I thought a lot about having another child, though I always dismissed it when the topic came up around friends and family.
One day I was checking my weight on the fancy scale and saw that my subcutaneous fat was suddenly high. WHAT?!? I stared at it for 10 minutes. I decided that something wasn’t right or something right was happening. With my diet, I knew that ‘fat’ wasn’t possible. I went straight to the gynaecologist after two months without checking with a home test. By then I was more aware of my body, and I knew that someone was growing in me. Even the gynaecologist was surprised when I said I hadn’t checked at home before coming to her.
So, after enjoying my pregnancy, driving around till the last month and smiling throughout, I gave birth to a baby boy on 13 April 2026. What happened during those days and how I finally delivered will come later, but for now, I think I’m ready to give you simple tips on how to stay strong and fit during your pregnancy after 40. Because I believe that if I could do it, anyone can!
PS: I’m not really encouraging women to wait till 40 to have their first child. I believe we should have kids when we are young, as we can have more time with them (if God wills). I’m only stating the facts and giving you tips to stay healthy in case you want to have more kids after you turn 40.
We know that eating healthy is a must after you turn 25. You have to have the determination to take care of yourself. There will be loads of temptations, but you have to have the willpower to stay healthy and fit, come what may. It’s the same during pregnancy, especially after 40 when your body is older and weaker.
EXERCISE: The first rule is to keep moving. You’re not a tree, you’re not a statue, and you’re not sick. You are only pregnant. There will be heaviness, there will be aches and pains, but if you walk for at least 25 minutes a day (outdoors if possible), half your problems will be solved. Make sure you do the exercises your gynaecologist advises. Belly dance helped me in the previous pregnancy 10 years ago, but I will avoid encouraging anyone to do that after 40!
Avoid any jumping or vigorous activities like strenuous road trips, dances or playing badminton, tennis and such games, for example.
I sort of reduced my movements in my ninth month due to the heaviness. I hadn’t been 65 kgs in my life before, so I got a bit lazy. That’s when my blood pressure began climbing. As soon as I realized it, I continued my walks and exercises. So, when I was at home, my pressure was mostly normal.
EAT HEALTHILY: And I mean, eat healthily. Everyone encourages having spicy pickles and satisfying cravings during pregnancy. Please avoid both. Pickles have loads of salt and consuming sweets is a big no-no. Hunger pangs can make you go bonkers sometimes and you tend to put anything and everything into your mouth, but be aware and mindful of what you eat.
Drink your milk, eat your fruits/veggies and don’t forget your vitamins (as prescribed by your gynaecologist). If you’re uneasy with a certain medication, inform your doctor. For example: I felt quite nauseous after taking a Livogen. So my doctor gave me a lower dosage.
If you have other ailments, your gynaecologist will instruct you on what to eat and what to avoid. Follow it to the T.
DRINK WATER: Well, drinking water is generally good for us. And during pregnancy, it will help you stay hydrated and energetic. Yes, you are probably advised to drink lots of healthy fluids. But water is the most important of them all.
Avoiding water could dry your skin and cause headaches and drowsiness.
PRIORITIZE SLEEP: It is important to get enough rest while carrying a human inside you. Be active but give your body the rest it needs. Take short naps if necessary. Even if you are not able to sleep, just sit down and relax your body for a few minutes. That includes keeping your mobile aside and resting your hands, too.
Overdoing things during pregnancy can cause breathlessness, dizziness, extreme fatigue, muscle pain, etc.
STAY CALM: Pregnancy is a long journey of nine months where at times you may feel that there is no end. But the secret is to stay calm and delegate chores, prioritize responsibilities and shrink to-do lists. Keep yourself busy but try to lower expectations so that you reduce stress. Having older kids when you’re pregnant can be challenging at times. But avoid extreme emotions and yelling. Let them be or let someone else at home handle them.
Plenty of things kept me occupied in my last month (March). So, I didn’t get restless this time. Also, although several factors would have contributed to my rising blood pressure, I made sure I stayed calm and relaxed at all times. I let things go even if they would piss me off otherwise.
Embracing pregnancy after 40 is a beautiful, unique journey that reminds us just how resilient and capable our bodies truly are. While the road requires a bit more mindfulness, listening to your doctor, and prioritizing self-care, it is entirely possible to navigate these nine months with strength, vitality, and a smile. By staying active, nourishing your body, and protecting your peace of mind, you aren’t just taking care of yourself; but also building a strong foundation for your family and the beautiful new life about to enter the world.
Hey, you’ve got this, and remember: if Kareena Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Shilpa Shetty, Katrina Kaif, Neha Dupia, etc. and I could do it, you definitely can, too!
READ MORE: 5 REASONS WHY SELF-IMPROVEMENT IS IMPORTANT FOR A BRIGHTER TOMORROW | BLOGABERRY FOO
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