Self-care during the TTC, pregnancy, and postpartum seasons should feel supportive—not overwhelming or risky. When hormones are shifting and nervous systems are more sensitive, the most effective self-care tools are often simple, gentle, and research-backed.

Below are practical self-care ideas, clearly labeled by which stage they’re safe for, with credible resources to support recommendations where available.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission on purchases made through my links at no additional cost to you.

If you’re preparing for pregnancy and want everything in one place, my Pregnancy Prep Hub walks you through each step without overwhelm.

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🎧 Audible Subscription (Especially Helpful for Stay-at-Home Moms)

Safe for:

• TTC ✔
• Pregnancy ✔
• Postpartum ✔

Listening to audiobooks provides mental stimulation and emotional relief without screen fatigue. Research shows that reducing stress and cognitive overload supports overall health, which is particularly relevant during TTC and pregnancy. As a SAHM, listening to Audible honestly helps keep me feeling like a functioning adult sometimes!

Why this works so well for moms:

• Hands-free during chores, nursing, or stroller walks
• Reduces decision fatigue
• Encourages rest without guilt

👉 Shop Audible

Pro Mama Tip: Pair Audible with daily walks to stack movement + mental self-care without adding time to your schedule. When I’m listening to a great audio book while cleaning, it honestly feels like less work. The Only One Left literally made my jaw fall to the floor.

🔴 TheraBody Red Light Face Mask

Safe for:

• TTC ✔
• Pregnancy X (skip it until more safety data is available)
• Postpartum ✔

Red light therapy (low-level light therapy) is widely used in dermatology for skin support and cellular function.

The TheraFace Therabody Mask Glo is my absolute favorite. It’s cordless and cycles through light settings automatically for you all while providing a relaxing scalp massage.

Credible source:
Cleveland Clinic – Red light therapy
Red Light Therapy: Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

Important notes:

• Follow manufacturer guidelines
• Cosmetic and wellness use only

👉 Shop Therabody Red Light Mask

Pro Mama Tip: I use my red-light mask regularly when I am pumping. I am still multi-tasking, but it makes a chore feel more like “me time.”

TheraFace Pro Percussive Facial Therapy Device (Therabody)

Safe for:

• TTC ✔
• Pregnancy ✔ (face use only, skip the Microcurrent Therapy and LED Light Therapy)
• Postpartum ✔

The TheraFace Pro by Therabody is designed specifically for facial muscles, offering controlled percussive therapy and massage attachments that are gentler than full-body devices.

When used on the face only, facial massage devices are considered low risk and may support relaxation and lymphatic drainage.

Credible source:

Cleveland Clinic – Lymphatic drainage massage
How To Do Lymphatic Drainage Self-Massage

👉 Shop TheraFace Pro (Snag the Hot and Cold Rings to improve blood flow and skin radiance)

Pro Mama Tip: Use at night with slow nasal breathing (4 seconds in, 6 seconds out) to help cue your nervous system for sleep.

📖 Amazon Kindle or Kindle App

Safe for:

• TTC ✔
• Pregnancy ✔
• Postpartum ✔

Reading is associated with reduced stress and improved sleep quality. E-ink readers like Kindle reduce blue-light exposure compared to phones.

Credible source:
Sleep Foundation – Blue light and sleep
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/how-electronics-affect-sleep

👉 Shop Kindle <- This one is waterproof, perfect for the pool or the bath!

🚶‍♀️ Daily Walking

Safe for:

• TTC ✔
• Pregnancy ✔ (as approved by provider)
• Postpartum ✔

Walking improves circulation, insulin sensitivity, and mood and is widely recommended across reproductive stages.

Credible source:
ACOG – Exercise during pregnancy
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/exercise-during-pregnancy

👉 Grab a quality Walking Pad if walking outside is challenging

Pro Mama Tip: Ten-minute walks count. Consistency matters more than duration. I throw my walking pad in front of the TV and search for walking videos to stay entertained. Here’s my favorite, a walk through Harry Potter’s Hogwarts.

🧘 Self-Care Gentle Stretching & Breathwork

Safe for:

• TTC ✔
• Pregnancy ✔
• Postpartum ✔

Slow breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping reduce cortisol and support hormonal balance.

Credible source:
Harvard Health – Relaxation techniques
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/relaxation-techniques-breath-control-helps-quell-errant-stress-response

📝 Journaling or Gratitude Lists

Safe for:

• TTC ✔
• Pregnancy ✔
• Postpartum ✔

Expressive writing has been shown to reduce stress and improve emotional processing.

Low-pressure prompts:

• “What my body handled today”
• “One thing I’m proud of this week”

🛒 One-Click Amazon Self-Care Favorites

To make this season easier, I’ve gathered all self care for TTC and pregnancy favorites into a one-click Amazon list, including:

• Therabody devices
• Kindle
• Walking Pad

👉 Shop the full list here

TTC Self Care When You Just have a Few Minutes

Here are a few self care for TTC and pregnancy ideas for when your time is limited. You can still make some time for yourself with:

• Magnesium Lotion or body spray – Choose pregnancy-safe formulations and patch test first
• Slow breathing – Inhale for 4 seconds and exhale for 6 seconds for 1-2 minutes
• Shower steamers – You’re already showering, so why not make it extra luxurious
• Luxurious Cleansing Balm – If you only have time to wash your face for a quick reset, this balm leaves your skin feeling moisturized and glowing
• Satin Pillowcase – Pregnancy safe self care in your sleep!

If You’re Starting Your TTC Journey

If you’re preparing your body for pregnancy, self-care isn’t about adding more—it’s about supporting your nervous system, reducing friction, and building sustainable habits.

Many of these ideas are woven directly into my Pre-Pregnancy Guide, which walks through nutrition, daily habits, and lifestyle support in a clear, non-overwhelming way.

👉 Explore the Pre-Pregnancy Guide here

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Want to See the Full Pregnancy Prep Framework?

This post is part of my Pregnancy Prep Hub—a calm, organized space where I walk you through gentle preparation for your mind, body, home, and heart before pregnancy begins.

👉 Visit the Pregnancy Prep Hub

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