It's the biggest question of them all: what should you expect when you're expecting? And while there's nothing more exciting than parenthood, being pregnant is a whole ordeal that expecting mothers sometimes love and sometimes... not so much. After all, growing a tiny human inside of you is not easy! From morning sickness to swollen ankles and raging hormones, pregnancy can leave moms tired and uncomfortable. But if you're looking for ways to make those nine months less stressful and more enjoyable, look no further. These pregnancy hacks are super helpful.
Beat Morning Sickness With Potato Chips
Many women have an innate feeling that they're pregnant before they confirm this with a proper pregnancy test. Some miss a period, others have swollen breasts, some have morning sickness - and then there are some that have all of the symptoms rolled into one uncomfortable-yet-exciting sandwich. But as morning sickness is extremely common, it seems as though women have found a foolproof way to keep this nausea at bay.
Apparently, eating chips and drinking lemonade in the morning is the best way to stop morning sickness in its tracks. Pregnant women swear by this hack and say that it's the only thing that's worked for them!
Scratch That Stomach Itch With Coconut Oil
Pregnancy brings on all kinds of symptoms, and one of the lesser-known symptoms is an itchy stomach. Pregnant mothers report having itchy bellies all the time, and this normally results in scratch marks and rashes where the skin has become irritated and inflamed. But if you want to avoid these unsightly marks and you want to scratch that itch once and for all, coconut oil could be your saving grace.
Coconut oil has so many uses, and expecting mothers often make use of the cooling properties of the oil to offer some much-needed relief. It can be used to soothe the skin after a scratching session or to stop you from scratching completely.
Invest in Slip-On Shoes to Avoid Laces and Get Maximum Comfort
Even when you're not pregnant, lace-up shoes are annoying. You have to bend over to lace them up, and they always come untied. The last thing you want when you're pregnant and nearing your due date is to attempt to bend over or trip over your laces, so why don't you just ditch them altogether? By investing in slip-on shoes during the early stages of your pregnancy, you can avoid these laces.
Not only are they more practical, but most of the time, they're also more comfortable as they often have elasticated fronts to allow for your expanding ankles and feet. What more could you want?
Make Your Home Pregnancy-Friendly by Having Tongs at Hand
When expectant mothers are at the start of their pregnancy, they think they can do everything. They prepare the nursery for the baby, they stock up on essentials for a newborn, and they run around their house preparing for the new addition. But when they get more and more pregnant, they struggle to maintain this pace - especially as their bellies get bigger and their ankles swell up. So, make sure you think about making your home pregnancy-friendly.
Before you get to a point where you can't bend down, make sure that everything in your home is within reach - without you having to BBQ tongs to pick up the loofah in your shower!
Make Expandable Jeans in a Jiffy With Just a Hair Tie
Being pregnant and having a baby can cost you a huge amount of money. Not only do you have to buy clothes and necessities for the baby, but you also have to focus on yourself as a pregnant person. After all, there's only so long that your pre-pregnancy jeans will fit you! But if you don't want to shell out a small fortune on specific maternity clothes, why not try out this pregnancy hack?
By attaching a hair tie and making a loop around the buttonhole of your jeans, you can give yourself a few extra inches around the waist. Just remember to cover it with a long T-shirt.
Use Numbing Spray if Getting a Wax
With all of the hormones raging around during pregnancy, many expectant mothers find that they become much hairier during those nine months. During the early stages of pregnancy, it can be pretty easy to pluck, shave, or wax. However, as the months go on, many women find that their skin becomes more sensitive. Because of this, waxing can become extremely painful and uncomfortable - and some women avoid this pain altogether.
However, if you don't want to go into the delivery room looking like a Yeti, there is a hack for that. By using numbing cream on the area you want to wax, you can bypass this pain.
Drink Baking Soda and Water to Combat Acid Reflux
When you think of baking soda, you probably think of baking cakes or cleaning your household drains. But if you're an expecting mother and struggle with acid reflux, you'll be happy to know that baking soda can also come in pretty handy - especially if your doctor doesn't advise using over-the-counter medication. That's because baking soda is the perfect natural alternative, and you don't have to do anything fancy with it!
Simply dissolve two tablespoons of baking soda into a glass of water and drink it. Before too long, the baking soda will attack the acid traveling down your throat and relieve the pain.
Upcycle Old T-Shirts to Avoid Spending Tons of Money on Maternity Clothes
There's nothing more frustrating for an expecting mother than realizing none of their clothes fit anymore. As your bump gets bigger, you'll find that pants that once fit loosely are now tight, and T-shirts that once fit over your stomach now show a huge amount of skin. But you don't have to go out and buy new clothes just because this happens. Instead, make use of some old T-shirts instead.
To cover your expanding bump, simply cut up some old T-shirts and place them over the bottom of your bump. By doing this, you can keep it covered at all times.
Keep a Detailed Planner Because "pregnancy Brain" Can Make You Forget Things
Pregnancy completely changes the whole human body. Yes, even the brain! Many expecting mothers find that they encounter a "pregnancy brain" when they're growing their babies, and this results in them forgetting where they put things and struggling to think clearly. To avoid missing out on something important, it might be a wise idea to plan out every single day - and make sure you write it all down. Then, you can't forget.
Whether you write a to-do list, a schedule, or just your grocery list, these physical reminders can be lifesavers when you really need them. So, don't underestimate the power of planning.
Use a Kid's Toothbrush if Brushing Your Teeth Hurts
This may seem like a strange one, but a lot of expecting mothers find it hard to clean their teeth. Whether it's the smell of the toothpaste or the size of the toothbrush that makes them gag, they end up avoiding the process entirely. However, it's important for you to remember to brush your teeth, which is where a kid's toothbrush can come in handy. After all, it's normally a lot smaller!
Not only that, but the bristles are often a lot softer, which might help out if your mouth becomes much more sensitive the more pregnant you get. Yes, that's a real thing!
Freeze This Morning Sickness Cure - It's Effective and Delicious
There are countless different morning sickness cures out there, and this is another one. After all, every expecting mother is different - and what works for one woman might not work for another! But if you want to try this one out, all you'll need is some berries, banana, lemon, and ginger. The idea is to blend all of this together and freeze it in an ice cube tray. Then, eat a cube when morning sickness strikes.
This morning sickness cure has not only been known to work, but it's also been regarded as one of the most delicious options out there. All these ingredients are so yummy!
Use Parent and Child Parking Spots - They Exist for a Reason!
What's the point in being pregnant if you can't take advantage of the perks that come with being pregnant? Of course, we know that having a baby is ultimately the main point, but many expecting mothers forget to reap the other rewards of growing a tiny human. This is especially true when it comes to parking your car. Forget trying to squeeze your bump out of the car in a tiny parking spot!
Although parent-and-child parking spots may seem as though they're just for moms and their babies, they're also available to use for expecting mothers. And the larger spaces will come in so handy.
Use Feminine Liners to Catch Leaks
Although many women assume that their breast milk will come in when the baby is born, that's not always the case. Some expecting mothers find that they start lactating while they're still pregnant, and this can pose a problem when they leak through their shirts and cause a mess. To be prepared for this, you might want to keep some nursing pads on hand - but if you don't have them, use feminine liners!
These feminine liners can be cut up and stuck onto your shirts to offer a layer of protection, and there's a high chance that you already have some of these lying around the house anyway.
Keep a Bra in the Refrigerator
Most expecting mothers tend to avoid bras like the plague. And it's not hard to understand why! When your breasts get bigger, the last thing you want is to constrict them in a too-small bra. But if you want a hack that could change the game during the summer months, then why not keep a bra in the refrigerator? Yes, this could be your saving grace when the heat becomes unbearable.
By taking this cold bra out of the fridge and wearing it when the weather heats up, you get instant relief. You don't have to wear it for too long, either! It works instantly.
Make Sure to Stock up on Cravings - You'll Thank Us at Midnight
You've probably seen in movies and TV shows where an expecting mother demands their husband drive to McDonald's at 3 am for some pickles. And while you might have thought that this was an exaggeration, this is exactly what pregnancy cravings are like! They'll hit you when you least expect it, and they'll be extremely specific. Because of this, it's best to stock up on your cravings when you know what they are.
By doing this, you'll have them on hand at all times, and you won't have to wait an hour for your cravings to be curbed. Just remember to keep them somewhere you remember.
Use Bra Extenders for More Comfort
As you get further along in your pregnancy, you'll find that your breasts become much bigger - and that's totally normal and expected! And while some people can deal with their growing chest, there are others who find underwear increasingly uncomfortable. But instead of going out and buying brand new bras for the occasion, focus on upgrading your old ones instead. This way, you'll save yourself some time and some money.
Bra extenders are the perfect hack for pregnant women, as they simply give you more room in your old underwear. They're easy to use and are easily put on and taken off.
Use Kinesio Tape to Help Alleviate Bump Pain
The more pregnant you become, the heavier your bump. And when you're not used to having a heavy bowling ball attached to your stomach, this extra weight can prove to be extremely uncomfortable and painful. But you don't have to shoulder this pain yourself, as Kinesio tape can work its magic for you! This taping technique can instantly alleviate pregnancy pain and make your bump seem lighter than it actually is.
Although you can get an expert to tape you up, there are so many tutorials online that show you the best way to apply this tape for where the pain is hitting most.
Find the Best Sleeping Position Using a Pool Inflatable
Let's be honest; sleep is incredibly important for everyone. But it's especially important for those gearing up for motherhood. However, anyone who has ever been pregnant will know that trying to get comfortable enough to fall asleep in the first place can seem impossible - and many expecting mothers spend hours tossing and turning, trying to get their bump in the right position. But you'll be happy to know that it doesn't need to be that way.
Every few weeks of your pregnancy, head to bed during the day and find a sleeping position that works for you. By doing this, you know exactly how to lay when you go to bed at night.
Buy Some Sea Sickness Bands
Some expecting mothers are lucky and never feel the full effects of nausea or morning sickness. But there are others who feel this to the extreme, and they spend months of their pregnancy stuck on the bathroom floor. And while there are so many different remedies and hacks for this, you might find that you strike gold with sea sickness bands. They're not just for those traversing the high seas, after all.
These bands focus on pressure points that should help to alleviate your sickness and it should prevent nausea. This way, you don't have to eat or drink anything. You just have to wear it around your wrist.
Turn Your Old Jeans Into Maternity Wear With This Simple Elastic Hack
Maternity jeans are perfect for expecting mothers who have the money to spend on brand-new clothing. But what do you do if your budget can't stretch that far? Well, you stretch your old jeans instead. It's super easy to turn your old jeans into maternity jeans, and all you need at your disposal are some scissors, some elastic fabric, and a slight knowledge of how to thread a needle and sew fabric.
All you need to do is cut out a chunk of your waistband and then sew the elastic fabric in its place. By doing this, you'll have expandable jeans in no time.
Curb Heartburn With This One Handy Recipe
Whether you call it acid reflux or heartburn, there's no doubt about the fact that pregnancy can cause a huge amount of this - and it can be super uncomfortable. But instead of just suffering in silence, you could whip up a recipe that could curb this heartburn in seconds. And the best bit? You probably already have all of the ingredients in your kitchen cupboards, and it's super easy.
To make this recipe, mix 2 quarts of water, 1/3 teaspoon of ginger powder, and 2/3 cup of apple cider vinegar together. Gulp it down and feel the natural heartburn reliever work its magic.
Use Pill Organizers to Remember Your Prenatal Vitamins
When you're pregnant, it's important to remember to take care of yourself. You must attend your doctor's appointments and take note of everything that they say - especially if you need to go on medication. If this is the case, one of the best hacks you could learn is that organization is key when it comes to your pregnancy medication. Baby brain is real, and you don't want that getting in the way of your health!
To keep your medication organized, investing in cheap pill organizers could be a game changer. This way, you can keep track of what you've taken and what you haven't, and you'll always know where your medication is.
Keep Your Feet in Good Shape With These Essential Oils
Many women often forget about their feet. Sure, they make their toes look pretty with their pedicures at the foot spa, but they forget to realize that their feet are taking the brunt of their growing bump. So if you're pregnant, remember to treat your feet with kindness and treat yourself to a foot massage every now and then. If you don't, you could find that your feet become extra swollen, tired, or cracked.
By having a foot massage and rubbing in essential oils such as eucalyptus and rosemary, you can keep your feet in tip-top condition. And you'll need that for when you're fully engrossed in motherhood!
Prevent Pregnancy Cramps With Electrolytes and Bananas
Although many people associate cramps with non-pregnant women, it seems as though expecting mothers can also suffer from these annoying pains. Of course, this can be pretty scary when you're growing a tiny human - but you'll be happy to know that it's actually super easy to prevent these cramps in the first place. Not only that, but the preventative measures are also pretty delicious and very easy to administer.
Apparently, all you need to do is eat a banana and drink electrolyte water when the cramping starts. Of course, if this doesn't work, then a trip to your doctor will never go amiss.
Prepare a Nausea Kit and Always Have It With You
Although every woman's pregnancy is different, there's no doubt about the fact that most expecting mothers suffer from nausea at least once while they're pregnant. And this can hit at the most unexpected moments, which is why it might be a good idea to prepare a nausea kit. In this kit, you could put bland foods like saltine crackers and almonds, medication like Tums, a sick bag, and some wet wipes.
By keeping this on your person at all times, you can prepare yourself for the eventuality and avoid awkward dashes to the bathroom with vomit down your shirt. Plus, these products are all super handy anyway.
Soothe Swollen Feet With a Salt Bath
Pregnancy and swollen feet go hand in hand, we're afraid. As your bump gets bigger and the strain on your feet gets more intense, your feet react by swelling up and holding even more liquid. And while a good sit down can work wonders if you're sat down for long enough, a salt bath can actually work instantly. All you need is about two to three spoons of Epsom salt each time you run a bath.
When having a salt bath, it's important to stay in the water until the water starts to cool down. By doing this, you can reap the full rewards and soothe your feet.
Stock up on Pillows for When You're Uncomfortable
Your body goes through immense changes when you're pregnant. From shifting bones in your body to feeding a growing baby, it's no wonder that pregnant women complain that every inch of their body hurts at the end of the day. Because of this, many expecting mothers struggle to get comfortable on the couch - and they struggle to sleep. So, this pregnancy hack is to stock up on pillows for when you're uncomfortable.
By having multiple different pillows on-hand at all times, you can be prepared for when you need a specific one. Of course, you can never go wrong with a proper pregnancy pillow, too.
Always Have a Snack Kit on You
Let's be honest; this should just be a general life hack and not just for pregnant women! But there's no doubt about the fact that expecting mothers find themselves getting hungrier when they're growing a tiny human inside them. And with all of the raging hormones inside of you, you probably won't last long before you get hangry. So, try and have snacks available at all times so you're never caught out.
By keeping snacks in your purse, you can whip them out when you feel peckish and quench that hunger before the hormones take over. We just know that you'll thank yourself for it.
Never Say No to Samples and Freebies - It All Adds up
You probably don't need us to tell you that having a baby is expensive. Even before the baby is born, you have to shell out your hard-earned money on clothes, diapers, cots, and more - and it can all add up. So, don't be ashamed to take freebies and samples when they come your way! Many companies are willing to send expecting mothers free samples, so don't ever say no.
Of course, this does mean that you normally have to sign up for their email marketing schemes. But if you make a separate email account just for this, you can just ignore them.
Swap Maternity Clothes for Sportswear
As soon as you put the word "pregnancy" in front of a product, it instantly becomes more expensive. Because of this, many expecting mothers shell out a fortune on maternity clothes designed for people with a growing bump - and some people just don't have that kind of money. Thankfully, there's a way to stay comfortable while still staying within your budget, and it all revolves around the wonder that is sportswear.
Sportswear is designed to expand, contract, and still offer support where you need it - which makes it perfect for those with a growing bump. Plus, you can wear this stuff during and after pregnancy!
Put Ice Packs on Swollen Feet Daily
Anyone who has been pregnant in the summer months will tell you that it's not comfortable. The humidity matched with the heat is a match made in hell for those on the brink of motherhood, and it can take a real toll on your feet. In fact, many expecting mothers have suffered from blisters, cracks, and extreme swelling. But you'll be happy to know that an ice pack can work wonders.
By placing ice packs on your feet when the heat rises, you can instantly cool them down. Just remember to put ointment on any blisters or cracks so they don't get infected, too.
Make Use of a Pregnancy Pillow
We live in a world where there are so many pregnancy products out there. It can be hard to know what really works and what doesn't, but millions of expecting mothers across the globe swear by their pregnancy pillows. And while these pillows aren't the kind of normal pillows you'd find on a couch or a bed, that's because they have been designed specifically with women's needs in mind. And they're super comfortable.
Although it can seem as though pregnancy pillows are just another marketing ploy, why not give it a go and find out for yourself? We have a feeling that you definitely won't regret it.
Add Fruit to Your Water to Stay Hydrated
It's super important for expecting mothers to look after their health, as their health can directly affect the health of their babies. Because of this, you need to stay hydrated with water all day, every day. And while some women find this easy, others find it hard - especially if they're not the biggest fan of water. But if you're one of those people, you don't need to worry. You can jazz up your water if you want.
By adding berries or cucumber to your water, you can infuse it to make it taste better. This should hopefully encourage you to stay on top of your hydration game.
Drink Ginger Ale When the Nausea Hits
Morning sickness is no joke, but the nausea that comes with pregnancy can also be extremely irritating. Although you feel as though you're going to be sick, nothing wants to come out. Instead, you just have a funny feeling in your stomach and don't feel like eating anything! This is no good when you're growing a tiny human, which is why you'll be happy to know that ginger ale could solve everything.
Ginger ale is known as the ultimate cure for nausea, and this is no different for pregnant women. A bottle of this a day can definitely keep the nausea at bay.
Read up on What to Expect Beforehand
Motherhood is a rollercoaster. Some days are magical, others are tiring, and some of them really test your patience. And while nothing will prepare you for your exact experience, there's no doubt about the fact that reading up on what to expect before you give birth can be extremely helpful. This is especially true if you're someone who struggles with anxiety and likes to plan ahead of time. By reading books from experts, you can do just that.
Although motherhood is different for each individual, every mother will go through similar experiences. So, reading up on these things and talking to fellow mothers will help you get an idea of what you're in for.
Buy Good Quality Bed Sheets
The more pregnant you become, the more uncomfortable you become. Unfortunately, that's just what you should expect when you're expecting. And this uncomfortable feeling can come in so many different forms. Some women find their bumps too big, others don't like the fact that they have to sleep on their side or on their back, and then some don't like the feel of the itchy fabric on their sensitive skin.
Because of this, it's a good idea to invest in good quality sheets before you become too uncomfortable in bed. Opt for something that is made from silk, as this will be the most comfortable to lie on.
Ditch the Junk and Stock up on Healthy Foods
When you're eating for two and getting closer and closer to motherhood, you can definitely eat more. And you can even curb your cravings with weird and unusual foods. However, it's important to think about the health of yourself and your baby when you're eating - as it's important to steer clear of lots of junk food and instead stock up on healthy alternatives. After all, too much sugar can lead to diabetes.
For the most part, it's all about eating foods in moderation. But if you have healthy snacks in the house ready and available, you can make the healthy choice if you want to.
Wear Comfortable Pants During and After Pregnancy
We probably don't need to convince you that comfortable pants will always trump tight jeans, but this is especially true when you're pregnant or have just welcomed a baby into the world. When you're pregnant or a new mom, comfort is key - so why waste time feeling uncomfortable in tight denim? Don't worry about what anyone else thinks during this time. You're growing or have grown a human, so you deserve to be comfortable.
If you can, stock up on different-sized sweatpants before you get too far into your pregnancy. This way, you can make sure that you're always comfortable, no matter whether you're still pregnant or post-partum.
Reap the Benefits of Pregnancy Yoga
It's hard to know exactly what to expect when you're pregnant for the first time, and there's no doubt about the fact that every expecting mother experiences something different. But one thing many women have found is that yoga can really help them out. Sure, you might not be able to bend as much as you would if you weren't pregnant, but the benefits of pregnancy yoga are absolutely incredible.
Pregnancy yoga is perfect for stretching out the aches and pains that you may be feeling and for keeping you relaxed. Just remember to get permission from your doctor before you sign up for any classes!
Prepare Your Hospital Bag Ahead of Time
When you find out you're pregnant, your doctor gives you an estimated due date. And while they can be pretty accurate, there's no way to know exactly when your baby is going to be born. It could come sooner or later, and surely you want to be prepared? One of the best ways to be ready for when the time comes is to prepare your hospital bag a couple of months in advance.
In this hospital bag, you'll need everything from diapers to babygrows and formula to cover all bases and eventualities. The last thing you want to do is head to the store as soon as you're out of the hospital.