I am currently pregnant for the first time in my life. As of writing, I am 6 months along. Pregnancy has been a learning experience along the way. Everyday, I find myself googling what I am feeling or what to expect next.
I really enjoy pregnancy, but there’s no doubt, it can be hard! It’s a whole new ballgame that no one really prepares you for. There are so many things you find out along the way that you wonder to yourself, how did I not know about this beforehand? I think important life topics like pregnancy journeys should be more openly shared.
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During my journey so far, these few simple things have helped make my pregnancy a little bit easier:
1. Daily Pill Sorter
I am pretty forgetful and my forgetfulness has multiplied through my pregnancy. I think pregnancy brain is a real thing. There is just a whole lot going on with life already that once you’re suddenly responsible for a life other than your own, things become even more difficult to keep track of!
There’s a few vitamins, including my prenatal vitamin, that I like to take daily. In the beginning of my pregnancy, I would get stressed because I couldn’t remember if I had already taken my vitamins or not. I decided to get a daily pill sorter which was a simple change that has made a huge difference! I usually leave my pill sorter on top of my Keurig, because I ALWAYS make a cup of black coffee in the morning. So with my vitamins sitting on top of the Keurig, I remember to take them every morning. Mid-day if I think I forgot to take them, I can double check by seeing if the container for the day is empty or full.
2. Preggy Pillow
I read mixed reviews on pregnancy pillows. I almost didn’t get one. In my 2nd trimester, I caved and decided to purchase this one. Before I bought it, I kept waking up in the middle of the night, flat on my back (which it’s recommended to not lie flat on your back the further along you are in pregnancy). I purchased the pregnancy pillow as an effort to try and prevent myself from rolling on my back. It has made such a difference. I actually sleep with mine upside down like it’s a seahorse, because I prefer to use my normal pillow for my head. Sometimes instead of laying with it wrapped around me, I lay in between my husband and the pillow which also helps me from rolling onto my back because I am so snug.
3. Using a Planner
In general, I am not great about keeping up with planners; However, through pregnancy there are so many important dates and doctor appointments that I find it necessary to use a planner so I don’t have to rely on my “pregnancy brain” to keep track of everything.
4. Keeping Snacks Packed
I keep snacks packed in my purse, because I get hungry about every hour or two. If I don’t eat when I’m hungry, I quickly get lightheaded. During my 1st trimester, I got light headed really easily. One day I was out shopping by myself and got stuck in a long line. Just standing there for so long made me feel like I was about to faint. Some days, I still get light headed or I just feel like I am starving out of no where so keeping snacks packed is essential.
5. Using Heating Packs & Ice Packs
Pregnancy comes with lots of aches and pains as your body grows to accommodate baby and carries new weight. My husband bought my a heat up corn bag which has been really helpful in pregnancy! I use it on my lower back and sometimes my shoulders. I’m careful to use only for short 15 minute increments so I don’t overheat my body. Another fun pregnancy symptom I often have is migraines. My doctor recommended using heating packs and ice packs at the same time to help. She suggested I place a heating pack on my head for 15–20 minutes while simultaneously placing an ice pack on my neck for the same amount of time, then alternating the two packs for an additional 15–20 minutes.
