How to Be Pregnant Gracefully

Do you feel like Shamu, the killer whale? People say that pregnant women are beautiful - and they are! But you also need to feel beautiful! Here's how...

Steps

1. Take just as much as time with your personal care as you did before you were pregnant...you're a still a woman! Spend extra time lathering on scented lotions and taking care of your skin. Spend extra time with your hair - maybe get a new style if you've had yours for a long time. Spend extra time getting your makeup on and consider a makeover at a department store makeup counter - just for a change! Also, some pregnant women have a slightly different "glow" so you might want to tone down makeup.
2. Instead of wearing big baggy clothes, sew your own jumpers (or get someone to do it for you). There are many patterns for them. You can wear your own blouses underneath (unbuttoned on the bottom, if necessary). You can also tie them so that you have plenty of room in front but you look nice from the back.
3. Make sure you have comfortable shoes - but they need to be fun! Get some that have good sturdy soles so they are safe and non-slip, but look for shoes that have beads or other trim, which are very "in-style" right now.
4. Wear soft fabrics in the form of shawls and wraps. Velvet ones are very easy to find right now. And keep those bright colors and jewel tones in your maternity wear...no one said you have to tone down. Be proud!
5. Get strong, supportive undergarments. Look for these in maternity stores. They will really make a difference in how you carry yourself and how you feel. They can also make a difference in how your back holds up!
6. Treat yourself specially. Allow those quiet moments to rest and listen to music. If others want to spoil you, great! Let them!
7. Enjoy it while you can, because it won't last much longer than 9 months!
8. Don't hide your new curves! Flaunt them proudly!

Tips

• Use vitamin E oil, lotion, or even the inside gel of a vitamin E capsule. Spread it over your tummy and thighs to help prevent itching and dry skin where your body is stretching to accommodate the baby. Unfortunately, nothing has been proven to prevent stretch marks. But cocoa butter takes out the redness.

Warnings

• Don't wear tight clothing. Give up the regular pants as soon as you can wear stretch or maternity.
• Be careful of the ingredients in any lotions, oils or cosmetics that you use. Some ingredients are not safe for pregnancy and other ingredients have suspected harmful effects on babies. Check with your doctor, midwife, nurse or other professional carer if you are not sure.

Things You'll Need

• Soft wraps and shawls
• Upper garments with bright colors
• Vitamin E lotion
• Special treats