PREGNANCY SURVIVAL TIPS & TRICKS

Pregnancy is so incredibly difficult, it is the absolute best reason for feeling crap BUT at the same time it is really hard and survival is key. You have to keep reminding yourself that you're amazing and pregnancy is slowly draining you to help your baby grow. I thought i'd throw together a little blog post with whats helped get me through this pregnancy, hopefully if you're struggling too this might help!

1. SLEEP WHEN YOU GET ANY OPPORTUNITY 

Growing a baby is really exhausting, so if you have no children, a child who naps, a certain time of day you can have a nap because you have help or even if your little is old enough to pass an IPad too, do it, have a lovely nap. I take advantage of Brad's working pattern, the fact Lucas will happily watch something and Iris still naps to enjoy a nap on the days I am really really struggling. 

2. TAKE LOTS OF BATHS

Grab a bath bomb, Big Blue from Lush is AMAZING, soak your aching body and also enjoy poking that bump and watching that womb mate of yours wiggle. Even in the early days when I was exhausted, nauseous and achy, I would run a bath and soak, topping up the bath with hot water when it started getting super chilly.

3. USE BUMP SUPPORT

I have had a problem with spine since the very, very early days of pregnancy so supporting my bump was crucial. I have been using a bump support to help with it. I still struggle everyday with the pain in my leg and the pain in my thighs and lower back. The John Lewis one is really comfy.

4. DRINK ALL THE WATER YOU CAN

Get yourself a decent water bottle and remind yourself to drink. I am absolutely rubbish at remembering to drink and numerous times I have not drunk enough and felt unwell. I have also fainted and we're not sure whether it was because I hadn't drunk enough. I have just ordered this one from NEXT, which is a cheaper version of the Hydrate m8 ones.

5. LOOK AFTER THAT BUMP

Massage that bump! I will never guarantee anything stops stretch marks, I have tried so many different brands of stretch mark creams and oils and still have horrendous stretch marks. I do really like the therapy bar from Lush, it's not expensive and lasts for ages! It also smells amazing. If anything it just feels lovely on your bump and gives you a nice bonding time with bump whilst you massage it.

6. WEAR COMFTY TRAINERS

Comfort is KEY! In pregnancy, I still wear my converse and chelsea boots occasionally but during the school runs and most of our walks my trusty nikes come out! They're so nice to wear and so far I haven't had swelling in my feet like I have with my other shoes. These Nikes are similar to the ones I have.

7. GET A GOOD PACK OF MATERNITY ESSENTIALS

You can buy packs of maternity essentials for reasonable prices, they usually include your basics, a vest, a dress, some leggings and something else. This one from ASOS is £28! Maternity leggings are AMAZING and honestly, they last after baby too! They feel so nice post-partum and I much prefer leggings that suck in my post baby belly too!

8. INVEST IN A SOFT PAIR OF PYJAMAS AND A MATERNITY BRA

When you're pregnant some nice new, maternity pyjamas are a god send! Nothing is better than coming in from work and putting on your pyjamas! These ones from NEXT look super comfy and cute! As well as a pair of pyjamas, a maternity bra. I like the ones that double up as a nursing bra too as I'm a breastfeeder so love the comfort during pregnancy but also the value for money when I can use them after I have baby. The clips are a godsend. I have a few I have trialled which are linked in the 33 & 34 week bump dates or there is this one from NEXT.

9. PAMPER YOURSELF, ITS OKAY!

Do your hair, get your nails done, visit a spa, it's okay. If you need a baby moon, have one! If you just want to send your other kids to their grandparents for the day so you can bath, do a face mask, wash your hair, have a nap and eat uninterrupted... DO IT! pamper yourself, you're just as important when it comes to pregnancy care as that little baby.

10. DON'T FEEL BAD TO GIVE IN TO YOUR CRAVINGS

If you have a craving, don't feel bad to give in to it. Chewing ice when it's snowing outside? Do it. Mcdonalds? Do it! Chocolate? Do it! As long as you're not craving bleach and drinking it or craving something dangerous, give in. It's 9 months of your life and you're so likely to stop craving that thing when baby arrives, so for now, enjoy it, embrace it. I like the smell of fresh laundry and I tend to enjoy sniffing the fabric softener. I don't mind at all.