Maternity Self Care: Tips to Stay Comfortable During Pregnancy
From St. Louis Maternity and Newborn Photographer Amber Sargent
Whether your first or third pregnancy, this transformative journey will challenge your physical and emotional comfort. If you’re feeling the difficulties of being pregnant right now, know you’re not alone.
Growing a tiny human is no easy task!
I know about the struggles of pregnancy firsthand and how they affect the well-being of expectant moms. Aches, fatigue, and body changes come and go, but having a plan to prioritize pregnancy comfort can make your journey to motherhood much more enjoyable! That’s why it’s so important to embrace maternity self-care early on.
Benefits of Pregnancy Comfort
Maternity self-care means investing in activities and tools that pour into your physical, mental, and emotional cups relating to pregnancy comfort.
But give yourself grace. It’s okay if you can’t fill those at the same time, all the time!
The key is to establish a routine that consistently nurtures at least one area. Make it your mission to find out what works for you because once one is taken care of, the benefits will flow to the rest.
Some benefits of pregnancy comfort are:
Improved physical wellbeing
Reduced stress and anxiety
Enhanced focus
Stronger bonds with your baby and partner
Since your pregnancy experience will vary, talk to your healthcare provider first. They can give you comfort recommendations based on your specific medical needs.
Tips to Stay Comfortable During Pregnancy
While you may already have a list of things to buy swirling in your mind, let me share my personal secret: You only need a handful of things!
Over time, you'll uncover other helpful tips but to start, focus on these 5 must-have items and tips to stay comfortable during pregnancy:
PREGNANCY PILLOW : TRY THESE!
Your current pillows might do okay at relieving pressure on your hips and back when sleeping. However, a pregnancy pillow is meant to provide comfort by catering to your specific pregnancy needs. With several sizes and shapes, the best one will depend on whether you want it for your legs and belly, or for the 360-degree support.
Tip: While you won’t feel the need for a pregnancy pillow until halfway through your second trimester, the sooner you get it, the more your body will thank you for practicing better sleep habits earlier.
MATERNITY WEAR: LOOKIN’ GOOD!
Stretchy work pants, leggings, dresses, pregnancy bands and bras, compression socks, all those are closet staples to have during this time (and after!).
If at first, it feels difficult to let go of your favorite pair of jeans, remember that maternity clothes are more than comfort! They provide a safe space for your bump to grow and flexibility for you to move without harm.
Tip: Trendy styles and breathable fabrics work perfectly for your comfort when you’re out and about. You'll even be able to wear them beyond pregnancy too!
As your belly grows so does the pressure on your feet, leading to swelling. To keep them pampered during pregnancy, invest in 1-2 pairs of shoes that offer the space they’ll crave.
Prioritize soles that give you arch support, balance, and grip when walking even on slippery surfaces like tile flooring!
Tip: Don’t know where to start? Here’s the golden rule: comfort first and style second. You’ll certainly want to feel like you’re walking on cloud nine above all.
HEATING PADS: STAY COZY
Heating pads are pregnancy must-haves to alleviate back or pelvic pain, and muscle cramps that happen due to body changes.
Use homemade or electric heating pads at home and purchase a portable device to carry when you’re traveling (either for work or leisure) to maximize your pregnancy comfort at inconvenient times.
Tip: Don’t use heating pads directly on your baby bump. If you’re having abdominal pain, contact your healthcare provider right away to get checked out.
RELAXATION PLAN: JOURNALS, SHOWER STEAMERS, AND MAGNESIUM LOTION
Some expectant moms like relaxation techniques like deep breathing, journaling, and prenatal yoga. Others prefer watching comedy movies and getting massages. There are even a few that say working out is their happy place!
Whatever it is, explore as many techniques as possible until you find what works for you during your pregnancy. Then set intentional time on the calendar to practice them every week.
Tip: If you’re up for it, consider planning a babymoon too! A simple, short-distance vacation can go a long way to relaxing you from the inside out. We had the most wonderful trip to Anna Maria Island when I was pregnant with my third. It was short and perfect!
As you navigate the world as an expectant mom, you'll consciously make all effort to reduce stress and keep the experience from taking a big toll on you. Focusing on the essentials on the list is only the first step.
I hope these tips to stay comfortable during pregnancy have provided you with insight into the importance of early maternity self-care. Don’t forget to talk to your healthcare provider to come up with a better approach based on your needs.
You deserve to feel nurtured and supported throughout the journey. I’m cheering you on every step of the way!
Here is a link to amazon personal care best sellers for more ideas to take care of yourself: (CLICK HERE)
***Don’t forget to start an Amazon baby registry for free gifts and a registry discount (hint hint DIAPER DISCOUNT!): CLICK HERE
I would love to help you with maternity, newborn, children, and family portrait sessions at my home studio in Winghaven, MO or for outdoor portraits in the greater St. Charles and St. Louis County areas.
Get in touch today to customize your dream session!
Sargent Photography is a custom portrait maternity, newborn, and family photographer in O’Fallon, Missouri serving the greater St. Charles and St. Louis area.
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