Top tips, let’s share!

[York28]

These boards are a wonderful source of information especially if you have a specific question. But sometimes we don’t know the questions we need to ask!

So I was wondering what everyone’s top tips are that they have used during any stage of pregnancy.

I am 12 weeks, and whilst I have only out a couple of pounds on I can get pretty bloated and uncomfortable as the day goes on. The next size up in jeans/skirts would be too big and I am nowhere near ready for maternity wear.

I remembered reading on here about the ‘hair bobble’ trick for jeans/button fastened trousers. I tried it yesterday and oh my god. It was wonderful, I stayed comfortable throughout the day and can wear my jeans again.
You simply thread the bobble through the button hole then loop over the button.

It made me so very happy and made me realise you ladies probably have many more gems. So let’s share.

xxx

My top tip (only 20 weeks so I'm limited with advice!) is buy a pregnancy pillow as soon as you can!
If you get the right one, they are an absolute god send! Especially if you are struggling to sleep! 🥰🥰

Oh yes the pillow. I am 12 weeks and awaiting test results. Don't want to get anything till they are ok and it is first on my list.

My first pregnancy I wasn't bothered with bloating etc at all. This time my waistline is so think despite actually losing some pounds. I am in jammies all the time tbh. A lockdown perk.

Leggings are good with a skirt that is elastic ated. Bump bands!

@lockdownpregnancy did you find the pregnancy pillow really helped even from early on?been planning to get one but I’m only 14 weeks and don’t really have much of a bump or anything yet so wasn’t sure it it was worth it....but I am finding getting a good nights sleep really challenging (I usually sleep on my front but wake up and worry about it now).

@MadameDePompadour absolutely! I'm 20 weeks and don't have much of a bump either, but it's more for my hips and to stop me rolling onto my back as I was doing it all the time and I was starting to worry as it was the only comfy position I could get in, which isn't good!
I also have a torn rotator cuff and sleeping on my side is impossible because I either squash my shoulder or it drops forward and both are painful.
It basically takes the stress off most of my joints! 👍🏻

I am 30 weeks and I found the biggest problem for me early on was bloating. Get on a hard ish chair, spread your legs as wide as you can, lean forward gently. So much relief from that horrible trapped bloaty feeling! You will look weird though

Also had (and still having) horrendous heartburn and reflux. Crushed ice is a godsend. You can buy big bags of it from supermarkets or I guess bash up some normal ice cubes. Fill a glass with it and suck/chomp your way through it!

Leaning forwards and backwards on the toilet to help shift baby to get all the wee out 🤣

Bras with no wire. Honestly the best thing when you get further on. I'm 30 weeks and it's the only way I can stay comfy and be supported. (They do a really good two pack nursing bra from next, like crop tops £24 I recommend)

Paint your toe nails regularly... you don't know when it'll be the last time 😭🤣🤣🤣

32 weeks now. My tips are:

• 12 foot u shape pregnancy pillow, I couldn't sleep without it
• embrace being able to do cardio while you can (if you like it). I thought it'd be getting big that would stop me running but actually it was breathlessness and it happened earlier than I expected. Now getting up from a chair is a cardio workout!
• stay off Google! Follow the NHS guidance, they have guides for everything. Ignore other sources, you will drive yourself crazy!