Has your beauty routine changed during pregnancy?
"I've always been careful to avoid products with too many chemicals and I use the Kemi-luppen app to get an overview of the ingredients. In addition, I've received really good guidance at Natur-apoteket, who have helped me choose the right products.
My skincare routine consists of cleansing cream, serum, and face cream from Biologique Recherche. For my hair, I use shampoo and conditioner from Matas Natur and a little Arcan Oil. I apply Weleda Mom Body Butter to my stomach daily – I've done this since the beginning of my pregnancy to create a special connection with the baby in my womb. For the rest of my body, I love using nourishing oils, for example from Aesop or Weleda Lavender Body Oil."
What considerations have you made regarding diet and supplements during your pregnancy?
"As supplements, I take multivitamin from Solaray's Baby-me-now, iron supplements, and probiotic bacteria before bedtime. Every morning, I start with a glass of water with psyllium husks to get extra fiber and support digestion. Earlier in my pregnancy, I also took fish oil, but I've chosen to stop that now that I'm close to my due date.
I eat vegetarian, so I've focused on meeting my vitamin and mineral needs through a nutrient-rich diet and herbal extracts. Generally, I eat a varied and intuitive diet without following specific rules. Before pregnancy, my boyfriend and I often ordered takeout, but I've lost my desire for it. Instead, I crave warm, homemade food with beans, lentils, pasta, and grains. One of my favorites is minestrone soup, which I make weekly – it's perfect because you can adjust it and always have a portion ready in the fridge.
At the same time, I've also enjoyed baking – especially buns with butter and cheese, chocolate, and cinnamon rolls. I try not to be too restrictive, but it has been clear that my body instinctively prefers freshly made food. My boyfriend probably still misses that pizza and burgers aren't on the menu as often anymore – he would probably say that I've become a bit pickier about what I eat."
Do you exercise during your pregnancy?
"Yoga has been a constant part of my life since I was a child, and I still practice it daily – albeit at a more relaxed pace. It doesn't have to be long sessions, some days just 5 minutes are enough. Before pregnancy, I always started the day with yoga, but I quickly realized that my body now needs a gentler start. Now, I instead enjoy a quiet morning with a cup of tea, and sometimes I combine it with a short meditation. Only after I've had a good portion of oatmeal do I feel ready to move.
Instead of daily yoga, I've been doing prenatal Pilates at CPH Pilates once a week. The class is in the afternoon, so I make sure to have eaten well beforehand. The Pilates is adapted for pregnant women and focuses on releasing tension in the pelvis without overexerting the body. I've clearly felt that it activates muscles I don't normally use, but in a gentle way.
In addition, I've been on many walks – especially after I went on maternity leave. Dyrehaven has been a favorite place to find peace. I was inspired by the book Jordbo by Emma Laura Perez Fjalland, which describes how nature has a positive effect on the brain. The book contains small exercises to become more aware of your surroundings, and every time I read it, I feel like getting out and moving. It feels almost meditative and has become an important part of my daily life."