Begin with the end

It's no secret that each pregnancy is distinctly different. My pregnancies were for sure. The first was smooth sailing and sickness amounted to normal morning sickness characterized by the first trimester, whereas twenty years later my second pregnancy was high risk. Not to mention, I felt sick the entire time. Nevertheless, I kept in mind a developing fetus required the proper environment. Much research has been conducted around this. We now know that prenatal maternal factors such as health, diet, mental state, and genetics effect the unborn child's life. Remember this statement as it encompasses all things necessary leading to maximizing human potential:

Environment shapes biology.

Pregnancy is no different or less significant than infancy or toddler-hood. A mother mother must always provide a stimulating environment. Environmental needs vary according to developmental stage. During pregnancy the needs are as follows:

1. Healthy diet
2. Healthy mind
3. Healthy hydration levels
4. Healthy relationship

There are plenty sources you can find about a healthy diet during pregnancy. Therefore I will state the most important. Both pregnancies, I kept in mind a developing human being was growing inside consequently, I maintained a nutrient-rich diet. To ensure my nutrient intake was adequate, I ate a  wide range of  fresh fruit, veggies and protein. I was careful to include sources of folic acids, vitamin D and I drank plenty of water while avoiding as much processed and fast food as well as unhealthy habits such as caffeine intake, alcohol consumption and all forms of smoking and drug use. 

To maintain a healthy mind, I exercised daily, meditated and spent as much time in nature as possible. This was easier to do with my first pregnancy.  My life was like a dream.  ​These things were much easier to do than during my last pregnancy. I wasn't financially wealthy, but in retrospect I had everything I needed.  I was living in my home town in Louisiana, young,  had little to no financial responsibilities, and a strong support system. However, with my second pregnancy things were very different.  I lived in an East Coast metropolitan area with very little family support and although I was married I felt lonely without my family near. I was such a long way from home, 1200 miles to be exact and since I was high risk traveling was not really an option. If that wasn't enough, my mother had recently died and my husband was soon to be leaving the country. I was very aware of my feelings, so I decided to do something about it. I joined a couple of expectant mothers groups, made some friends at work, kept a gratitude journal and meditated daily. I kept myself busy with work, reading, and preparing the baby's nursery which was quite therapeutic. 

At this time more than ever in my life, I was so grateful for my meditation practice. Meditation has such benefits: ​http://eocinstitute.org/meditation/meditation-benefits-for-pregnancy.