6 Hacks to Make Every Pregnant Woman’s Life Easier

Whether it’s your first pregnancy or your third, being an expecting mom isn’t easy. Pregnancy is hard work, and although there’s no doubt it’s a miracle, even the biggest miracles come with some less-than-pleasant side effects.

We at Bright Side understand there are never enough tips and tricks to alleviate all pregnancy woes. And we came up with a list of smart hacks you can use to make one of the most challenging and beautiful times in your life a bit easier.

1. Keep a snack on your nightstand.

Any mom-to-be can probably laugh at the term, “morning sickness,” because in reality, it can hit at any time of the day or night. But the reason it’s called morning sickness is because nausea typically occurs on an empty stomach. To avoid this unpleasant feeling, keep a small snack, such as crackers, on your nightstand, and eat it first thing in the morning before getting out of bed.

2. Get creative.

While you probably won’t need a pregnancy pillow in your first trimester, chances are you’ll benefit from adjusting your sleep position as your bump gets bigger. Your growing belly puts strain on your spine and joints, and a pregnancy pillow can provide support under your belly and between your legs. But if you don’t feel like spending a lot of money on a specially designed pillow you’ll be using for just a few months, consider using some items you already have at home, such as a regular pillow or an inflatable swimming pool ring you bought for your last vacation.

3. Try milk and honey for heartburn.

You’ve probably experienced a painful burning sensation in your chest after having a heavy meal, but during pregnancy, heartburn tends to occur more often. Your body goes through a lot of changes, and a shift in hormones and weight gain can lead to heartburn. To quickly alleviate these unpleasant symptoms, mix a tablespoon of honey with warm milk and drink it to soothe the pain.

4. Shop for sports bras instead of maternity bras.

When you’re expecting, your body shape is changing, and chances are you won’t feel comfortable wearing your old bra. But instead of buying expensive maternity bras you probably won’t be wearing after you deliver, invest in a good sports bra you can use after you have a baby. Make sure to pick a bra that provides enough support for your growing chest and opt for light, sweat-wicking fabrics that will hide any colostrum leakage you might experience during your pregnancy.

5. Eat a banana to ease leg cramps.

Many pregnant women experience sudden, sharp pain in their feet that usually happens at night. Anything from having a vitamin deficiency to changes in your metabolism can lead to these painful cramps that are especially common late in your pregnancy. To get rid of this unpleasant sensation, add some bananas into your diet. Besides being a perfectly healthy snack, bananas are packed with potassium, magnesium, and calcium, the essential nutrients that can help ease muscle cramps.

6. Get a water bottle that makes you drink.

Staying hydrated is absolutely crucial for your overall health and well-being, but it’s especially important during pregnancy. Water aids your digestion and helps form the amniotic fluid around the fetus, and doctors recommend expectant mothers to drink 8 to 12 cups a day. If you keep forgetting to have enough water, invest in a reusable bottle with reminders that will grab your attention and motivate you to drink more water.

What did you struggle the most with during your pregnancy? Do you know any smart hacks that can help future moms make their pregnancy easier?