1. Hair ties are your pants’ new best friend.
Get longer-term use out of the jeans you already own by looping a hair tie or rubber band through the buttonhole and hooking it onto the button. Works great as a zipper extender, too.
2. DIY a belly band out of a tank top to add extra length to your tops without piling on the sweaty layers.
Follow this tutorial from A Beautiful Mess to DIY your own. Or you could just go for it with the maternity pants early to get the most bang for your buck. They really are super comfy.
3. Can’t keep anything down? Give potato chips and lemonade a try.
Ginger and watermelon (or, y’know, ginger candies and watermelon Jolly Ranchers) are also favorites among moms who’ve been there.
4. Still nauseated? Consider prenatal yoga.
5. Don’t waste your money on pregnancy bras. Just buy a few stretchy sports bras.
OK, a lot of them. Also great for sore boobs if you breastfeed. Old Navy has a great selection.
6. Also skip the maternity boutique and pick up a few “bra-back extenders” at your local craft store.
They’re legit one quarter the price of the maternity store version, and you’ll appreciate the room around your esophagus.
7. Some states will issue you a temporary disabled parking placard.
You’ll need a doctor’s note, which usually won’t come until late in your pregnancy, but it’s helpful when walking long stretches becomes painful.
8. If you live in a warm climate, keep a bra in the freezer.
It’s surprising how hot your boobs can get when you’re incubating a whole person.
9. Your pregnancy pillow is your new best friend.
Getting comfortable enough to sleep late in pregnancy is no joke. Investing in or making your own body pillow is a must.
10. If you just can’t be comfortable without lying on your belly, you could always pick up a giant inner tube.
11. Apple cider vinegar is great for heartburn.
If you can stomach it.
12. Keep a list handy so when someone says “Is there anything I can do for you?” you can respond with a confident “yes!”
There are tons of things you’ll want to have in order before the baby is born. Accept help wherever it is offered. Even if the answer is pre-stocking diapers or having some diaper balm in the house so you’re not running to the drugstore at 3 a.m. with a crying baby, you’ll be glad you said yes.
13. In fact, it’s a good idea to put together a whole “infant first aid” kit before the baby arrives.
Mylicon, Gripe Water, thermometers, Q-tips, NoseFrida, the works!
14. Buy some comfy, up-sized joggers at the beginning of your pregnancy that will double as transition clothes when the baby is born.
You’ll “transition” into maternity clothes just like you’ll “transition” out of them. Using the same clothes for both will save you money.
This pair is just one of many from Asos.
15. Use kenesio tape to relieve pregnancy-related discomfort.
Diary of a Fit Mommy has a great breakdown of ways the sports tape can alleviate pain.
16. There’s a lot of extra blood flow to your lady areas during this time, so it’s a good idea to use a little numbing spray before you go for a wax.
Not that you have to wax, ever. But I can tell you from experience it’s nice not to have to deal with hair if you’re all stitched up from front to back. 😉
17. While you’re at the drugstore, get yourself some Cal-Mag.
Cal-Mag is kind of your new best friend. Some mamas say it can calm leg cramps, aid with sleeplessness, help in prevention of preeclampsia, and even keep you a little calmer.
18. Got leg cramps? Electrolyte water and bananas are another great fix.
19. Keep yourself hydrated.
Drink drink drink (well, once the morning sickness has passed) — nothing will keep you (and your baby!) feeling better than being well hydrated.
(That gif reminded you that you have to pee, didn’t it? Sorry.)
20. Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is health maintenance of the spinal column, discs, related nerves and bone geometry without drugs or surgery. It involves the art and science of adjusting misaligned joints of the body, especially of the spine, which reduces spinal nerve stress and therefore promotes health throughout the body.
During pregnancy, there are several physiological and endocrinological changes that occur in preparation for creating the environment for the developing baby.
The following changes can result in a misaligned spine or joints:
- Protruding abdomen and increased back curve
- Pelvic changes
- Postural adaptations
Establishing pelvic balance and alignment is another reason to obtain chiropractic care during pregnancy.
For more information: http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/chiropractic-care-during-pregnancy/
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