Sharing anything about pregnancy is one of my favorite things to talk about. When I first got pregnant in my 20s, it felt like there was such a negative tone around it. So much fear, so many warnings about everything that could go wrong.
For me, it ended up being one of the most magical times of my life.
When I experienced pregnancy again more than 20 years later, I savored every moment even more. Being 45, I was very aware of the language that surrounds pregnancy after 35. Terms like “geriatric pregnancy” get thrown around so casually, and it can create a lot of unnecessary worry.
Instead of focusing on that, I chose to focus on supporting my body as much as possible during the preparation stage.
Below I’m sharing a few of the tools and rituals that made the biggest difference for me.
I created this oil after being shocked by what is marketed to pregnant women as “safe” and “healthy.” Many belly oils on the market are made with high-PUFA oils that oxidize easily and can contribute to premature skin aging, along with synthetic fragrances and other unnecessary additives.
I wanted something better.
Womb Wisdom Skin Toning Oil is made with carefully selected botanicals designed to deeply nourish the skin and support elasticity during pregnancy and beyond. It’s Think Dirty Verified and award-winning, and the results truly speak for themselves.
A ritual I started long before pregnancy to help support my skin through every stage.
This is a ritual I didn’t do during my first pregnancy 20 years ago, and looking back, I believe it made a meaningful difference in my skin’s integrity the second time around.
Dry brushing helps stimulate circulation and lymphatic flow, which supports the skin’s natural renewal process. With consistent use, it can help improve the appearance of skin texture and support elasticity, both of which are important when the skin is stretching and changing during pregnancy.
I also found it incredibly supportive for preventing the look of stretch marks by encouraging healthy blood flow to the skin and helping keep the tissue supple.
My Ionic Copper Dry Brush takes this ritual a step further. The copper bristles are designed to help generate negative ions, which many people find calming to the nervous system. During pregnancy, when the body can feel overstimulated or stressed, I loved that this ritual supported not just my skin but also helped me feel more grounded.
Just a few minutes a day before bathing became one of my favorite ways to support my body during that season.
This tool was incredibly supportive throughout my pregnancy, especially when it came to water retention and sore calves, which are both very common during this time.
Using the Sculpting Stone helped encourage circulation and lymphatic movement, which can support the body in moving excess fluid and relieving that heavy, swollen feeling many women experience in their legs.
Later on, I also loved using it to gently stimulate specific acupressure points in the feet and calves, which felt deeply soothing after long days. (only to be done when full term)
During pregnancy it’s always important to listen to your body and work more gently, allowing the ritual to feel supportive rather than intense. Even a few mindful minutes can make a big difference in how your body feels.
This is one product I recommend waiting to use until after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Because it’s highly detoxifying and stimulating. However, this oil has a very special place in my story.
After my first pregnancy in my twenties, I was left with severe stretch marks. It was something that deeply affected my confidence and ultimately became the catalyst for creating Goddess Shaping Body Oil.
I formulated it to help support circulation, lymphatic flow, and skin nourishment in a way that helps visibly improve the look of texture and tone over time. For me, it became one of the most supportive rituals in restoring my skin and reconnecting with my body.
It’s a product I love recommending once your body has moved beyond the pregnancy and breastfeeding phase.
For years leading up to my pregnancy, I focused heavily on nourishing my body from within using principles inspired by the Weston A. Price approach to nutrition. That meant prioritizing nutrient-dense, whole foods like high-quality animal fats, properly prepared foods, mineral-rich broths, and plenty of fat-soluble vitamins. My goal was to support my body long before pregnancy ever began, building a strong foundation so my skin, hormones, and overall health were as supported as possible going into that season. Looking back, I truly believe that internal preparation played a big role in how my body responded.
It goes without saying that fitness has always been a big part of my life, and during this season it was an important part of my preparation as well. I walked daily, mostly as a way to clear my head and stay connected to my body. I still do this now. It has always been a constant for me.
I also continued weight training to build strength and resilience as I prepared for another natural home birth. I’m a big believer in continuing what your body is already used to, with thoughtful modifications. If you’ve never lifted weights before, pregnancy probably isn’t the time to start something completely new.
Alongside that, I focused on stretching and practicing 360 breathing to support my core and pelvic floor. None of it was extreme, just consistent, intentional movement with the goal of keeping my body strong, mobile, and supported for birth and an easier postpartum.
I truly believe the condition you are in before pregnancy plays a role in how your body responds afterward. For many women, pregnancy can be the first time they begin caring for themselves in a deeper way. Learning to nourish, support, and truly respect their bodies in a way we should have been taught all along.
Medical Disclaimer:
The content provided here reflects my personal experience and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, nor should it be considered medical advice. Please consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, exercise routine, skincare, or wellness practices, particularly during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
