Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Mustela through their partnership with POPSUGAR. While I was compensated by POPSUGAR to write a post about Mustela, all opinions are my own.

During my last pregnancy I was asked multiple times to share my tips on staying healthy, and I never actually sat down to write about it! I feel I lead a pretty healthy lifestyle, and wanted that to continue during my first pregnancy. My mindset is the same for this second go around. I’m actually in better shape and even healthier this pregnancy because I poured all of my negative emotions regarding my miscarriages into health and fitness. It’s something that makes me feel good physically and emotionally, and that’s what helped me cope with loss. I wanted my body ready and in the best shape for when we were blessed with another baby because it’s truly an honor to be carrying a little one!

Before I get started, please know these tips are my educated opinion, so I absolutely advise you to talk to your doctor so you can get the best advice from your trusted professional. And of course, know that pregnancy differs for ALL women for EVERY pregnancy.

Get your rest. The first trimester is SO HARD, ladies. So. Hard. The exhaustion can be debilitating, especially if you’re chasing after another little one. I remember not being nearly as tired when I was pregnant with Landon, and it was because I didn’t have the responsibility of chasing a toddler around! But he has more energy than I’ve ever seen, and that plus my lack of energy from growing a human equals maaaaaajor exhaustion. I’ve learned to just succumb to it, because it’s clearly what my body needs right now. So I’ve been asleep by 830pm every night and resting during Landon’s naptime. Listen to your body and REST!

Eat a healthy, balanced diet. During your first prenatal visit, your doctor or midwife will give you paperwork that explains exactly what you should be eating during pregnancy. Read it and stick to it! You need your vitamins and minerals from fruits and veggies, protein from lean meats, and calcium from dairy products (or other foods high in calcium if you’re lactose intolerant or vegan). This is good not only for you and all your body is doing, but also for baby. I know pregnancy cravings are REAL, but if they’re unhealthy I suggest trying to keep them to a minimum. Mind over matter! You don’t need French fries every night! (Dangit, now I want French fries…………..)

Take your prenatal vitamins. I know these can be hard to choke down especially if you’re nauseous like I was early on, but they’re so important to take for baby’s development. I suggest taking them at night if they make you nauseous, and keeping crackers at your bedside!

HYDRATE. That paperwork from your doctor or midwife will also talk about staying hydrated. SO important for your fluid levels! Keep a water bottle with you to refill at all times. Add some lemon to it if you need a little flavor kick!

Exercise (if allowed by your doctor/midwife). This 1000000000% needs to be cleared by your doctor, so please discuss that with them. My doctor and midwife gave me the okay to continue exercise (for now) because it’s something I’ve done for years. I’ve been CrossFitting since prior to being pregnant with Landon (3 years now!) and have been regularly attending classes for well over a year before this current pregnancy. If you are okay to exercise, ask your doctor or midwife about modifications you should make. For instance, I no longer rope climb or do full burpees, or anything that would involve hitting my stomach or could potentially result in a fall (I step up instead of box jump too because it’s just not worth risking anything). Also keep in mind you cannot lay on a flat back once you hit 20 weeks, so ab movements need to be modified. I’ve scaled waaaaaaay back on weights because at this point I’m only looking to maintain my fitness level, not improve it. I also keep my heart rate in check, hydrate, and take frequent rest periods during workouts. I go by how I feel, and if I feel like garbage one day, I won’t work out. Definitely discuss all of this with your doctor FIRST, and then your trainer if you’re cleared to continue exercising. Exercise has major benefits in pregnancy, and I’m convinced it helped me have a quick, awesome labor.

Take care of your skin. Okay I’m going to throw this out there….I know a lot of people think negatively of stretch marks, but the truth is they are a representation of the LIFE you carried and grew inside of you. But while stretch marks are from something wonderful and we shouldn’t be ashamed by them, I still know some women would prefer to not have them. I did not form any stretch marks during my pregnancy with Landon, but this time could be totally different. If you’re looking to prevent stretch marks (which are hereditary, but this can help!), it’s important to care for your skin. I’ve used Mustela products on Landon, but I was pleased to learn they make products for mamas as well! Mustela’s Stretch Marks Double Action cream can be applied morning and night from the start of pregnancy until 1 month after birth to help with stretch mark prevention. If you prefer oil as opposed to cream (I did during the cooler months when I was pregnant with Landon), Mustela’s Stretch Mark Care Oil can be applied in the same fashion. I always apply any oil or cream to my belly, boobs, hips, and thighs since those are the areas that will get stretched out during pregnancy. For mamas with existing stretch marks who may want to treat them, Mustela’s Stretch Marks Intensive Action cream can be used twice a day for 3 months. I love that Mustela’s line is hypoallergenic and very gentle…so important, especially during pregnancy!

If you’re interested in purchasing Mustela products, check out Diapers.com! I used them for my registry with Landon and can attest to how fantastic their service is! 🙂

Also, to celebrate Mother’s Day, Mustela wants to hear from real moms like you! Head on over to their Facebook page to enter into their Mustela Moms Know Best contest to win a bundle of products (over a $100 value!). There are two winners every day, so be sure to enter into the contest daily with your tips, tricks and advice! Lord knows us moms have PLENTY of those! 😉

I hope you found these tips helpful and encouraging for a healthy pregnancy. The #1 thing to keep in mind during pregnancy is that you are carrying and growing a human life. Everything you put in or do to your body directly affects that little babe inside of you. Please make his or her home as happy and healthy as you can, and I wish you ALL a wonderful pregnancy!