Pregnancy Self Care

Expecting a baby can be overwhelming, both physically and mentally. That’s why self-care is so crucial during pregnancy — for you and your baby.

It’s important for you to prioritize health and wellness. This includes leading a healthy lifestyle — eating well, cutting out all alcohol and tobacco use, exercising regularly, getting plenty of rest and maintaining a healthy weight.

Your OB/GYN or midwife will provide you with comprehensive prenatal instructions, but here are some general self-care tips to keep you happy and healthy.

Rest and relax. Your body is working overtime during pregnancy, which can lead to fatigue. Take time every day to rest and recharge. This might mean fitting in a brief nap, going to bed earlier or simply finding a few minutes to quietly unwind.

Get moving. Exercise can help you stay healthy and boost your mood. Your doctor can advise you on how much exercise is best for you during pregnancy. There are many safe options, including walking, swimming and yoga.

Eat right. Balance your diet with high-protein foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and dairy products. Cut down on sugar and caffeine, and cut out alcohol completely.

Find time for fun. Make time to do things that are enjoyable. Pamper yourself, read a magazine, meditate or plan a date night. This will make you happy during a sometimes-stressful phase.

Ask for help. Don’t try to do it all. Rely on friends and family members to assist with errands, chores or household projects. Accepting help is a good habit to get into before the baby is born.

What to Expect from Norton Women’s Care

More mothers in Louisville and Southern Indiana choose to deliver their babies at Norton Hospital or Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital than with any other hospital system in the area.

We deliver more than 8,000 babies a year. We’re close to you with more than 90 providers at more than 25 locations around Louisville and Southern Indiana. Choosing Norton Women’s Care gives you many options for how delivery day could go — all with the confidence of knowing that our obstetrics and pediatric specialists are there to help. With Norton Women’s Care, you’ll find:

The birth experience you want: You can choose natural childbirth, a midwife, labor tub, nitrous oxide and other birthing options. We’ll recommend a C-section (cesarean section) or induced labor only if it’s medically necessary.
Preparation: Our specialists offer the support you need, including free Lamaze and other childbirth classes, new parent classes, breastfeeding support, child safety classes and more.
Confidence and quality in care: Norton Women’s Care has been recognized as High Performing — the highest rating available — for maternity care with fewer complications and C-sections, plus breastfeeding support and other benefits.
We offer the highest-level (Level IV) neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Louisville and Southern Indiana at Norton Children’s Hospital, and a sophisticated Level III NICU at Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital.
Around-the-clock OB/GYN care is available at Norton Hospital and Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital emergency departments.
Our board-certified maternal-fetal medicine specialists can help guide you through a high-risk pregnancy, from treating preexisting diabetes in the pregnant patient to a fetal echocardiogram to diagnose a congenital heart condition before a baby is born.
Medicare, Medicaid and most major commercial insurance plans are accepted.
Convenient access to your medical record: Communicate with your health care provider, get lab results, renew prescriptions and more through your free Norton MyChart account.

Pregnancy Self Care

Pregnancy Self Care

What to Expect from Norton Women’s Care

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