Pregnancy Survival Tools

I was about 35 weeks along here!

Since I am walking down a similar path as last year, I figured I would share a few tips about how I survived the last time around, and how I intend to muster through this year. It's not quite a back to back pregnancy, but it sure feels like it. I was pregnant last May, and I am pregnant this May! Back to duty after a seemingly short 7 month break. 

I have made some changes to how I went about things last year, and so I have put together a list of tips that I have found have helped me make this a lot more fun, and exciting than the last time. After all, I am growing a tiny human inside me. I need to make sure "it" is well taken care of.  So..

Here are some essential survival tips for 9 months of fun- 

Excercise

• At least 4 days a week. I stopped completely during my last pregnancy in the 2nd trimester. I am hoping I can keep up the energy to maintain. Trust me, it helps so much. By this time in my pregnancy I was already 10 pounds heavier. This time I haven't put on any extra pounds yet, and I have more energy to handle my 10 month old. I just hope I can keep it up.  Hold yourself accountable to getting at least some form of activity, even walking works.

• Foam roller- since I am not getting as many massages, I place this under my aching back to roll out the kinks, especially if I am sore from a workout. It hurts initially, but then turns into something beautiful. There are a variety of these, find the one that works for you. 

Sleep Tools

• My Snoogle Pillow- useful for tossing and turning throughout the night. This contraption has eased many  long, and sleepless nights. I actually never stopped using it even after I gave birth. So it's not just a one time use item. You can use it as a pillow, and bring the bottom part through your legs to get some excellent lumbar support. My husband uses 3 pillows to get comfortable, and always tries to sneak my snoogle away! This one long pillow does the job of 3!

• Pregnancy Support Belt- eases that heavy, droopy feeling when your belly gets big. Although, I am still wearing it now during workouts. I feel more stable with it. It also supports my back if I am using hand weights. 

My Snoogler!

Supplements

• Probiotics- My doctor recommended that I take these. I didn't the last time, but have felt the difference in doing so. These ease digestion issues when taken after a meal. 

• Prenatals- of course these are a staple. I actually never stopped taking mine after my delivery since I was also breast-feeding. I also like that they go down easily, without any vitamin burps. So, we'll carry on with this

• Calcium and D3- I take these a few times a week, just to keep those respective levels up 
• Assorted cakes- double chocolate, carrot cake, red-velvet...  You never know when you need lots, and lots of sugar. 

Miscellaneous

• MyFitnessPal App- I'm sure you probably already use this excellent tool, but if you aren't download it to your phone! It's free! I know you aren't supposed to count calories during pregnancy but this app lets you know when you are eating with wild abandon. You can see those calories pile up. I also think it gives you a self-check because you record everything you eat.

• Relax- This seems like a no-brainer, but I have trouble just enjoying my pregnancy. I am working on telling myself to just breathe, and take it easy. I find I get worked up so easily these days, even over the smallest of things. This is a unique experience that I must handle with care as to not upset myself, or my growing baby.