How to make your pregnancy go smoother
Although looking forward to becoming parents is a wonderful and exciting time in life, not everyone can have an easy and worry free pregnancy. There are a multitude of different things to think about and an equal number of inexplicable aches and pains to contend with, not to mention morning sickness, heartburn, aching legs, swollen feet and stretch marks. In fact, the list is so long is amazing that anyone ever does it more than once!
Fortunately, there are lots of really easy ways to make life easier, more comfortable and less stressful. Here are a few of our favourites:
Clothing
Everything will feel tight and uncomfortable even really early in your pregnancy.
- In the short term you can opt for continuing with normal clothing in slightly looser fit or larger size.
- If your favourite jeans start to feel a little too snug try extending the waistband with a hair bobble looped through the button-hole and over the button.
- Buy bra extenders in the short term to get a little more use out of your normal bras. They are a cheaper option than buying new every few weeks.
- Cut a t-shirt in half and add to the bottom of another top for a simple hack or add a little lace if you’re handy with a sewing machine. The extra material will help to keep bump covered and warm.
- Try buying your clothing online – there are fab maternity clothing sites out there. This way you will avoid stuffy and overheated changing rooms and trying on clothing when you feel bloated and worn out!
Night Cramps
That moment when your calf cramps up in the middle of the night is awful and some ladies suffer all the way through their pregnancies. Try eating a banana before you go to bed because magnesium and potassium are both great remedies for cramps.
Morning Sickness
Or all day long sickness!
- If you are suffering why not try freezing an electrolyte solution in ice cube trays. Suck on them when you feel dehydrated or too sick to keep water down.
- Keep small snacks like dry biscuits, crackers or nuts in your bag – they can help to tone down feelings of nausea.
- Ginger can take away the feeling of nausea for many women – try drinks and snacks infused with ginger to see if it works for you too!
Hydration
It can be difficult to force or keep even water down if you are suffering badly with morning sickness. Try to sip small amounts of water frequently. Look out for water bottles which have measurements on the side so that you can keep track of your daily intake. Keeping well hydrated during pregnancy is massively important for your health.
Pregnancy pillow
Take a look at all the different options available and choose the one you think will suit your normal sleeping position best. You will enjoy the rest it gives you in the early months and by the time you are fit to burst you will enjoy great relief as you snuggle down for a sleep.
Ergonomic seat cushions
If you work in an office, sitting all day can create back pain all the way through to your tailbone. An ergonomic seat cushion will keep your back in the correct alignment and stop you having those dreadful aches and pains all day long.
Stretch Marks
I don’t know anyone who has totally avoided the but there are some really lovely moisturising creams available, and it would be a shame to forego the pleasure of applying them.
If you like organic or homemade products try a quick online search because there are lots of simple recipes. My top tip would be to use coconut oil. It smells wonderful and you can even eat it or use it all over your skin and not just on the tummy!
These helpful hints are just the tip of the iceberg but they can all really help to alleviate some of the less enjoyable aspects of what should be the most wonderful time of your life.
