How to stay comfortable during pregnancy

Pregnancy is tough on our bodies - did you know, according to a 2019 study in Science Advances, pregnant women are running close to the limits of human endurance? So if that’s not an excuse to take it easy, I don't know what is! With our bodies running close to their limits of endurance, anything we can do to feel more comfortable is surely worth it?  

Some women seem to sail through pregnancy with no issues whatsoever, whilst others suffer sleepless nights, hip issues, terrible itching and more. So, how can you stay comfortable during pregnancy?  

Staying well hydrated is important, whether you’re pregnant or not, but it’s even more important when carrying a baby. Keeping a drink bottle on hand so you can sip away without even thinking about it is ideal. Have a bottle on your desk at work, leave one in the car, on your bedside table overnight and have a mini bottle for your bag. A bottle with a wide straw that’s easy to drink from can help you get more fluid throughout the day. Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand, recommends aiming for at least “nine cups of fluid per day” with water being the best option. When you’re busy, and especially if you have other kids in tow, it’s easy to be distracted and forget to drink, so having a bottle of water within easy reach is imperative.

Everyone’s probably heard of the old saying of being able to “eat for 2” when you’re pregnant, however, the advice these days is to eat a range of healthy foods from the four main food groups with five servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit daily. It’s expected you’ll eat more as your pregnancy progresses, however a steady weight gain, rather than “eating for 2” is recommended by Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand.

Pregnancy can often result in indigestion and heartburn, especially during the final trimester when the baby is bigger and putting more pressure on your organs. To reduce the likelihood of these symptoms, The NZ College of Midwives recommends eating more often, but smaller portions, so, like water bottles, have a variety of healthy snacks on your desk or in your handbag that you can reach for throughout the day. Consult your LMC for any dietary considerations.

Snacks are not only important for pregnancy, but when you’re breastfeeding as well. Take the chance now to prep the freezer with healthy snacks (and meals) before your baby arrives so you’ll have something quick & nutritious to reach for after your baby arrives.

By the time you get to your third trimester and possibly even before that, you may start to find your bump makes it uncomfortable to sleep, especially if you’re usually a tummy sleeper. Midwives recommend sleeping on your side, rather than your back from 28 weeks as this improves blood flow and oxygen to your baby. Using a pregnancy pillow can help you get more comfortable for sleep. Use it under your stomach to support your back and pelvis or behind your back to help prevent you from rolling over. Read more sleep tips for pregnancy, by Midwife, Andrina Wilson.

As your pregnancy progresses and your body changes, your usual clothes will no longer fit. Switch to comfy lounge pants, maternity bras and more ‘floaty’ styles which will accommodate your growing belly. Many styles are now stylish & practical enough to use postpartum as well - win-win!

Breathable, natural fibres such as merino, cotton or linen are best as they can help regulate your temperature. Women often feel hotter than normal during pregnancy as there is increased blood flow to the skin so natural fibres can help you feel cooler & more comfortable.

Our customers recommend choosing styles with soft, cosy fabrics which have adequate room/stretch. When you’re looking after a newborn day and night you’ll want all the comfort you can get.

Joelleen Winduss Paye, IBCLC Holistic Lactation Consultant (+ Midwife, Naturopath & Educator), recommends practising self-care to support your mood and emotional health. Our bodies change so much during pregnancy, so starting to practise self-care whilst pregnant can start habits that will continue postpartum as well, helping you feel good after your baby arrives. Joelleen’s top tips for self-care include staying hydrated, massage, exercise and more. Read more of Joelleen’s tips for Self Care during pregnancy.