Planned or unplanned, having a baby is a blessing that all must be thankful for. Everyone can be a wife but not all can be a mother. So If you are a mom-to-be, make this experience a happy and memorable, not only for you but for your baby’s too.
However, it is not all about cravings, happiness, and excitements, because you have to be ready for the unfortunate side effects. From headaches, nausea, mood swings, swelling and everything in between. But since the effects can’t be helped, you need to find ways on how to make it a little bit easier for you.
You can ask other mothers about tips and advice about pregnancy and for sure, you will get something to help yourself. But if you are in the moment of despair and desperation, don’t lose your hope, because there are a lot of essential life hacks for pregnant women. Here are some few tips that will ease your struggles:
20 Essential Life Hacks for Pregnant Women
1. The golden rule for pregnancy is to do whatever that makes you comfortable. Whether you are craving for a specific food, want to be with a specific person or just anything you want. If you think it is possible then you should get it.
2. If you suffer from early-morning nausea, you should always keep a snack near you. This condition triggers when your stomach is empty. So it is better to take snacks whenever you want to.
3. Pillows become any pregnant woman’s best friend. Placing pillows under the bump or between your knees can help them to have a good night’s sleep, especially when sleeping on the side is the recommended position during pregnancy. There are lots of customized pillows meant for pregnant women to give comfort and support.
4. Heartburn is a common condition not only for pregnant women but for most people. This happens when the acid flows back into your food pipe, which leaves a bitter or sour taste at the back of your throat. It is advisable to avoid eating spicy food or take apple cider vinegar to stop it.
5. Stay hydrated is a must especially for pregnant women. It will help you to feel at your best as well as your baby. You can easily get tired so keeping a bottle of water, a freshly squeezed juice or a hot cup of tea will get you through the day.
6. There are lots of benefits you can get from eating fruits like vitamins and nutrients. Eating a banana, in particular, can ease your leg cramps. Carrying a growing baby gives you cramps here and there and the potassium from the banana will ease the pain.
7. Do your jeans do not fit anymore? Well, it is a normal scenario for pregnant women since your belly is sticking out. You can use a hairband and tie it to the buttonhole to make extra space in your jeans.
8. It is not just your belly that is getting bigger most of your body parts swell due to pregnancy. So if you feel tighter around your ribs or your bras just could not fit, bra extenders can be your lifesaver. You can find it any market instead of buying way expensive maternity bras.
9. Morning sickness is the most common side effect of pregnancy. To calm your stomach, you can try ginger ale or ginger candy. Or maybe grate some ginger and put it in hot water to make a ginger tea.
10. For itchy skin, cooking oil is a great alternative when you ran out of baby oil. Olive oil, coconut oil, or grapeseed oil are very effective in relief from itchiness. Also, it moisturizes your skin to improve hydration and prevent your skin from getting dry.
11. Having a heavy tummy does not only affect your legs but most especially your back. Support your bump using Kinesio tape or belly band to ease back pain. Ask for assistance to know the proper way to put it and leave the tape for 5 days.
12. Instead of wearing shoes with laces, try using slip-on, sandals, or slippers. That way, you can avoid bending over just to tie your shoelaces. The good thing about slip-on is it has cushioned support to make you comfortable.
13. Carrying an emergency bag or kit wherever you go is very important especially when you are pregnant. It should have toiletries, snacks, water, essential oils, or medicines if necessary. This will help you to get through rough days or in times of emergency.
14. It might sound funny but using kitchen tongs to pick up things you drop is helpful. Like going in the shower and accidentally drop the soap, shampoo bottle, or your washcloth, grabbing it using a tong is a lot easier. Simple things like this can be a burden for pregnant women especially when they are home alone.
15. You are at your heaviest by the third semester of pregnancy and midnight trips to the bathroom can be your worst nightmare. It is hard getting out of bed on your own. Well, you can always ask your husband to help you, but using a silky sheet can make you do it on your own.
16. One of the things you need to set aside to keep your baby’s safety is dying your hair. A great remedy for hair dye is lemon juice. Cover your roots with lemon juice to refresh and lighten your hair naturally.
17. For coffee lovers, not having a cup of coffee a day is very difficult. So instead of skipping caffeine, you can limit yourself by not drinking more than 2 cups a day. This will keep your baby safe and lessen the risk of health problems.
18. Swollen feet are a normal effect of pregnancy. Try soaking them in a basin with warm water and sea salt to get rid of the bloat. You can also add a few drops of essential oils to help you relax.
19. When you need help, don’t hesitate to ask for one. It’s okay that you are an independent woman but everyone needs help sometimes, especially during pregnancy. Offering help does not mean you are weak, but it is a gesture that shows how much they love and care for you.
20. Before your big day, make sure that all necessary things are set. Prepare clothes for you and your baby, blankets, toiletries, slippers, etc. Also, documents that the hospital might need like a health insurance card, pregnancy medical files, and of course, money.
Final Thought
A lot of things change when you are pregnant, like your body weight, eating habits, and mood swings. So instead of thinking too much of what you can’t control, it is always a great idea to come prepared. Being pregnant is not an excuse to spend money on things that you will use temporarily.
Buying maternity clothes is not necessary when you can learn temporary fixes that will save you a buck. These essential life hacks for pregnant women can help you cope up with pregnancy and get ready for childbirth. And when the baby’s out, you’ll be thankful that you don’t have a box full of pregnancy gear stored in your house.
I hope these life hacks help you in your pregnancy, and if you have some, feel free to share it here. Good luck!
