Surviving Pregnancy: The Everyday Essentials That Actually Help!

Introduction

While pregnancy is by far one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, it’s also one of the most chaotic. There’s just no way to truly prepare for all the changes your body goes through. People will tell you about it, but until you’re in the thick of it—the swollen feet, the constant aches, the bone-deep exhaustion—you don’t fully understand.

Pregnancy isn’t always glamorous, and that’s okay. As a busy mom who still works full-time, these are the pregnancy essentials that help me survive the day and actually enjoy this season.

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The Reality of Pregnancy Discomforts

The morning sickness, the fatigue, the aches and pains, and all the other discomforts happen for a reason. I promise it isn't meant to be torture but sometimes it sure feels that way!

Most of our symptoms are a result of hormone changes.

• HCG and Estrogen spikes absolutely can affect our digestion, mood and cravings.

• Progesterone affects muscles and milk ducts and can lead to breast tenderness, bloating/gas, and heartburn.

• Changes in blood pressure and circulation can lead to headaches, dizziness, and swollen feet/hands.

• The growth of your uterus can make you urinate more, have pain in your back and round ligament, and affect your breathing.

None of this is fun, but it is normal

Remember you are growing a whole human! Give yourself grace and listen to your body! I can tell you when I've done too much one day the next day I'm completely useless! Don't worry there are things that can help!

Compression Socks - Your New Best Friend!

I have low blood pressure so I didn't think I would ever need compression socks. I was very wrong! I am on my feet every day working 10 hour shifts then coming home to chase after a my bonus daughter, make dinner, clean house, etc. I cried the first time I lost my ankles. Then I called my doctor because I was concerned. Again my blood pressure is low so how did this happen?

It happens for so many reasons. Yes blood pressure being high could be a reason and definitely something you should talk to your doctor about. Less concerning reasons are from dilation of your blood vessels, dehydration, varicose veins, being on your feet for too long, or sitting for too long. Basically anything that affects your circulation.

Compression socks are a must have. For some you don't need them until late in your third trimester. For others you may need them as early as the beginning of the second trimester. Make sure to wear them at work, long car rides, or when you are on your feet a lot. They help with circulation and reducing the aches and pains in your legs.

Things to look for: breathable fabric and graduated compression. Personally for me I wanted them to be fun and cute so I got these. Now I will warn you if they have designs and things they will likely leave impressions on your legs.

Belly Bands - Support When Everything Feels Heavy

I have a bad back. I have for most of my life. My biggest fear when I got pregnant is that I would end up being put on bedrest early due to my back problems. A belly band was a must have for me!

Belly Bands help with back support, lifts the belly to reduce pressure, and helps with round ligament pain. I started using mine at the end of the first trimester. I can absolutely tell the difference between days I don't use my band and when I do.

There are so many types of bands out there. You have the simple band that just goes under the bump and my preference is the one with more back support. If you have a back pain and still have to spend a good part of your day on your feet I would absolutely recommend one with more back support. I tried more than one and The MomCozy Belly Band is my go to for daily use. It even helps with the round ligament pain for me!

Hydration Helpers

Staying hydrated is extremely important, especially in pregnancy. Dehydration can lead to more fatigue, cramping/braxton hicks contractions, headaches, overheating, constipation, and even dizziness.

When we are pregnant we are more prone to dehydration for several factors. We have increased blood volume. Progesterone levels will increase our body temperature which makes us sweat more and therefore lose more fluid. If it is warmer weather and if you are active your body is working harder to stay cool which again is going to dry you out. Lastly....morning sickness...I don't think I need to say more there.

I've never been a big water drinker. Lucky for me I now crave water which is good but I still struggled to make sure I was getting enough water.

Here are some tips to stay hydrated:

1. Water-rich foods - watermelon, oranges, strawberries (my favorite!), grapes, pineapple (in moderation), peaches, cucumbers, zucchini, mangos, celery, and tomatoes.

2. Flavor your water. Until the end of the second trimester I couldn't stand plain water. Flavoring water can be made super easy with things like Cirkul water bottle. They make electrolyte and B-Vitamin packs now too. All are zero calorie and sugar free. The Cirkul is definitely an easy option but not your only option. Add fruit or use flavor packets (make sure they are pregnancy safe) to a travel bottle you already have.

3. Add electrolytes especially in times of exercise or sickness.

4. Sip slowly throughout the day especially if you are nauseous. Chugging water can absolutely make the nausea worse.

Cozy Comfort Items

Some things we do for comfort isn't a need but it should be. While comfort items are a small investment I promise it is worth it.

1. Heating pad! This is a non-negotiable for me. Between back and hip pain I couldn't survive without my heating pad. I prop myself up with a bunch of pillows at the end of the night and it really does help with my sleep quality and pain. Note: don't put heating pads directly on the belly for safety reasons.

2. Pregnancy Pillow. There are so many out there. What works for me may not work for you. I tried the hip only pillow, the full body U-shaped ones, the knee only, and then the full body style. Here is my take. The hip only pillow is great if you are just needing help staying on your side. They knee only wasn't worth it, for me. The big bulky U-shaped one made my husband ready to move rooms; it was way too big and bulky for what I needed. The full body style is perfect for me. I am a side sleeper anyways so it was an easy addition that doesn't take up too much space in the bed. Here is the one I got and love!

3. Maternity pants! So I'm not a leggings person. They make me very self conscious even before pregnancy. So I'm not a huge help there. What I found that I have bought 5 pairs of are maternity yoga pants. They come in different colors and lengths so they are tall girl and short girl friendly too.

4. Shoes. Your feet are going to swell a little bit and your belly will eventually get in your way. Slip on is the way to go! I'm a big fan of the Hey Dude so I was so excited when they came out with a slip on version. Here is the one I got! They also have fuzzy ones which I am (impatiently) waiting to come in the mail.

Daily Routines That Make Pregnancy Bearable

Everyone is different on where they start this journey and what they need as their pregnancy progresses. Exercise, rest, and good nutrition are essential to keeping up with life and growing a little human.

I am not a gym rat by any means. I am pretty average to be honest. Starting a work out routine while pregnant was not something I was willing to add into my already chaotic life. Here are a few things I did add into my routine:

Stretching constantly!

First thing in the morning, mid day, and before bed I would spend 5-10 minutes each time doing basic stretching especially for my legs, hips, and back.

Yoga ball/Pregnancy ball.

I needed a new yoga ball so I went with the Trideer Pregnancy/Birthing ball. I like that it came with a book of different exercises based on trimester and different sizes based on your height. Honestly I find myself sitting on the ball more than the chair or couch just because of how much it helps with my hip pain.

Rest, without the guilt.

Mom guilt and wife guilt is all to real when all you want to do is sleep and rest. Give yourself some grace and take time to just rest when you need to. Remember you are growing a human which takes a lot of energy and sometimes the best way to honor your body is to let it recharge.

Meal prep some basics.

I mostly prep snacks. Cutting up fruits and veggies, repackaging cookies/chips, making yogurt bowls, breakfast sandwiches, etc. I still cook dinner every night but everything else is prepped. I am starting to prep for postpartum and stock the freezer to make those first few weeks easier.

Pregnancy is hard, momma, and you’re doing amazing. Try not to overcomplicate it — simple tools and a little daily care go a long way.

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