Staying comfortable in pregnancy can be difficult at times. You feel as if your body has been taken over and that nothing you do will help. Pregnancy is not the time to make a fashion statement or to start new exercise routines. Pregnancy is the time that you should do what helps you to feel rested and relaxed. Being a 4-time pregnant mom, I certainly have gone around the block with the comfort issue and learned a few things along the way.
One main area of comfort is the clothes you wear. Even if you lose weight in the beginning, you will reach a point where your belly and breasts bloom out. You will definitely need a change in wardrobe. Pregnancy is not the time to make a fashion statement. I see the Hollywood actresses wearing these skintight outfights, with the clothes literally stretched over their swelling belly and I wonder if they don't suffer from horrendous gas pains. Honestly, even during the very beginning of pregnancy, I felt more comfortable wearing clothes that are looser over my belly, especially if I was suffering from morning sickness.
When it comes to buying clothes during pregnancy you basically have 2 choices, maternity and regular clothes a couple sizes larger. The major differences between the 2 are the sizes. You buy maternity clothing in your normal size. Maternity clothing can be an expensive investment for the short amount of time you actually wear them. Sometimes you may know somebody your size who will loan or give you their maternity clothes. A lot of second hand shops will have maternity clothing for sale. I bought a lot of mine from ebay.com. Watch your newspaper classifieds for yard sales with maternity clothing for sale.
When purchasing regular clothes at a larger size, be sure to try them on. Sometimes the larger sizes will fit well over a swelling belly, such as stretchy pants and T-Shirts. However some tops will be too big in the chest. But if you find some that fit okay, they are just as comfortable as maternity clothing.
There is no need in purchasing maternity underwear. I have gone through almost 4 pregnancies now wearing briefs in 2 to 3 sizes larger than my normal size. These are comfortable, fit well over my swelling belly and are inexpensive. Some women prefer bikini underwear, in which case you can probably stay in your normal size.
During pregnancy your breasts will increase in size. I found that going up a cup size and a number size helped me in staying comfortable. Some women increase more than this. Be prepared to go bra shopping several times throughout your pregnancy. Maternity/nursing bras are a good investment; I wore them in the latter part of my pregnancies.
Don't ignore your feet during pregnancy. I have found that my feet swell one half a shoe size and that my once comfortable shoes no longer fit. It's best to go with low-heels. I particularly like sneakers without the wide sole and flip-flop type of sandals. When you go to purchase new shoes, try them on; walk around in them, keeping in mind that your feet will swell.
Now, let's talk pillows! Pillows are a must-have during pregnancy. Whether you choose to buy the fancy "pregnancy" body pillow or if you have several standard pillows, you will be happy you do! Placing a pillow between your knees at night will help to keep your hip aligned and keep your lower back from aching. A pillow under the feet also feels good as well as one at your back. Remember to lie on your side – preferably your left side during pregnancy. Lying on your back is not recommended because of the undue pressure the growing baby puts on your back and on your veins. Lying on your left side insures good blood flow and is the best position. More pillows help to ease and comfort your rest.
The most important thing during the 9 months of making a baby is to get plenty of rest. If you can't take a good long nap, a twenty minute cat nap will help you to feel rested. Feeling overly tired is not good, so take cues from your body. When you feel fatigued, stop what you are doing and sit or lie down for a few minutes. Try catching a few more winks at bedtime too.
Take good care of yourself – expect to pamper yourself during this time because your body will be working hard to grow a tiny human and besides – you will deserve it!
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