you've never been enthusiastic about healthy foods, seize the moment and take this opportunity to learn about nourishing your body properly. There's never been a better time, as eating well will provide you with more energy, reduce nausea, combat heartburn and help your little one grow.
Exercise
Whether this means walking an extra few blocks instead of taking the car, signing up for an ante-natal class, swimming at the local pool or keeping up with your gym routine, keep your body moving during pregnancy. As the cheeky saying goes, the best exercise is the one you'll actually do. Just be sure not to over-exert yourself in any way, by paying close attention to your body and consulting with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine.
Pamper Yourself
While this doesn't mean you have to adopt a 'me-first' attitude, you can take time out for an ante-natal massage, cancel an appointment here and there in favour of a nap, or indulge in a pair of designer maternity pyjamas you wouldn't normally buy.
Life doesn't get put on hold just because you are pregnant. The needs of keeping up a house, dealing with work, the needs of older children, shopping and appointments don't go away.
You'll still need to face the world and get things done, but make sure to honour this special time of life in the best way you see fit.
If you find yourself simply knackered and just want to relax in said designer maternity pyjamas instead of going out, order takeaway and curl up on the sofa without the least bit of guilt.
Enjoy your pregnancy by eating well, exercising and pampering yourself during these unique nine months.
Dulce Islas is a leading fashion writer and blogs about maternity lingerie, maternity nightwear and maternity swimwear.
