Pregnancy is a beautiful time filled with excitement! Preparing for a little one to come can be overwhelming at times, but such a joy! One thing that is not as joyful is the physical toll pregnancy can cause on your body. Thankfully, there are a few ways to relieve some of those pains while waiting for your bundle of joy to arrive.
One effective way is by getting an ultrasound. Ultrasound has a lot to offer to both the mother and child. In terms of comfort, an ultrasound helps to diagnose any cause of pain and swelling in the internal organs. Knowing the source of pain and discomfort makes it easier to address it. So, if you want in-depth information about this, you can find more here.
Our friend Veronica Mitchell from MyParentingJourney.com has graciously given us her top 6 helpful tips for a comfortable pregnancy.
6 Helpful Tips for a Comfortable Pregnancy
Every woman wants to feel that “glow” and joy of pregnancy. The harsh reality is that many women don’t. Pregnancy is hard work on your body and your mind. If you are looking for tips for a comfortable pregnancy, hopefully, this will help you find that peace of mind and body you are searching for. Take deep breaths, Mama. You can do this!
1. Put Your Feet Up
You have heard this before, which may sound unrealistic, especially if you have other children to care for or work full-time. However, it doesn’t mean sitting all day with your feet up. Even just 20 minutes a day can help.
Whenever you are sitting, make a point of putting your feet in an elevated position. So at night, when you are unwinding, watching your favorite show, put your feet up. If you are playing games or working on the computer, try to elevate them. It relieves pressure on your feet, carrying more weight as your belly grows. It will also reduce swelling.
2. Go Ahead and Buy Maternity Pants
If you have been wearing regular jeans with an elastic band holding the button closed, it is probably time for some maternity pants.
Unlike regular pants, maternity pants have a lot of benefits to offer.
It provides the necessary support needed during pregnancy. Its stretchiness makes it comfortable because it leaves enough room for the belly. With the right maternity pants, you won’t have to worry about bruising your thighs because it doesn’t irritate even when rubbed against the skin.
Another common concern most pregnant moms have with regular pants is their breathability. Fortunately, maternity pants are made of breathable material, making them ideal for seasons with warm weather.
Even with all these benefits, you don’t have to break the bank when shopping for maternity pants. There is no need to head to the local specialty boutique if you can’t afford it. Plenty of second-hand stores sell maternity clothes in near-new condition at affordable prices.
You will find that maternity pants are available in different styles. The full stretch is meant to pull up over your baby bump and back, which will stretch as you do. The low waist sits below your bump and is usually a soft stretchy band. You can also choose the panel style pant, which features a panel just at the front for the belly.
3. Drink Lots of Fluid
You hear this lecture all the time. You might be tuning it out by now, but don’t. If you become even just a little dehydrated, it can affect your mood and cause mild cramping or contractions. How to avoid dehydration:
• Avoid being in the sun for long periods-this can dehydrate you quickly
• Drink fluids throughout the day–if you feel thirsty or have dry lips, you are already dehydrated
• Cut back on fluids with caffeine since these dehydrate you
4. Stock Your Pantry and Fridge with Anti-Nausea Items
Morning sickness is a common pregnancy symptom, especially in the early days. You may have to go through a trial and error to find what works for you to ease that queasy stomach and prevent or stop the vomiting.
- Ginger seems to work well for many women. Try hard candies made with ginger root or drinking flattened ginger ale.
- Soda crackers are old, tried, and actual tricks to rid that nausea and get a least a little something in your belly.
- Chewing ice or popsicles may work for you. Not only will it help with morning sickness, but it will also keep you hydrated.
- Sip herbal tea. Check to make sure the herb you are choosing is safe in pregnancy first.
- Sleep it off. Sometimes your nausea is heightened if you are overtired.
- The smell of lemon helps to lessen nausea significantly. You can use a freshly cut lemon or essential oils with a lemon scent.
- Controlling your breathing has been found effective in reducing nausea. Applying a specific breathing technique can be an effective home remedy. This breathing pattern involves inhaling through the nose, holding it for three counts, and then exhaling.
- Relaxing your muscles by getting a pregnancy-safe massage also reduces nausea. Apart from massage, progressive muscle relaxation techniques will also be helpful.
5. Take up Yoga
If you first check with your healthcare provider that it is safe, try some light yoga. This exercise can help for that uncomfortable “kicked in the bladder” feeling, pelvic joint pain, hip pain, and more.
Yoga will also relax your mind if you feel overwhelmed or stressed about your pregnancy and upcoming delivery. Your lower back pain, headaches, and shortness of breath will also be reduced substantially through this exercise. You will have to start slowly if this is your first time doing yoga, but there are many beginner poses to get you off to a good start.
6. Invest in a Belly Band
These incredible inventions are super if your baby bump has become too much. If you are experiencing strain on your back or muscle pain in your abdomen, it may be helpful to reduce the pressure and weight by wearing a belly band to support your growing belly. The good news is, once you are done using it, you can always re-sell it since there is a market for maternity items all the time.
In Conclusion
You don’t have to spend your pregnancy uncomfortable and miserable. These tips for a comfortable pregnancy are a surefire way to get the most enjoyment you can from the 40 weeks until you are holding your newborn. Of course, it is always important to talk with your doctor or midwife about any techniques you wish to try first to ensure they are a safe option for your specific situation.
If you have found these tips for a comfortable pregnancy helpful, please let us know by leaving feedback or questions. We always appreciate hearing from our readers.