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?
Re: Share your comfort tips
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.
When I AM uncomfortable, though, I just lay down, lol.
I agree with the comfy pants and looking at the Christmas tree!
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.
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TTC 10+ | Stage 4 Endometriosis
3 Laparscopy's
BFP - 06.15.2014
EDD - 02.16.2015