I hope my last blog helped all my moms to be out there. This week I am fully in my second trimester feeling loads better, experiencing more energy. We all know that pregnancy isn’t a cake walk, in fact sometimes it downright sucks. It’s okay — you can admit it.
But do not worry! I have thirty things that have made my life so much better and made being pregnant in my thirties a lot more manageable. I will tell you there is no magic pill to make it problem-free, but there are some things that can help relieve some of the pains of motherhood, stress, and hunger you might feel.
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1. Yoga. When you are pregnant and everything is growing, some of that discomfort is relieved through stretching and certain poses, especially cat/cow. And it still offers low impact exercise when I do not feel like lifting weights. Right now, I am really enjoying Namaste TV on Amazon Prime that has hundreds of yoga videos that are about 20 minutes long.
2. Dr. Teal’s Epsom salt soak. This has been a life save for my sore muscles and low back pain from working out and carrying a growing baby.
3. Anything Green. Sauteed veggies (omg so good!). I really can’t get enough. And plus, they give me some healthy micronutrients, fats, and fiber that otherwise I would not be getting.
4. Nipple Crack. Yea it’s exactly what I mean. Listen, we all know boobs rubbing up against a sports bra is not exactly comfortable, especially for women who are pregnant. So this all-natural beeswax salve helps calm and soothe and prevents rubbing.
5. Motherhood Maternity. Their fitness leggings are AMAZING!!! Ladies, if you are looking for something will stretch and move with your growing body these are fantastic. Right now, I cannot stand anything that compresses on my stomach or is too tight and their clothes are perfect! Also, they look good on. I was so afraid that I would have to dress frumpy while pregnant, but their clothes fit well, and I did not have to give up style.
6. My heating pads. Not only has it helped with tightness in my back, but my internal thermostat is haywire at the current moment so when I get super cold I plug it up and stick it under my blanket.
7. Buttah Face wash. Girl let’s be honest I never got the glow; I got a face full of acne and morning sickness which made any type of fragranced product off limits. Buttah Face is smell free and it’s me manage the rampant pregnancy breakouts.
8. Highlighter. and blush set-for those days when the pregnancy glow does not come naturally. It gave some life to this tired mom to be face.
9. Reading. Sarah J. Maas’ books are insanely good, and on days when I have felt under the weather, have made me feel better and given me great entertainment.
10. My Crock Pot. It may sound ridiculous, but it has been a true-lifesaver as well to switch things up!
Related Post: 5 YOGA POSES FOR PREGNANT AND NEW MOMS
11. Pain -a -trate pain relief cream. When my back goes out from carrying around this extra weight has been godsend. It has really helped relieve the pain especially at night when I am trying to sleep.
12. Myofascial Release a.k.a. foam rolling. This thing has been another life saver. My low back pain has been terrible and loosening up the muscles with my foam rollers has relieved some of that pain.
13. Massage. If you are not getting prenatal massages yet, BOOK ONE GIRL!!!!. Of course, you will have to wait until the second trimester due to certain pressure points, but it’s worth the wait ladies. Especially if you are experiencing any hip or low back pain. And let’s be honest it’s a great stress reliever. This time can be a stressful time with being pregnant, maybe being a first-time mom, and going through it all during a pandemic.
14. My local coffee shop. Cuppa Manna has not only kept me caffeinated and well fed but when you work from home it can onset depression and so being able to get out once a week has been amazing for my mental health.
15. Naps. listen if you can nap, GIRL DO IT!!! And do not feel bad about it! You are growing a brand-new human inside of you and you are going to need all the rest you can get. Plus, enjoy it now because 10 months from now, sleep is going to be hard to find.
16. GOOD SHOES!! I cannot stress this enough. Mobility and stability all start from the feet. Having good supportive shoes help support joints and reduce back pain. I know most of us can’t wear tennis shoes 24/7 but you can buy supports to place on the inside of your shoes to give you that extra support. If I could recommend a good place to start it would be Fleet Feet, they really work to get you the proper support you need.
17. Hot tea, especially anything apple/cranberry flavored. On the days my acid reflux is out of control or I have had my caffeine quota, hot tea has been great. Especially during the wintertime when I want something warm to drink and bonus no calories. It also has a soothing effect when I feel like my emotions are on the fritz. But be careful with herbal teas because some have herbs that pregnant women should avoid.
18. The S*** They Don’t Tell You is a must read if you are a new mom-to-be. It’s funny and a realistic idea of what childbirth and post childbirth look like.
19. THE PAMPERS APP. Just one had to throw in one baby thing. If you are going the mainstream route and using disposable diapers (if not good on ya!!!) Pampers diapers and wipes have codes that you can scan straight into their app and not only do you get rewards and discounts on other products, but they do offer cashback when you buy diapers. And the great thing about it is if you buy a big box of wipes or diapers each pack inside the box has individual codes on them.
Related Post: Pregnancy: Where Does Exercise Fit In?
20. Anything outdoors (especially walking). Another excellent thing for my mental health. I had the best of intentions of continuing to run while pregnant. While I can do that maybe twice a week anymore kind of hurts or takes its toll when it comes to my energy. So, walking outside, in my neighborhood, on a trail or park, and the beach has really kept me active and being outside has reduced some of the onset of pregnancy depression.
21. Podcasts. Another great and awesome resource that I use to keep my mental health on track. Some days are just hard and filling the senses with good things like motivational talk really keep me going! Anything by Brené Brown can set me straight.
22. Fiber. Yep, another TMI, but if you are pregnant. If ya know ya know. Basically, your little human nugget is squishing everything up so it can make it hard to go. Extra fiber in the morning has totally helped me get back on schedule.
23. Probiotic. another great way to stay regular!!!! I usually have it in foods like yogurt and I also take a probiotic supplement.
24. Body pillow. I was so tired of using 1200 pillows to get comfortable. The body pillow is one pillow that moves with you and conforms to the body.
25. Friends. are totally needed during times like these. When you want to nest and hole up in the house, you need your friends to keep you socialized. Never be afraid to ask them for support or when you need them.
26. Netflix because let us be honest sometimes you just need to sit and relax and let the baby grow in stillness.
27. Body positive influencer especially the Birds Papaya or Own It Babe. Both recently had babies and have shared their journeys in a very genuine and authentic way. That has really encouraged me on the tough days.
28. Journaling/Blogging. Sharing my journey with my followers and other people has been super helpful. Something about trying to help encourage others simultaneously helps me persevere as well.
29. Palmer’s Tummy Butter for Stretch Marks. This stuff has been a life saver, not because I care about the physical appearance of the stretching, but it ITCHES! And it has been the best and most long-lasting that keeps the skin feeling hydrated and healthy.
30. MY HUSBAND. I saved the best for last. He has been my rock through this entire pregnancy! From rubbing my back and getting me blankets and comforting me when I have meltdowns. He is THE ABSOLUTE BEST!
I hope you try some of these ideas and they bring you comfort. But remember to talk to your doctor about any type of exercise, supplements or things that you ingest!!!!
Lyndsey Bobola understands the struggles of losing weight and getting healthy. She has lost over 65 pounds through her fitness journey. Breaking through the fad diets and exercise routines and giving up excuses, Lyndsey created goals and developed nutrition plans that worked! She gained a healthy lifestyle and now feels better than ever before. As her life improved, Lyndsey developed a passion to help others discover the path to a healthier life.
Now, Lyndsey is here to help clients cut through the noise of Instagram fitness models and fad diets to find real, lasting change. She is here to help people who are ready to improve their life through fitness, health, and life goals.
Scrolling through Instagram accounts of so-called fitness models, Pinterest meal prep ideas, and online workout programs with no scientific backing, Lyndsey realized a majority of fitness ideas online are wrong. They are designed for quick but not lasting results, to make you feel inadequate, or to get your money and leave you hanging. Lyndsey wants to change that through education and hands-on training. Taking no excuses, she provides honest and effective guidance for people who are ready for change.
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