How to Take Care of Yourself during Pregnancy: 9 Things You Need

Knowing how to take care of yourself during pregnancy may seem like it should be intuitive. If you're anything like me, you have or had a love/ hate relationship with being pregnant. It's certainly amazing and miraculous, don't get me wrong. But if we're going to be honest with ourselves, it comes with a lot of inconveniences, aches, pains, and annoyances. Not that we aren't willing to deal with these things on a short-term basis, but wouldn't it be nice if we could alleviate or improve some of those common aches and pains and prepare our pelvic floor as well?

Obviously, safe exercise and a healthy diet (plus avoiding things like smoking- duh!) are at the top of the list. However, read on to learn more about how to take care of yourself during pregnancy. Some may seem more luxurious, but you have to take care of you to take care of others!

How to Take Care of Yourself during Pregnancy

Pregnancy Body Pillow

A Pregnancy body pillow will do wonders starting very early in your pregnancy. If you don't want to splurge on a pillow specific to pregnancy, a regular body pillow will work. That's what I used during my pregnancy, and it worked like a charm. Having something between your legs at night will help keep your spine in good alignment and keep you comfortable all night. If you want to learn more about how to take care of yourself during pregnancy and what pregnancy pillows might be fore you, check out this article.

Moisturizer

Moisturizer is key during pregnancy. As your skin stretches, you can feel itchy and dry. There are A LOT of products on the market when it comes to moisturizers and belly oils. Personally, I think Earth Mama Organics can't be beat. They have a variety of products to choose from including a belly butter. If you're more of an oil person, they also have a belly oil!

earth mama organics

Squatty Potty

As a pelvic floor therapist, I can't stop recommending squatty potties to pregnant and non-pregnant men and women alike! However, I think they're particularly important for pregnancy because of the all-to-common constipation that comes with pregnancy. If you want to know how to take of yourself during pregnancy and your pelvic floor, then a squatty potty is essential. Due to hormonal changes and changes in the body, constipation is incredibly common during pregnancy. A squatty potty helps relax the pelvic floor muscles. It also helps you avoid straining during bowel movements. It will make taking care of your pelvic floor during pregnancy much easier.

squatty potty

A Good, Large Water Bottle

A large water bottle will be key to pregnancy and beyond! I recommend one with a straw because it's one less step to get that water to your mouth! I love Hydro Flask personally because it keeps my water cold all day (not an ad! I just love them).

Supportive Maternity Bra

Among the many things that change during pregnancy, you may notice that your breasts are not spared. As they prepare for baby, they will likely grow in size. This can be good in some ways, though discomfort could be associated with this change if you don't have a supportive bra. Kindred Bravely has amazing and supportive maternity wear that can stay with you into the postpartum period. Having a supportive bra can help prevent upper back pain or even poor posture.

maternity bra kindred bravely

Comfortable Maternity Clothes

This one goes along with the maternity bra. As a fellow penny-pincher (in most cases), it can be hard to spend money on new clothes. I get that. However, a few staple pieces that will grow with you and keep you comfortable will really help. Look for basic colors and think about how you can swap pieces between outfits if you are worried about the cost. Personally, Storq has amazing options and deals for maternity clothing.

Pregnancy Workout App

If you want to stay active during pregnancy but don't know where to start or maybe don't know how to modify workouts, a pregnancy workout app may be for you. There are a variety of workout apps out there that will guide you through your pregnancy by week. Expecting and Empowered was created by a pelvic floor physical therapist and nurse. All of the exercises are safe for you AND baby. Plus, you get a freakin' good workout in. Use our link to get $20 off an annual subscription (you can transition to the postpartum workouts after baby arrives) or $5 off a monthly subscription.

expecting and empowered
(click on the image to check out your link!)

Prenatal Class or Book

Knowledge is power. Sure, there is a lot of information available just about anywhere on the internet. However, educating yourself and your partner on what to expect during pregnancy and childbirth can help you to feel more confident and prepared. Here is a list of resources that might be helpful.

Expecting & Empowered Prepping for Labor and Delivery Course

Vagina Whisperer

Vibrant PT Online Childbirth Class

Simpli Whole! Of course! We can help prepare you for childbirth with virtual and in person services (if you live in Ohio) or our blog

Lamaze

Take it up a Notch? Pregnancy Subscription Box

So if you really want a curated pregnancy experience when it comes to taking care of yourself, a subscription box may be for you! Bump Boxes sends you monthly boxes of all kinds of self-care items for pregnancy. You can get 40% off your first box when you use our link! Like the workout apps, their products can take you through postpartum if you want too!

bump boxes

Learn More about How to Take Care of Yourself during Pregnancy

Want to know more about other topics specific to pregnancy? Check out our other posts about how to take care of your core and pelvic floor!

How to Take Care of Your Pelvic Floor during Pregnancy

Check out our guide for preparing your pelvic floor for labor and delivery. 

How to Take Care of Your Core during Pregnancy

https://simpliwhole.com/postpartum-recovery/how-to-prevent-diastasis-recti/
https://simpliwhole.com/exercise/5-strengthening-exercises-to-decrease-sacroiliac-and-lumbopelvic-pain/

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I may receive a small commission for that product at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own.

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

Wishlist Products

You have no items in wishlist.