8 Ways to Have a Happier Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be many things — exciting, stressful, overwhelming, and awesome. And those feelings can all cross your mind in the same day! Every mom's journey to motherhood is uniquely her own, and there's no guaranteed trick to ensure that you'll feel and look the way you want. But speaking from experience, there are a few things that you can do to stay positive and enjoy this amazing stage of life to its fullest potential. Read on to learn how! Source: Thinkstock

01
Give In!
Thinkstock | Tatiana Gladskikh

Give In!

If there's ever a time in life to "just say no," it's now. If you had afterwork plans with girlfriends but are simply exhausted, see if you can reschedule. Have a million things on a weekend to-do list, but all you can really think about is a nap? Go for it. Listen to your body's cues and act accordingly. You'll be a happier and healthier person for it!

02
Eat Well
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Eat Well

As soon as you find out you're pregnant, talk with your doctor to ensure that you have a firm understanding of what you can and can't consume. This will alleviate the guesswork every time you go to a friend's house for dinner or encounter a new menu at a restaurant. Remember that everything that goes into your body is also nurturing your baby, so it's more important than ever to eat healthfully.

03
Appreciate the Change

Appreciate the Change

Prepare for your body to do things that you never before thought possible — whether it's baby action that resembles a tiny alien kicking its way out of your stomach or entering uncharted territory in the bra department. Embrace the change as much as you possibly can, and appreciate getting to see sides of yourself that you never before thought possible (quite literally). Source: Maria Ponce

04
Be Inclusive
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Be Inclusive

While the physical effects of pregnancy may be felt by the mom-to-be, remember that this isn't a solo journey. Including your partner in as much of the experience as you can will remind you that you're not going it alone and will make them feel like a part of the process.

05
Stop Stressing
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Stop Stressing

You can drive yourself insane with anxiety over everything from what to expect from childbirth to what on earth you're going to do all day with a newborn. Relax! If you're having a hard time sleeping at night, take a break from the stack of parenting and pregnancy books on your bedside table, and indulge in a juicy novel instead. You're not the first woman to feel unprepared for motherhood, and everything is going to turn out just fine — we promise.

06
Don't Put Life on Hold
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Don't Put Life on Hold

Once a baby enters the picture, getting out for a night on the town becomes a bit more complicated (note: we didn't say impossible, just complicated!). Take advantage of your remaining months as a party of two by making plans with friends, hitting up your favorite restaurants, and catching new movies — in the theater (you won't realize what a luxury that is until you're paying for a sitter by the hour, believe me).

07
Girl Power
Thinkstock | Jupiterimages

Girl Power

If you have nonmedical questions or concerns that Google simply won't satisfy, the best person to turn to is someone who you like, trust, and has been there before. Invite a good girlfriend over for coffee (or tea or whatever's working for you these days), and drill her for her best pregnancy and parenting advice. She'll be flattered, you'll feel better about things, and you'll probably end up off topic and laughing at some point in the process, too. Everyone wins!

08
Stay Fit

Stay Fit

Gone are the days of pregnant women being told to kick their feet up for nine months. As long as everything's going smoothly, your doctor will probably tell you to stick with your regular exercise routine, and you should absolutely listen. Working out will do wonders for both your mental and physical state, has been said to ease labor pains, and will make for an easier postpartum recovery. Source: Jenny Sugar/POPSUGAR Fitness