Share your comfort tips

jennypolkadots

As we head through the 3rd trimester, it seems every day is a little less comfortable. I thought it would be neat to share what's helping us keep our sanity and stay more comfortable in these last few months. Maybe it will help other people with the same symptoms.

My current list:

Chiropractic care - seriously, I have no idea how anyone does without this. After an adjustment my pelvis, hips and back all feel so much better. It's hard growing so fast and having everything shift around! Right now I go every 2 weeks and at 36 weeks will start weekly appointments to keep in alignment for birth.

Probiotics - my midwife recommended taking these and WOAH, my digestion is better than before getting pregnant (which was never bad). I can't believe the difference it has made and how much lighter I feel. I am taking 2 Bio-kult capsules every morning 30 minutes before breakfast and will start taking 4 a day at 36 weeks. Before taking them I was a bit irregular and just felt so "stuffed" and bloated all the time.

Swimming - I try to swim 500 meters "front crawl" a few times a week and my body feels so much better during and afterwards. It's also supposed to be great for fetal positioning, but mostly I just go for the feeling of weightlessness. We're lucky to have an indoor pool at the community park behind our house so I can just walk over. I walk daily but the swimming is something I am always looking forward to.

Epsom salt baths - I make my own bath salts (Epsom, sea salt, baking soda, and essential oils) and take a few baths each week. The Epsom salt makes my tired muscles feel so much better. I've had a touch of SPD and the front of my pelvic bones feel so much better after soaking a bit. On days I'm feeling emotional/stressed I'll just take a long bath and play some music and I feel so much better. 

What's your current saving grace?

duckie23

Um, sweatpants and staring at my Christmas tree?

Seriously, though, what I'm finding most comforting right now is rubbing my belly (and making my DH rub my belly). Why does it feel so good?

We've also been practicing some labor positions, like me on all fours and DH squeezing my hips, and I'm finding they take some of the pressure/ache off my pelvis and groin.

I wish a bath felt better to me--I normally love baths--but lately it's been so hard to get in and out, move around, and my belly gets cold sticking out of the water. I think our tub is just too small.

amedbery

The exercise ball is my best friend. A few times a day, I can sit and rotate my hips, do hip and leg stretches, stretch my back, etc.

I'm off work, so taking time to relax, eat right, nap, have relaxing tea - just taking care of myself. It makes everything feel better when I am less stressed.

A lot of times, I'll kick DH out of the bed and sleep sideways with my back toward the headrest. I line that with pillows and use it as a support. It really helps support my back and keeps me in the right position. I've really noticed less pain in my hips when I sleep like that and with two pillows between my legs and one under my arm for support.

mamabisme

This is my third pregnancy but the first that I have stayed active through. Exercising daily has made a tremendous difference in my comfort level. At this stage, I am starting to have to modify my routine a bit but I have to say that just staying active has made this so much easier.

UberBiz

mamabisme said:

This is my third pregnancy but the first that I have stayed active through. Exercising daily has made a tremendous difference in my comfort level. At this stage, I am starting to have to modify my routine a bit but I have to say that just staying active has made this so much easier.

I think this made a difference this time around, too. This is my third, and through the first and second trimesters, I would often walk to and from work (I live about a half mile from my job), and I know that doesn't sound like much, but it was WAY more than I was doing pre-pregnancy. I sat down last night and realized that I hadn't had FI put any icy hot on my back this time, and when I was pregnant with our son, I was using that stuff almost every night for the last two months cuz my back hurt so bad.

When I AM uncomfortable, though, I just lay down, lol.

kellyfo14

It's amazing to me how much more comfortable this pregnancy has been for me than my last two. I chalk it up to starting the pregnancy 70 pounds lighter than my last two pregnancies. I am only 34 weeks but still have no hip pain at night which plagued me very early on with my first two.

I agree with the comfy pants and looking at the Christmas tree!

Angeldcf

wine and sushi

[Deleted User]

Dark chocolate

rodiesmum

Aromatherapy. Stretching. DHs back massage. And ice cream

eleolin8

After long day at work as a PT, sitting on the physioball (birthball) is like instant back pressure relief for me.  Then, I'll plop on the couch and that feels pretty good...lol.  Also go to bed like an hour early knowing I need the extra time since I wake up every 1-2 hours to turn or go pee.

And yes, staring at my Christmas tree helps.  My bath is also too small.  But on the weekends, I love to take a nap mid-day.

wishiwaspreggo

Food.  Pajamas.  TV.  Sleep.  Those are about the only things that make me feel good at this point!

Cleto2007

My routine at night, nice warm bath, followed by watching a good movie in my favorite PJs and wrapped up in my fuzzy blanket. Been sleeping pretty well for being at 39 weeks. If i dont sleep well my next day tends to be a little tough to vet through

MommyOfAMiracle

Crying in a very long warm shower. 

Sleeping with a pillow in between my legs to help with the RLS. 

rosascol

Awww, Crying in a very long warm shower, I can relate. I haven't found any true relief or comfort and am in severe pain all of the time. Oddly enough, through this intense, almost debilitating pain, I am happy.

I would say lighting a pine scented candle and listening to lullabies helps : )