The Seasons of Pregnancy
electrolyte balance without the additives of
commercial sports drinks. Likewise, you can
spritz up your water with a handful of fresh berries (or frozen if you like your water ice cold)
for a refreshing flavor that provides a splash of
vitamins and minerals.
There isn’t a set limit of water intake as long as
you’re drinking to thirst, and you can recognize
your body’s thirst symptoms. Remember, feeling
thirsty signifies that you’re already dehydrated.
Some recommendations include at least 96
ounces of water daily during pregnancy, but you
also want to listen to your body and avoid gorging yourself, especially to the point of limiting
food intake. Healthy food selections limit your
body’s need of receiving hydration from only
pure water sources.
a toned pelvic floor for birth and postpartum
healing, a baby that tucks his chin for a smooth
birth, and a mom with back muscles that proficiently support the growing fetus. Now she is
exercising and gathering nutrients for her baby
with a simple daily activity. Are you seeing a
trend here?
Years ago, all families had gardens; and women
weren’t pampered by lying back during pregnancy. They were tending the gardens, planting, and harvesting food throughout the warm
season which has the added benefit of prepping
mom for birth. Mom’s hunter-gatherer lifestyle
is the perfect physical prep for the stamina and
strength needed for birth. Squatting was an
accustomed method of food gathering- a posture that does wonders for our pregnant body
and growing baby by opening the pelvis up to
30% larger while also strengthening muscles
and stretching the pelvic ligaments. This creates
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Photography by Roberts Family Photography
Maybe it is coincidence, but it makes sense as to
why some studies show a rise in both male and
female testosterone levels as the summer fades,
and why August and September are consistently the months that most babies are born (in
the US). Testosterone, a sex-driving hormone
in both sexes, also increases as stress is reduced,
likely happening after the growing season is
over; and mom and dad are set for a relaxing
winter. If you were warming up by a crackling
fire and enjoying what may appear to be a huGardening provides an efficient way of obtain- man mating season, take advantage of the liting healthy food for you and your growing baby. tle extra effort needed to stay healthy and fit
Locally grown produce isn’t only cheaper; it
through a spring and summer gestation while
actually provides you with more nutrients than you ripen alongside earth’s harvest.
purchased options because you can keep most
of the food ripening on the vine until just before
meal time. A local farmer’s market can supplement a limited garden space, but your baby will
thank you for any time spent in the dirt.