7 Tips and Tricks to Make Pregnancy Easier
Pregnancy is a whirlwind. One minute you’re basking in that “pregnancy glow,” and the next, you’re crying because you dropped your biscuit in your tea for a second too long. You’ve probably heard all the usual advice, stay hydrated, get plenty of rest and eat well but what about the lesser-known tips that make pregnancy way easier?
That’s where this article comes in! These aren’t the bog-standard tips you’ll find in every baby book. These are the real-life pregnancy hacks no one talks about but totally should. From tackling morning sickness to getting a good night’s sleep, here’s your ultimate cheat sheet to surviving pregnancy like a pro.
1. Morning Sickness Hacks That Actually Work
Let’s be honest, whoever called it morning sickness was having a laugh. It can hit any time of day (or all day, if you’re really lucky). If ginger biscuits and dry toast aren’t cutting it, try these game-changers:
Sour sweets are your new best friend – Something about the tartness of lemon, lime or sour apple sweets can help settle nausea. Keep a stash in your handbag!
Cold smells better – If you’re struggling with food aversions, try eating cold meals. Cold foods tend to have less of a strong smell, which can help keep nausea at bay.
Peppermint power – A few drops of peppermint oil on a tissue can work wonders when a wave of nausea hits. Just take a deep breath and let it work its magic.
Eat before you get out of bed – Keeping some plain crackers or a cereal bar on your bedside table and nibbling on one before you even sit up can help prevent that queasy feeling.
2. Sleep Like a Baby (Before Your Baby Arrives)
Finding a comfortable sleeping position during pregnancy is like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube blindfolded. Here’s how to get the best sleep possible:
Invest in a pregnancy pillow – Trust me, this is a must-have. A good pregnancy pillow can support your bump, knees and back, making it much easier to get comfy.
Sleep with a fan or white noise – Pregnancy makes your body feel like a furnace. A fan will keep you cool and the white noise can drown out any outside disturbances (like a snoring partner).
Try magnesium – Magnesium supplements (or a warm Epsom salt bath) can help with restless legs and muscle cramps, making it easier to relax and drift off.
The left side is best – Sleeping on your left side improves circulation and reduces swelling. If you’re struggling to stay in that position, wedge a pillow behind your back for support.
3. Food Cravings and Aversions – Hack Your Diet
Pregnancy cravings can be wild and so can food aversions. Here’s how to work around them:
Can’t stand meat? Try plant-based protein – If the thought of chicken makes you gag, swap it for protein-rich foods like lentils, chickpeas or Greek yoghurt.
Ice cravings? You might be low on iron – If you suddenly feel the urge to munch on ice, it could be a sign of low iron levels. Mention it to your midwife!
Batch cook on good days – Pregnancy energy levels are unpredictable. When you have a good day, make extra meals and freeze them for the days when cooking feels like climbing Everest.
Trick yourself into drinking more water – If plain water is unappealing, try adding frozen fruit, a splash of juice or drinking it through a straw. Staying hydrated helps with energy, digestion and reducing swelling.
4. The Secret to Avoiding Swollen Ankles and Feet
Swelling (or pregnancy puffiness, as I like to call it) is no joke. If your feet start resembling loaves of bread, these tips will help:
Elevate your feet whenever possible – Prop them up on a cushion when sitting down to help reduce swelling.
Compression socks are a lifesaver – They might not be the most glamorous fashion choice, but they work wonders for circulation.
Drink more water (yes, really) – It might seem counterintuitive, but staying hydrated actually reduces water retention.
Chill your feet – A bowl of cold water or a frozen water bottle rolled under your feet can feel amazing after a long day.
5. Clothes and Shoe Hacks – Comfort is Queen
Maternity clothes can be pricey and let’s be real—you’ll only wear them for a few months.
Here’s how to save money and stay comfy:
Hair ties = free waistband extenders – Loop a hair tie through your jeans buttonhole and around the button for extra breathing room before you need maternity jeans.
Men’s T-shirts and hoodies – They’re often cheaper than maternity tops and much more comfortable. Raid your partner’s wardrobe or grab some oversized ones from the shop.
Slip-on shoes only – Trust me, once your bump is big, you won’t want to bend down to tie laces. Get yourself a good pair of slip-on trainers or sandals.
Invest in good leggings – A quality pair of high-waisted maternity leggings will be your go-to outfit. Bonus: They work for post-baby life too!
6. The Bathroom Hacks You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
Pregnancy and frequent trips to the loo go hand in hand. Here’s how to make bathroom breaks (and everything else toilet-related) easier:
Lean forward when peeing – This helps empty your bladder fully and reduces the chances of needing to go again two minutes later.
Keep wipes handy – Pregnancy hormones can make you extra sensitive down there. Unscented baby wipes are a game-changer and remember you cannot flush these down the toilet.
Prune juice is your friend – If constipation strikes, a small glass of prune juice can work wonders (but don’t overdo it, or you’ll be running to the loo for a different reason).
Sit backwards on the toilet for extra support – Sounds weird, but if your bump is getting in the way, facing the tank can make things easier.
7. Labour Prep – Get Ready Like a Pro
When the big day arrives, you’ll want to be as prepared as possible. Here’s what no one tells you:
Put a waterproof mattress protector on your bed – If your waters break at night, you’ll be so glad you did this.
Pack your hospital bag early – Aim to have it ready by week 34, just in case. And don’t forget snacks! Labour is hard work, and you’ll need the energy.
Use a tennis ball for back pain – Rolling a tennis ball along your lower back (or having your partner do it) can provide instant relief during labour.
Take a long phone charger – Hospital plug sockets are often far from the bed. A long charger will save you from awkward stretching.
8. Postpartum Hacks – Because Pregnancy is Just the Beginning
The pregnancy journey doesn’t stop at birth—recovery is a whole other adventure. Here’s how to make it easier:
Freeze maternity pads – A chilled maternity pad can help soothe postpartum soreness so much.
Use a peri bottle – Peeing after birth can sting, but a peri bottle (or even just a cup of warm water poured as you go) makes it much more bearable.
Stock up on snacks – Newborn life is chaotic and you won’t always have time to cook. Healthy, grab-and-go snacks will be a lifesaver.
Ask for help – Whether it’s your partner, family or friends, don’t be afraid to accept help. You don’t have to do everything yourself!
Pregnancy is an incredible journey, but it’s also full of unexpected surprises (and not all of them are fun). Hopefully, these hacks will help make the ride smoother, more comfortable and dare I say it?—even enjoyable.
Remember, every pregnancy is different, so take what works for you and leave the rest. Most importantly, be kind to yourself. You’re growing a human and that’s pretty amazing.
Now, go put your feet up, grab some sour sweets and enjoy the ride!
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