How to stay comfortable during pregnancy

Last updated on May 5th, 2024 at 03:06 pm

Welcome a new arrival is arguably the most exciting time in your life, but it’s no secret that pregnancy can be a tough road. As you approach your due date, it’s not unusual to notice an increase in aches, pains, and general discomfort. However, there are ways to minimize the symptoms that can appear when you’re carrying a child. To learn more, take a look at these top tips on how to stay comfortable during pregnancy as much as possible.

Get to Know Sickness Triggers

Morning sickness is common in the first few weeks of pregnancy but some women can experience this phenomenon right the way through. What’s more – it’s rarely restricted to the morning either, so you could find yourself feeling nauseous at any time of the day or night!

When you’re pregnant, your sense of taste and smell can be altered, which means things you normally love could leave you feeling green. By getting to know your own triggers, you can modify your lifestyle to avoid feeling unwell. Similarly, testing out natural remedies, like peppermint tea or ginger biscuits, can help you to find relief.

Use a Pregnancy Pillow

As your belly grows, you might notice that it’s harder to get comfortable at night. If you’re finding it tough to get a full night’s sleep, you’ll definitely want to update your nighttime routine to help you get some rest. Pregnancy pillows are the ideal way to get the extra support you need, and they aren’t super expensive either. By giving your stomach extra support, you can ensure you feel physically comfortable before you nod off and minimize the risk of waking frequently throughout the night.

Stay Relaxed When Your Baby Moves

When you can feel your baby moving or kicking, it’s a natural response for your muscles to automatically tense up. However, this can increase discomfort and lead to pain. By staying as relaxed as possible and adjusting to your baby’s movement, you can alleviate any discomfort you’ve been experiencing. Start by consciously relaxing your muscles when your baby moves, and it will soon become second nature.

Tackle Heartburn and Indigestion

It’s extremely common for women to experience heartburn and/or indigestion when they’re pregnant. Although these ailments can affect both men and women at any time, pregnant women are more susceptible due to the hormonal changes they’re experiencing. In addition to this, indigestion in pregnancy can be triggered due to the baby pressing on your stomach.

Fortunately, there are ways to ease the symptoms and even prevent heartburn and indigestion altogether. If you stop eating before you’re completely full, for example, you may notice a decrease in your symptoms. Alternatively, sitting up straight or sleeping in an elevated position can help too. Of course, there are also medications you can take during pregnancy that will ease the discomfort associated with indigestion and heartburn.

Wear Sea Bands

If morning sickness is getting you down, try wearing sea bands around your wrists. These put gentle pressure on acupressure points on your inner wrist and help to settle your stomach. They’re cheap, non-invasive, and safe for use during pregnancy, so they’re a great addition to your pregnancy toolkit.

Try Exercising

Many women are wary of exercising during pregnancy, even if they were very active before falling pregnant. Although it’s natural to have concerns, talking to your doctor about your worries can help you to access the support you need. While it may not be advisable to start a strenuous exercise routine when you’re pregnant, most women can benefit from mild or moderate exercise. Taking a daily walk or attending a pregnancy exercise class can help to reduce stiffness in the joints and make it easier to sleep at night.

Take Control Over the Thermostat

When you’re pregnant, you can feel hotter than usual, so you may want to keep close control of the thermostat in your home! By keeping rooms well-ventilated and at a comfortable temperature, you can make it easier to relax and unwind.

If you notice fluctuations in your temperature, now might be the perfect time to invest in a smart thermostat. This will allow you to adjust the temperature from your smartphone or tablet, so you won’t need to get up to adjust the thermostat manually.

Use an Exercise Ball

Back pain is extremely common during pregnancy, particularly during your third trimester. For many women, however, sitting on an exercise ball can be a highly effective way to alleviate the pain. When you perch on an exercise ball, you tend to sit up straight. Practicing good posture can take excess pressure off your lower back and reduce pain. In addition to this, you can move continuously while you’re sitting on an exercise ball, which can prevent muscles from seizing up and dull the feeling of discomfort.

Try Using a Belly Band

Providing extra support to your abdomen and lower back during the second and third trimester, belly bands can make your pregnancy a whole lot more comfortable. They’re particularly useful during exercise or activity, so try wearing one next time you go for a walk. Belly bands also support the hips and pelvis, so they’re a great option if you’re experiencing pain or discomfort in either of these areas.

Alleviating Aches and Pains During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can bring a whole range of symptoms and side effects, so it’s important to identify which issues are most relevant to you. Similarly, your pre-pregnancy lifestyle may have an impact on how you approach wellness during pregnancy. However, it’s always important to access medical advice if you’re concerned about any symptoms. By talking to your doctor, midwife, or health visitor, you can access expert advice and get peace of mind.

As you approach your due date, it’s natural to feel a little more uncomfortable but finding pain management strategies that work for you will put you back in control. With a wide range of options available, be sure to try as many products, techniques, and activities as it takes to keep yourself feeling comfortable during pregnancy!