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10 Must Know Pregnancy Lifehacks

Morning sickness got you down? Never fret, with these pregnancy lifehacks the next nine months will be a breeze!

By Stephanie GladwellPublished 6 years ago 8 min read
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So, you are having a baby! Congratulations! You are preparing to bring a new life into this world. But you are also slowly realizing that there are all these things about being pregnant that nobody ever bothered to tell you. While this is an amazing process, it is also a life-altering experience. You've got the best pregnancy apps, but still need more. Well, listen up Momma! We are here to break the silence. So, here are some pregnancy lifehacks to get you through all nine months.

Everyone knows that your body changes throughout your pregnancy, from your feet to your belly to your boobs. Everything changes and expands. Early on, you may find that your bra is feeling a little too tight, but the cups still fit just right. So, in order to feel more comfortable, head to the craft store.

These will save you from having to buy a new bra right away. Undoubtedly, your lingerie drawer will change quite a bit after your pregnancy. But you can cross that bridge when you get to it. For now, buy yourself a bit of breathing room.

You’ll find them between the Velcro and zippers. And using them is simple. Just place the hooks in your bra to the eyes of the extenders and vice versa. And ta-da! Instant relief and comfort.

Speaking of expansion, at some point you will realize that you can no longer reach or touch your feet. Soon after, you will realize that tying your shoes will seem like a Herculean task that was designed solely to torture you. So, in order to ease your burden, you can put in…

This way, you can slip your shoes on without a struggle. If the installation is too much for you, you can always have the person who impregnated you do it for you. It is the least that they can do, don’t you think?

Now, let’s get out of the house and out into town. As a mommy-to-be, you are learning that there is an endless number of errands that you have to run every day. From doctor’s appointments to trips to Target, being pregnant means constantly being on the go. The downside to this the amount of time that you will spend in parking lots.

Nobody likes driving around looking for a spot. But as a pregnant lady, you really don’t have the time or the energy to waste. It would be best to park as close to the front as possible so that you don’t have to walk from Siberia to the front entrance of the store. Normally, this isn’t always possible. But luckily for you, in a few states, you can apply for a…

Temporary Handicap Parking Placard

While pregnancy certainly isn’t a disability, it should definitely come with some perks. Or, at the very least, some things to make your life just a bit more manageable.

So, instead of driving around for what seems like hours, you can just slip into the front spaces, run your errands and head home and relax. You are growing a human being, you may as well get the rest that you need.

Speaking of rest and sleep, let’s see to your comfort. Most mommies swear by the body pillow, but for those of us who like to sleep on our bellies, these provide little to no relief. So, what’s a girl to do? Well, there is a simple solution that you may not have thought of…

We know. Genius, right? With this pregnancy lifehack, you will be able to sleep facedown and relieve some of the pressure on your back. And at the end of your pregnancy, you can use the tube in the pool. Talk about a win-win situation!

Now, let’s talk about the belly. It is a big, beautiful reminder of how incredible life truly is. But for some people, it can also be an invitation to touch you. We’re not sure where the idea came that pregnant women’s bodies are communal property, but we are not amused.

Touch Belly, Punch Back

Photo by Pixabay.com

So, let’s play a game inspired a classic 60s car—the VW Bug. It inspired a generation of kids to create a game in which they would gently punch their fellow passenger in the upper arm and scream out “punch buggy!” It seems odd, but when you think about it, isn’t that similar to how people treat pregnant women? But instead of yelling punch buggy, they say, “So, when are you due?” It is time to take revenge with a game we like to call “touch belly.”

How do you play? Well, the next time someone comes up to you and touches you without your permission, to touch them back. Be sure that it is not someplace where they could charge you with sexual assault but make your point clear. This will probably cause confusion on their part, but that is just another opportunity for you to practice. Give them the look that all mothers give to alert someone that they have just misstepped and need to get back in line. Trust us, they will get it.

And don’t bother feeling guilty about setting boundaries. You have enough going on inside the belly. You don’t need more people joining in.

But let’s get back to you and your own personal comfort. As you enter into the second trimester, you may feel rather weighed down by the little one currently subletting your uterus rent free. While we can’t offer you any compensation, we can offer you a little support.

Favored by athletes and dancers, kinesiology tape is also among useful pregnancy lifehacks. It is extremely useful in helping alleviate pain in the abdomen and lower back. It is also useful for sporty moms who want to be more active in their last trimesters. For the first application, it would be a great idea to have it applied by a doctor or chiropractor. But it is a great idea to bring your partner along so that they can help with subsequent applications. Either way, it will help keep you comfortable and supported throughout your pregnancy.

Great tip, right? Well, there is another tool right in your kitchen that can help you throughout your pregnancy. You can use them to reach for things, pick them up and even scratch your back. What are they?

Yes. You NEED one. Keep a pair with you everywhere you go. They will come in handy nearly everywhere you go. In the shower when you drop the soap, in the kitchen when something that is out of your grasp and, basically, anytime you are required to bend over.They’ll help you more than you know.

Speaking of helpful tips, a huge perk of pregnancy has to be allowing people to do things for you. On the other hand, a side effect of pregnancy is that it difficult to remember things. And since you can’t remember, nothing gets done. So, how can you end the cycle and help people help you?

Make a List

Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters from Unsplash

Move over Santa, there is another group of list-makers on the block—pregnant women. That’s right ladies. Next, to your tongs, you should keep a list of all the things you need to get done. That way the next time someone asks you if you need something, you can be prepared to answer. “Yes, actually. Yes, I do.”

And one of the requests on your list should be to locate your tube tops and tank tops. That’s right! The 90s are back and here to save you some money on maternity clothes. Who needs a belly band when you could just use that old tank top from 1999?

It will serve the same purpose and won’t cost you a dime. If your tube top didn’t make it into this millennium, you can also use a tank top. But instead of putting your arms through the straps, just pull the shirt down to your hips. Everything will be covered, and it won’t cost you a dime!

Yes, that’s right. Keep a puke bag. And no, we don’t mean that thing airlines keep in the compartment in front of your seat. That’s a barf bag. A puke bag will help you compose yourself after you vomit. This has to be, bar none, one of the most helpful pregnancy lifehacks.

Why? Because everyone knows that vomiting is inevitable during pregnancy. It's one of the gross things no one tells you about pregnancy. So why not prepare yourself for the aftermath?

What should it contain? Well, mouthwash for starters. Also, a mint and a few napkins. You can even go for a toothbrush if you need reinforcement. Lastly, you should keep a bottle of water or a sports drink and an antacid. With the power of these items combined, you should be ready for any situation.

Put a Belt on It

Photo by Leah Kelley from Pexels

And here we are at the last pregnancy lifehack. Heed this advice and you’ll be prepared for all nine months.

Now here's a tip for all of you fashionistas. Put a belt on it. Gone are the days when maternity clothes were simply large tents with holes for the head and arms. Yet, many of us still don't want to go the Kardashian route and wear nothing but bodycon dresses.

So, what is a girl to do? Well, she can place a thin belt in the space between the top of her belly and beneath the bosom. This works well with outfits of any shape but is especially flattering with a flowy dress or a slightly oversized top. It is instantly chic and always makes you look put together.

So that’s it, Momma! Gather up your inner strength for pregnancy and beyond! Follow these tips and alleviate a bit of stress from your life. You deserve it. You are growing a human being after all! You need all the help you can get.

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About the Creator

Stephanie Gladwell

Mother of two, educator of many. Teaches middle-school biology and chemistry. Always interested in exploring the unknown.

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