Pregnancy isn’t just a physical experience. It’s emotional. It’s mental. And let’s be honest, it can be a lot.
That’s where antenatal care (or prenatal care) steps in. Most people think of it as just the scans, the checkups, and tracking the baby’s growth. But the care you need during pregnancy goes way beyond that.
At TebyNedy, we believe antenatal care isn’t just medical – it’s emotional, communal, and deeply personal. And to truly show you what that looks like, we chatted with six moms about what helped them through their pregnancy journeys.
So instead of a list of what you should do, here’s a set of real, honest stories that show what antenatal care can feel like when it’s done right.
So what does antenatal care actually look like in the day-to-day life of an expecting mom?
The Role of Yoga in Riya’s Antenatal Care Journey
Among the many things antenatal care can include, movement often gets overlooked. Riya, a working professional in her second trimester, was juggling deadlines and swollen feet, running on coffee and wishful thinking.
Her anxiety was high, and sleep felt like a luxury. Then, someone suggested she try prenatal yoga, and that turned out to be a turning point.
“Yoga not only eased my back pain, but also made me significantly calmer. I could sleep better after a few classes, and it solved my problem of constant nausea as well. I’m so glad I joined yoga classes and listened to my body when it needed it the most.”
Riya isn’t alone in this. Prenatal yoga is often recommended as a gentle yet powerful practice for expecting mothers.
- It eases common pregnancy discomforts like backaches and nausea.
- It improves flexibility and strength, preparing the body for pregnancy and childbirth.
- It boosts blood circulation, reducing cramps and swelling, while also improving oxygen flow to the baby.
- The breathing exercises help build lung capacity and endurance – useful during labor.
- It calms the mind, reduces stress and anxiety, and improves sleep over time.
How Guided Meditation Became a Game-Changer for Farheen
We asked Farheen how she took care of her well-being during pregnancy, and here’s what she shared with us:
“The first few months of pregnancy were really tough for me, mentally. I found myself reading endless articles, books, and seeking advice on everything under the sun on Reddit. One post suggested I eat more protein. Another warned me against it.
Every scroll, article, and piece of advice added a layer of anxiety. That’s when my prenatal coach recommended a short guided meditation. It didn’t answer all my questions, but it definitely gave me the space to pause and reflect.”
- Meditation helps lower cortisol levels, reducing stress and mood swings.
- Guided meditation cuts through the mental noise and information overload.
- It promotes mindfulness, helping you stay present instead of spiraling into “what-ifs.”
- It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to relaxation and better sleep.
What Neha Learned About Safe Exercises During Pregnancy
Before pregnancy, Neha had a pretty active routine. She ran regularly and hit the gym 4-5 times a week. But once she got pregnant, things changed.
Her family said things like: “Don’t bend now.” “Stop walking so much, take some rest.” “Isn’t going to the gym risky at this stage?”
She consulted a prenatal physio, who helped her figure out safe and supportive exercises for each stage.
“It wasn’t about pushing limits anymore. It was about listening to my body. Movement helped me feel more connected, grounded, and in tune with my changing body.”
- Releases endorphins, boosting mood naturally.
- Boosts circulation, reducing swelling and cramps.
- Improves posture and core strength for supporting the bump.
- Gentle stretches can relieve backaches, pelvic discomfort, and leg cramps.
How Radhika Navigated Nutrition and Cravings During Pregnancy
“I wanted a cheesecake. I needed support,” Radhika laughed. Between cravings, food guilt, and people telling her to “eat for two,” she often felt overwhelmed. That’s when she started seeing a dietitian who specialized in maternal health.
“She didn’t tell me what not to eat. She helped me understand what my body actually needed. A banana, some nuts, and no shame became my go-to snack and mantra.”
- Made peace with cravings, without guilt.
- Prioritized balanced snacks to avoid energy crashes.
- Learned what nutrients matter most in each trimester.
- Stopped following strict food rules and started listening to her body.
Aisha on TebyNedy’s Midwife Support
“She didn’t just ask about my BP or my tests. She asked about my day.”
“The midwife became my safe space. She never dismissed my questions as silly and always made me feel heard. That in itself changed everything.”
- Midwives offer both clinical expertise and emotional support.
- They know your history, worries, and strengths.
- They remind you that you’re not alone.
Why Community Support Matters During Pregnancy
“A sudden cramp woke me up one night. I panicked until I posted in my pregnancy support group and got three replies in five minutes. That night I realized I wasn’t alone.” – Sneha
- Real-time support from people who understand you.
- A space to share what you can’t always say out loud.
- Replaces panic-scrolling with perspective and comfort.
Building Strength & Confidence Through Antenatal Care
Across all these stories, one thing is clear: childbirth prep isn’t a single moment of bravery. It’s built slowly through support, small wins, and self-trust.
Antenatal care isn’t just about monitoring vitals or ticking checklists. It’s about making you feel held — by professionals, by information, and by your own growing confidence.
You’re not just preparing for pain. You’re preparing for the power to move through it.
