One of the most important parts of a woman’s pregnancy is the ability to stay comfortable. From your physical state to your mental well-being, comfort is key. Being pregnant is beautiful and truly a miracle, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t come without its challenges.
From losing sleep at night to swelling from your hands to your feet, pregnancy can feel like a curse at times. We are going to show you some of the best ways to get more comfortable, as well as stay comfortable, throughout your pregnancy.
1. Treat yourself to a quality mattress.
One of the biggest issues women face when they are pregnant is poor sleep. Not only do pregnant women experience discomfort and back pain, but insomnia and restless leg syndrome are also common problems pregnant women face. Finding a quality mattress to help you get better sleep is one of the best ways to combat discomfort during your pregnancy.
Whether you prefer memory foam, Tempur-Pedic, or an innerspring mattress, there are several options that would be great for an expecting mother. If you are in the market for buying a new mattress, you might be considering whether you should buy Sealy mattress or another top-quality mattress brand. When choosing a new mattress, it’s important to find one that is designed by orthopedic specialists and is made to target and support your back and core. This is especially important for an expecting mother, as you have additional weight in your core and often experience back pain, as well as pressure on your abdomen.
2. Get a massage.
There is nothing like getting a prenatal massage as an expecting mother. Not only can it help with back pain, posture, and blood flow, but it is extremely relaxing. Pregnancy massage, or prenatal massage, is adapted to the changes your body is going through. This type of massage tends to focus on areas other than your legs or stomach, such as your scalp, shoulders, back, and feet.
Women who get prenatal massages often report several benefits from the experience, including relief with insomnia, joint pain, sciatica, swelling, headaches, and sinus congestion, among other ailments. Be sure to consult with a medical professional before you get a prenatal massage, as some complications could make massage therapy during pregnancy a little risky.
3. Exercise to your comfort level.
If you don’t regularly exercise, intense physical movements can be risky in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. If you stay pretty active on a regular basis, the same amount of exercise can be continued without worrying about any potential risk factors involved. There are several benefits to exercising while pregnant, including better sleep, relief with body soreness, and keeping off excess extra weight.
According to March of Dimes, pregnant women need at least two and a half hours of aerobic activity, such as walking or swimming, per week. Some physical activities, including horseback riding and skiing, aren’t considered safe at any point during your pregnancy.
4. Stay hydrated.
Staying hydrated while you are pregnant can have several benefits, including a reduction in swelling, an increase in energy, softer skin, and a decreased risk of urinary tract infections and preterm birth. Women are advised to increase their water intake while they are pregnant and try to drink anywhere from eight to 12 glasses of water each day. If your urine is pale in color or clear, that’s a good sign you are hydrated.
If you have trouble drinking that many glasses of water each day, you might want to increase your fruit and vegetable intake, because those have water, too. Staying out of the heat and avoiding caffeine are other ways to stay hydrated while pregnant.
