Pregnancy is such a special time and it is something we look forward to all our lives but it does come with its downsides.
From indigestion to swollen ankles, there are so many changes to deal with in your body. And then there’s the emotional upheaval. It’s harder than ever to get through every day, especially if you’re working full time or in a job that keeps you on your feet.
If you’re wondering how you’re going to make it to the finish line without falling apart, here are some tips from our pregnancy survival guide to get you through to your due date.
Pregnancy Survival Guide Tips
Stay hydrated… and take snacks
Little kids are always hungry and thirsty. Perhaps being pregnant prepares you for this because it’s likely you will always be looking for something to eat and drink when you’re expecting.
Save yourself from repeated trips to the vending machine or hot food section at the service station by always carrying water with you and packing an extra snack to reach for during the day.
Having something healthy and filling to hand will help to top up your energy and keep you from feeling completely exhausted. Light, plain food like crackers can also help with morning sickness/constant nausea.
If you’re getting bored of water, water, water while you’re staying away from alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks, add a slice of cucumber or a squeeze of lemon. Another idea is to brew a couple of litres of sugar-free, caffeine-free fruit tea and keep the jug in the fridge. You’ll get a refreshing drink without additives (check you aren’t using a herbal tea which isn’t recommended for pregnancy).
Choose comfort
Bye-bye button-up jeans (for now).
Elastic and lycra are your friends. Choose supportive but flexible clothing which won’t pinch or pull and you’ll be able to breathe easier.
One helpful maternity wardrobe item is a maternity crop top. This can be worn during pregnancy and then as a feeding crop after baby arrives. With no underwire, these crops minimise the pain of tender breasts during pregnancy.
You will love living in your maternity tights as well. Grab pairs in a couple of lengths and colours so you can mix and match with the rest of your wardrobe. You’ll be able to wear your maternity tights after delivery for a few weeks, and you can ‘pay them forward’ to friends who are expecting once you don’t need them anymore.
Think about your shoes as well. Now could be the time to keep your heels under your desk and go with flats when you’re not ‘on duty’. High heels can add to the pressure on your back, particularly in your later trimesters.
De-schedule
In the early stages of your pregnancy, your body is making an entire organ. It’s pretty darn amazing… and it’s no wonder you’re feeling so exhausted all the time.
Once your placenta gets going, your insides are focused on building a human. This is intense and you need to give yourself some time to let the magic happen.
Our pregnancy survival guide recommends you keep a few more evenings and weekends free than you would normally. It’s ok to say no to things so you can relax at home and catch up on some zzzzs.
Further to this, don’t set yourself huge personal challenges, or even small ones if you don’t feel up to it. For example, start ordering meal kits instead of planning a weekly menu, or hire a cleaner for a couple of hours a week and take some time to spend with your partner.
Keep up with your exercise routine
Even though you’re feeling exhausted, exercising while pregnant is important so you can maintain your strength and sleep better.
You don’t have to hit the gym hard but having a regular routine and including low-impact workouts like swimming and cycling will help keep you healthy.
Take a look at Five of the best exercises for pregnancy
Strap in
A final tip from our pregnancy survival guide is a supportive brief, strap or belt for your hips in the final weeks.
While maternity tights give you aaaamaazing belly support, you may need a little something extra towards the end of your pregnancy when you're wearing a dress or jeans instead of tights. At this stage, your ligaments in this area may have become quite loose in preparation for birth. A specially-made strap or belt can relieve the discomfort. A pair of maternity support briefs can be a great alternative, with less bulk.
Looking for comfortable, supportive activewear for your pregnancy? Shop the Active Truth maternity collection today.