I remember when I was pregnant with my first baby. It was all new and exciting. I loved it, I really did but like every experience you go through, you learn things. You remember things and you take them forward for subsequent pregnancies. I went on to have two more babies and picked up a good list of ultimate pregnancy hacks. Things that made it a little easier and with baby number 2 onwards you need it! Being pregnant when you already have a baby or child is hard work.
You need ease. You need laziness but at the same time, you need to live and get on with everything you need to do.
List of Pregnancy Hacks
Here are some of my pregnancy hacks; my tricks that made my pregnancy life, that little bit easier.
– Put a reminder on your phone or download an app that will remind you to take bump pictures each week. You will want that memory from the start and you will forget! This gets worse with every baby you have; you need that reminder to take those beautiful photos.
– If morning sickness kicks in always keep a snack handy. This means having something by your bed in the middle of the night or first thing in the morning. Carry water and snacks based on carbs if you leave the house and start to feel a bit icky. I have a whole post on morning sickness tips but others swear by ginger or pressure point bands for the wrist, like for travel sickness.
– Don’t suffer in silence with sickness either. If you are struggling to eat or drink, see your GP as they can look into anti-sickness medication in the early days. I didn’t realise this!
– Have your pregnancy vitamins – folic acid and Vitamin D for example right by the kettle or in a place you will go first thing in the morning. It makes it easier to remember to take them, as trust me you will forget.
– Don’t eat for two. Definitely listen to your body but take it steady. In the first trimester I was so hungry all the time and this ramped up a little in the third too. But try and eat healthily and be active where possible. I used to gym all the way through my pregnancies but a simple walk will do and always ask your healthcare providers for support.
You may like 10 things I’d Forgotten About the First Trimester
Or 10 Things I’d Forgotten About the Third Trimester
– Make the most of your jeans before you start buying maternity clothes. You can even use a hairband to make them last a little longer. See below!
– Don’t spend a fortune on maternity clothes. You can buy larger size leggings or leggings and bigger tees and these are perfect and keep you comfy. I did treat myself to some nicer clothes with my third pregnancy, as I wanted to look fashionable but if it’s a summer pregnancy, stretchy dresses will do! I always think you may not wear them again.
– Make sure you get kitted out for pregnancy bras. My boobs grew quickly and I needed the support. Crop tops were great in the early days as well! So comfortable.
– Keep a calendar or planner for your appointments with reminders. Baby brain kicks in early and if you have other children, it can be worse. I missed an appointment, as I didn’t keep track at all!
– Sleep when you can. I was actually in the minority and didn’t sleep at all during the day but all my friends thought I was insane. If you can fit in a nap it will really refresh you and help you finish the day.
– Take help and don’t feel ashamed! I remember my neighbour asking me if I needed her to have my first daughter and I was knackered so agreed. It was great just to chill and have an afternoon of peace and quiet.
– If you know you might be having a baby shower (I did with my first) have an idea of what you need. My friend kindly asked me to make a list of what I would like and this was great. I didn’t end up over buying.
– Check out local Facebook groups for second hand baby items. You will save a fortune and most items are usually still in good condition.
– If you start getting swollen, remove rings and jewellery early on to avoid them getting stuck! I have friends who were very swollen and it’s not pleasant trying to get rings off!
– Consider a pregnancy pillow or sleep with a pillow between your legs. Helps take the pressure of your hips and pelvis. You are recommended to sleep on your left side during pregnancy.
– Consider ante-natal classes or NCT. You need those Mum friends in the early days. They can help you get through the long nights, the teething, the weaning and they are good to go out with when you finally can. Plus you do learn a lot in the classes!
– Don’t suffer in silence with reflux and heartburn, a common pregnancy symptom. You can get over the counter products or speak with your midwife if really bad.
– Pack your bags early! Like before you hit full term. I was early with all three of my babies and the last thing you want is a mad panic, rushing around in labour packing bags. Or worse still, getting your other half to do it for you!
You may find my What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag guide useful.
– Make the most of the time before the baby comes when you start your maternity leave. If it’s your first, rest and enjoy it! Try to to say you are bored!! This will change hugely when the baby comes. If you have other children, it is a good time to enjoy some time with them before the baby comes.
You may like my Maternity Leave plans post.
– Think about your birth plans. I actually didn’t have a firm birth plan but I had an idea of what I didn’t want! Tell your birth partners and this can help you feel more comfortable and less anxious about the upcoming birth. You need them to be your advocates. If you are finding yourself feeling scared and it is overwhelming, speak to your midwife and get some support.
You may like Birth Anxiety in Dad
– If you have a summer pregnancy and are hot, these things helped me:
- Icy Water/Iced Cubes/Lollies/Frozen fruit
- Putting my feet in a paddling pool/cold bowl of water
- Not worrying about a bra when I was in the house
- Sleeping with a fan in the room
- When it was so hot I couldn’t cope, I’d wet a towel and lay it on my back. This helps!
- Sleep with your own sheet and don’t share with your partner
- Cool or cold showers and some days I needed 3!
Pregnancy is an amazing time but sometimes we all need some pregnancy hacks to get through those long weeks and to make life that bit easier.
I hope these have helped. Can you think of any?
I really had to remember to keep snacks and drinks in my bag after my first. I had terrible sickness and would often start to feel dizzy and need to try and eat something. I remember having to jump off the bus one day on my way too work as I was going to be sick!
It is such a learning curve with the first. i wish I had taken more bump pictures, Instagram wasn’t popular at the time and I must admit I love how creative people are with their shots.
So many fantastic tips! I can remember using the hair band hack to stay in my jeans a little longer. I really agree about doing NCT so you have some mum friends who are in the same boat as you in the early days.
Really great tips. Not everything is fun when you are pregnant. When I was heavily pregnant with my second we went to a wedding on New Years Eve. It was so hard. Trying to keep a toddler entertained inside a hotel, it was miserable weather. Not having anything nice to wear. Being the only sober person. Wanting to go to bed at 7pm! I was miserable!!!
These are all really good tips. It’s a bit overwhelming the first time and hard to know what to do. This would be super useful for anyone expecting.
I had terrible sickness and I only realised I could have anti-sickness tablets right at the end of my pregnancy.
Wow what a detailed post with so much useful info, as pregnancy can be an unknown area of uncertainty. This will deffo help all mummys to be for sure xx