#  Self-Help Tips for Your Mental Health During Pregnancy 

 

      ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/f104e0f5-cd5c-441e-84e1-55d1aef4f0f7/iStock-1130678211?io=transform:fill,width:1000px&format=webp)  

 

When you’re pregnant, it’s important to take steps to keep your mind and body healthy. Try different things to figure out what works best for you, but here are some tips for where to start.

### Start with Exercise

- Incorporate [regular exercise](/bump-beyond/during-pregnancy/nutrition-exercise/exercise "Bump & Beyond: Exercise: Get Moving During Pregnancy | Boston Medical Center").
- Try [pelvic floor exercises](/bump-beyond/during-pregnancy/nutrition-exercise/pelvic-floor-exercises "Bump & Beyond: Pelvic Floor Exercises During Pregnancy | Boston Medical Center"), which can help with birth and recovery.
- Talk with your support people or your care team about any concerns you have about your body, including about intimacy.

### Focus on a Healthy Diet

- [Eat foods](/bump-beyond/postpartum-experience/physical-health/feeding-yourself-along-baby "Bump & Beyond: Feeding Yourself While Feeding Your Baby | Boston Medical Center") that will help you stay healthy and help your baby grow.
- Learn about [BMC’s Preventive Food Pantry](/nourishing-our-community/preventive-food-pantry "BMC Stories: Preventive Food Pantry: A Part of Your Medical Care | Boston Medical Center").
- Find more [meal resources and support](/bump-beyond/postpartum-experience/getting-support/resources-families "Bump & Beyond: Resources for Families | Boston Medical Center").

### Spend Less Time on Social Media

It’s okay for your pregnancy experience to look different from anyone else’s.

If you use social media, be cautious with ads and health tips—they may not be accurate or safe for you. Before trying any product or specific health plan, talk with your healthcare provider.

### Practice Relaxation 

- Use [diaphragmatic breathing](https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/learning-diaphragmatic-breathing "Learning diaphragmatic breathing | Harvard Health Publishing (health.harvard.edu)") (breathing deeply from your belly).
- Try [meditation](https://www.mindfulbirthing.org/resources#comp-kzwn5zf9 "Resources: Guided Audio Meditations | Mindful Birthing (mindfulbirthing.org)") or [mindful breathing](https://www.mindful.org/a-five-minute-breathing-meditation/ "A 6-Minute Breathing Meditation To Cultivate Mindfulness | Mindful (mindful.org)").
- Spend time in nature or just outside.
- Try to make time for small, enjoyable activities, like painting your nails, brushing your hair, doing art, or taking a bubble bath.
- Incorporate [aromatherapy](/bump-beyond/labor-and-birth/preparing-birth/aromatherapy "Bump & Beyond: Aromatherapy in Pregnancy, Labor, and After Birth | Boston Medical Center") into your daily life.
- Schedule a massage.

### Join a Parenting Group to Prepare

There are many groups you can join, but here are a few ideas:

- [The Family Nurturing Center in Dorchester](https://familynurturing.org/dorchester/ "Dorchester | Family Nurturing Center (familynurturing.org)"): At FNC Dorchester, families can connect and learn through playgroups, classes, programs, and community events designed to empower caregivers as their children’s first teachers and advocates. Resources, referral services, and advocacy for families with young children are also available.
- [City of Boston Parent and Family Support](https://www.boston.gov/departments/early-childhood/parent-and-family-support "Parent and Family Support | City of Boston (boston.gov)"): The City of Boston provides free resources to help families and children develop and grow, including parenting classes, family-friendly events, playgroups, and trustworthy information about child development.

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