Ways pregnancy is good for you?

[1Catherine1]

This morning I've realized that actually my life style is the healthiest it has been for a long time and this is due to pregnancy. So although my OH is already sick of hearing me moan I thought maybe it would be nice to see how pregnancy has improved others lives.
so..

1. I used to drink between a litre and a litre and a half of Dr Pepper a day and since being 6 weeks pregnant my body made me give it up. Think of all that sugar and caffeine I cut out in one go. Never mind the cost of it.
2. I now eat breakfast every morning after learning that it is much more painful to throw up on an empty stomach.
3. My intake of fatty food has been greatly reduced (although I didn't eat it that much in fairness) since the smell of oil makes me sick.
4. I now never leave the house without a big glass of water down me and I keep a bottle of water on my desk at all times.

So although sometimes I still feel like crap, I think I must be doing better really :)

I went off coffee very early on and not drunk it since. I'm now 34 weeks. I've not drunk a drop of alcohol since I got pregnant.... I previously would usually drink a glass or 2 of wine most days. My diet though has not been the best.... For the first 16 weeks I had so many food aversions I had to just whatever I could... Which was usually some sort of junk food! And exercise has been tricky as I have SPD. Ironically I hoped that through giving up alcohol I would feel amazing but don't feel any differant at all!

Lovely thread :)

Pregnancy has 'saved' me from a life of late nights, white wine and pork scratchings!

I've cut right down on coke zero, which I used to drink INSTEAD of water. I now actually drink water.

I now eat about 8 servings of fruit/veg per day. And I eat 3 meals a day with sensible snacks.

I no longer do the 'guilt' thing when eating - used to eat loads one day then feel bad and eat only salad the next. And now, I am so much more accepting of my body. After baby, I hope I can keep that up!

Generally, a lifestyle much more conducive to a longer, healthier life. But no, I don't really 'feel' much better

I find I have more time for productive things, like reading and staying in touch with friends and family because I'm not out having boozy dinners. :)
Thanks for accentuating the positive!

This is a lovely idea, not thought of it in that way.

I have cut out caffinated drinks (tea, coffee and diet coke)
No longer drink the above instead of water and now actually enjoy a glass of water
Eating 6-7 portions of fruit and veg a day
For the first time I eat breakfast everyday without fail.

Plan to ensure get fish/meat/calcium
No longer feel bad about eating three full meals.

Not sure have ever been this healthy...

I found post baby mine and DH's eating habits were much improved too. All that healthy weaning food has stayed with us and we're much healthier. I agree about breakfast too - although I was nearly sick all down myself in the car this morning

I often wonder about this, because I am sure being pg puts a big strain on your liver, despite not drinking alcohol. Also, with it being DC2, I wasn't drinking that much anyway before I got pg, compared to first time round. TBH, I ate pretty well beforehand and have been treating myself to a LOT more chocolate/cakes/biscuits than normal, so it is definitely not helping me in that way either. Add to that the strain on my ligaments, spine, abdominals and pelvic floor.....

HOWEVER, pregnancy makes me slow down, do breathing and relaxation exercises, which has to be a good thing. I have also been doing regular yoga, which I have been meaning to do since pg with DS, but always put off in favour of a run or some other cardio, and I really like it. And although I sometimes cry when I catch sight of my ass in the mirror (only when I am really hormonal I might add), I am in awe of what my body is doing, which is also a good thing to remember - that our bodies are amazing things.

Pregnancy gave me a new respect for my body because apart from the fact that you make a baby and milk, which is pretty amazing, it was the first time I'd ever felt physically vulnerable. I definately treat myself better now. So my main positives are giving up smoking, giving up drinking and not feeling compelled to be so very thin. And the boobs - never had boobs before.

I'm 21 weeks now, and before getting pregnant I was definitely burning the candle at both ends- boozing a couple of times a week after work, plus at least one heavy night on a weekend, late nights, smoking when boozing, horrible hangover munchies- I could go on!

I now feel great that i've quit smoking and the booze, and I definitely don't want to (and won't be able to!) go back to how I was before. Not saying I won't have a few drinks on a special occasion i.e. at a wedding, but i'm used to not boozing now and hate the thought of having a hangover!

I feel calmer, sleep better, my mild depression has lifted and i'm more productive.

As for eating healthily, I have always eaten well anyway, but I guess i've become more mindful with what I eat and drink.

All in all, I feel pretty tip top at the moment- long may it continue before sleepless nights ect kick in!