8 Ways to Have a Happier Pregnancy

If there's ever a time in life to "just say no," it's now. If you had afterwork plans with girlfriends but are simply exhausted, see if you can reschedule. Have a million things on a weekend to-do list, but all you can really think about is a nap? Go for it. Listen to your body's cues and act accordingly. You'll be a happier and healthier person for it!

While the physical effects of pregnancy may be felt by the mom-to-be, remember that this isn't a solo journey. Including your partner in as much of the experience as you can will remind you that you're not going it alone and will make them feel like a part of the process.

You can drive yourself insane with anxiety over everything from what to expect from childbirth to what on earth you're going to do all day with a newborn. Relax! If you're having a hard time sleeping at night, take a break from the stack of parenting and pregnancy books on your bedside table, and indulge in a juicy novel instead. You're not the first woman to feel unprepared for motherhood, and everything is going to turn out just fine — we promise.

Once a baby enters the picture, getting out for a night on the town becomes a bit more complicated (note: we didn't say impossible, just complicated!). Take advantage of your remaining months as a party of two by making plans with friends, hitting up your favorite restaurants, and catching new movies — in the theater (you won't realize what a luxury that is until you're paying for a sitter by the hour, believe me).

If you have nonmedical questions or concerns that Google simply won't satisfy, the best person to turn to is someone who you like, trust, and has been there before. Invite a good girlfriend over for coffee (or tea or whatever's working for you these days), and drill her for her best pregnancy and parenting advice. She'll be flattered, you'll feel better about things, and you'll probably end up off topic and laughing at some point in the process, too. Everyone wins!

Gone are the days of pregnant women being told to kick their feet up for nine months. As long as everything's going smoothly, your doctor will probably tell you to stick with your regular exercise routine, and you should absolutely listen. Working out will do wonders for both your mental and physical state, has been said to ease labor pains, and will make for an easier postpartum recovery.

Source: Jenny Sugar/POPSUGAR Fitness