We are aware that preserving our health as well as the health of our planet should be our priorities, but many of us don’t fully comprehend this until we become parents. Once there’s life growing inside of us, everything changes, and we begin to understand just how important it is to adopt healthier and greener habits. While you may think that doing so is difficult, it’s often the small, everyday decisions we make that determine how healthy and green our lifestyle is. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Ensure proper nutrition by going organic

The fast-paced modern lifestyle often has us reaching for foods that are most convenient, but not necessarily nutritious. Even though proper nutrition should be everyone’s top priority, it’s even more important for moms-to-be.

Switching to organic food products is one of the ways to curb poor dietary habits and maintain a healthy approach to your pregnancy diet. Aside from numerous health benefits, choosing organic is also a way to vote with your wallet, thus promoting organic, eco-friendly agricultural strategies.

Support sustainable clothing brands

For moms-to-be, shopping for clothes is all about comfort and feeling good. However, shopping can be another way to stay green during pregnancy. How? By opting for sustainable, eco-friendly clothing brands.

Since it comes into direct contact with your skin, quality underwear should be a priority on your shopping list. Aside from bras and briefs, comfortable women’s socks made from organically grown bamboo are one of the essential clothing pieces for pregnant women. The soft fabric provides additional comfort throughout the day while letting your skin breathe. Opting for sustainably produced undergarments is also an eco-conscious way to build a foundation for your wardrobe while being kind to both yourself and Mother Nature.

Be a smart, eco-conscious shopper

Other than supporting ethical business practices by purchasing from sustainable brands, another way to help the environment would be learning how to shop smart. Start by reading labels and finding out where the item came from. Also, look for fair trade alternatives for your favorite products.

Avoiding non-eco-friendly packaging, purchasing second hand, and buying in bulk are just some of the examples on how to be a green consumer. By employing eco-friendly shopping strategies, you’ll help reduce overall waste, thus helping the environment. What’s more, you’ll also save a significant amount of money down the road by putting more thought into your day-to-day shopping habits.

Give yoga a try

You’ve probably heard about numerous physical and mental benefits of yoga, but have you actually considered giving it a try? Aside from improving your overall strength and flexibility, this ancient Indian practice employs stretching poses that help establish a connection between the mind, body, and spirit.

By combining movement with breathing techniques and exercises, you can ward off any back pain you might be feeling during pregnancy, ease indigestion, and relieve your body from stress. Be sure to look for pregnancy yoga postures that feel comfortable for you – they will ensure your next nine months go as smooth as possible.

Green up your skincare game

The products you apply to your skin also play an important role in staying healthy on your pregnancy journey. That means changing up your personal care routine and choosing skincare products that don’t contain harmful chemicals and toxins that can affect the development of your baby.

Look for makeup, skincare, and cosmetics brands that use natural ingredients in their formulas that are safe, and green up your shopping habits by choosing ethical, cruelty-free beauty products. Buying cleaner and greener picks will benefit not only moms-to-be and their little ones, but Mother Nature as well.

Make sure you get enough sleep each night

Getting a comfortable good night’s sleep is essential for proper function on a daily basis, even more so for pregnant women. Adequate rest can easily be ensured by removing distractions and keeping your room cool, dark, and quiet.

Aside from creating a good sleeping environment, another thing to consider is the mattress you’re sleeping on. Make sure you get a suitable mattress that provides proper support to your back and spine and consider your sleeping position as well. Sleeping on your left side with a pillow between your legs is most beneficial to your baby as it promotes circulation and makes it easier for blood and nutrients to reach the placenta.

From the products you consume and the clothes you wear, there are many ways you can go green and stay healthy during pregnancy. While it may seem like a lot to take in at the moment, taking small, greener steps is what will help you get used to a more eco-friendly lifestyle, and ensure a brighter, healthier, and greener future for you, your baby, and Mother Earth.