10 Tips For An Easier Pregnancy
Updated: Dec 6, 2019
These are tips I came up with based on my personal experience during pregnancy. They may or may not work for you. But I believe in sharing information to empower others and I hope that this will help anyone struggling with the same symptoms I experienced.
Also, I’m not a fan of consumerism. I try my best to live minimally and sustainably. When I do shop, I try to do so as consciously as possible. I don’t believe in buying stuff just to have stuff. I also believe that pregnancy is not a time to deny yourself luxuries that may make your life easier. Pregnancy is a difficult time and if there is a product out there with the potential to help you through the difficulties, don’t hold out on yourself.
Now onto the tips...
1. Essential Oils
If you are pregnant and not yet in the habit of using oils, get in the habit! Some typically used oils are:
Lavender oil for calm
Eucalyptus oil to clear the sinuses
Orange or lemon oil often help with nausea
Regardless of which oils you choose, there are many ways to use oils sustainably and inexpensively:
Put a few drops of oil under your chin or on your wrists
Saturate a cloth or handkerchief and keep it with you
Oil diffuser pendant using lava beads, air dry clay or small pieces of wood or bark
Room diffuser made with bamboo skewers, wooden takeout chopsticks or special diffuser reeds in a glass jar
Drops of oil into a bath
Room and linen spray made with salt, oil, and water
Aromatherapy pouch to carry with you using a small bag, uncooked rice, and oil
A heat/ice pack made the same way (uncooked rice and oil) but larger by using more fabric
Put a few drops of oil on the inside of a paper mask
The possibilities are endless. While oils aren’t going to cure your ailments, they are definitely going to help.
2. Papaya Enzymes
Papaya is a natural remedy for heartburn. The fruit has special enzymes, vitamins A and C, and amino acids to improve digestion and neutralize stomach acid. Eat the fruit fresh, dried, or purchase papaya enzyme tablets.
3. Chilly Pad Cooling Towel
This towel is amazing! I have been pregnant during all of the California summer months so there were many days when the heat was unbearable. Thank goodness a coworker gifted me a cooling towel! Wet the towel and it becomes pliable and cold for hours. Wrap around your neck or over your belly to stay cool in the summer heat.
4. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a great all-purpose moisturizer. Put it anywhere on your skin, like your growing itchy belly or boobs during pregnancy. Freeze small amounts in an ice cube tray, pop out the frozen oil and then rub it on your skin. Use it anywhere on your body. It’s a safe non-toxic lubricant for your lady parts, which is one place you’ll want to get in the habit of moisturizing before the baby comes.
5. Foam roller
The sciatic nerve runs from your lower back, over your hips and butt, and down both legs. As the uterus grows it can put pressure on this nerve causing sharp severe pain. Use a foam roller to stretch and massage the muscles around this nerve. Sit on the roller on the floor, use your body weight to apply pressure to the area, and slowly roll it out.
6. Movement
Movement is so important during pregnancy, so do what you can to keep it up. Some fun and easy ways to do this are:
Yoga
Amba movement
Belly dancing
Walking
Stretching when and where you can
Self-massage
Sex
7. Magnesium
Low magnesium levels can cause leg cramps. Magnesium relaxes the muscles and produces a calming effect on the body. Take 400mg at night before bed to help with leg cramps or insomnia. Magnesium is also available in lotion form. Epsom salts contain magnesium as well. Too much magnesium can cause loose bowel movements.
8. Chewable iron
Chewable iron tablets are absorbed much quicker in the body, they taste good, and they are less likely to make you sick.
9. Corn silk and probiotics
Corn silk helps prevent and combat symptoms of a urinary tract infection. You can make a tea from the corn silk of corn husks, or purchase Corn silk capsules.
Probiotics, specifically femdophilis, are important for urinary and vaginal health. They can keep you free and clear of group B strep.
10. Birthing From Within and Orgasmic Birth
Recommended reading:
Birthing From Within by Pam England and Rob Horowitz
Orgasmic Birth by Debra Pascali-Bonaro and Elizabeth Davis (get the movie too!)
