Pregnancy Hacks!

mizzkbrat · August 2016

What have you done to make your life a little bit easier with this big ole belly your sporting around? Share your hacks!

mizzkbrat · August 2016

In order to shave my legs, I've added a bucket to my shower to prop my legs up with so I can bend over not as far.

mothernorth · August 2016

I use DD's stool as a makeshift squatty-potty when I have to poop, and seriously you guys, I can NOT stress enough how much of a difference it makes, especially with the bean squishing the ol' intestines. I'm never going back to regular pooping, so this is more of a life hack.
Sorry I don't have any super awesome, top secret TTM tricks to offer, I'm beginning to think there AREN'T any "hacks" to help make us more comfortable at this point.

UponAStar16 · August 2016

Ooh good idea, I'll be following this bc I'm super awkward with this bump! This isn't innovative at all but, I definitely roll to my side and try to use the momentum to get up off the sofa or bed. Also, when the bump was smaller I could just roll over my snoogle to get up to pee, but now it is definitely safer and easier (as in, I don't get stuck and have to wake my husband up for help) to slip out under it.

CopperBoom86 · August 2016

I make my husband do all the things. Does that count???

mrszoess · August 2016

@copperboom86 same.

sportiegrl1213 · August 2016

I've been doing good so far, but it is starting to get a little more difficult to bend over. I was still able to put on and tie sneakers this morning. I'm sure this will be all changing in the upcoming weeks!

Oh the only thing I can't do anymore is lean in to get the clothes from the washer. We have a top loader and I leave the laundry to the DH but of course I still have to fold it and put it away!

mizzkbrat · August 2016

@CopperBoom86 FI did offer to shave my legs last night but I just logistically couldn't see how it would work. Hence the bucket in the shower. LOL

ashleyp625 · August 2016

sportiegrl1213 said:

I've been doing good so far, but it is starting to get a little more difficult to bend over. I was still able to put on and tie sneakers this morning. I'm sure this will be all changing in the upcoming weeks!

Oh the only thing I can't do anymore is lean in to get the clothes from the washer. We have a top loader and I leave the laundry to the DH but of course I still have to fold it and put it away!

I make my husband take it out of the dryer too. It hurts to lean all the way in there to reach the back!

bamacoop · August 2016

Even with a tub (and therefore a lip to put my feet on) shaving is getting difficult. But only my left leg? I think it's because I'm right handed, so I have the razor in my right hand, and when I shave my left leg I have to lean over to the side more to get everything and the bump pushes into my upper thigh.

Anyone got any hacks for putting on clothes? Not a huge deal I guess, but just putting underwear and pants on is starting to hurt because if I lift my leg to get it inside the leg hole, my thigh hits my bump. That either makes my bump actually hurt, makes Baby start kicking back in revenge, or makes me feel like vomiting from pushing all my innards upwards.

I'm thinking laying back on the bed might help? But even then, I feel like I'd have to pull my leg up AND to the side, like a demented frog.

UponAStar16 · August 2016

@bamacoop I've been mostly avoiding pants because they are too hot and difficult to put on, and sticking to capris or stretchy/yoga capris or gauchos. I can't sit and then bend even more so I stand and lean on something for balance while trying to bend as little as possible, hang my underwear or pants down so I can put a leg in, switch and put in the other leg, then pull up. I'd also love to know if there is a good trick for getting dressed!

sjo_thetwins · August 2016

I never wear pants.

ibabyloveb87 · August 2016

@bamacoop I like wearing pants still only because the full panel seems to help support the bump more, but I do struggle getting them on! Same with underwear. My right leg seems to be harder than my left. So far, no hack here either!

I have no hacks bedsides just asking for help! Thanks DH...

mrszoess · August 2016

I'm just glad when I go on maternity leave it seriously cuts down on the days I wear underwear.
tmi sorry.

UponAStar16 · August 2016

Today my husband took off my pants after work. And not in a sexy way

LauraPCOS · August 2016

@bamacoop I've had issues getting on undies/pants/shorts for the last while. First it would hurt my uterus to lift my leg, as if I did a million crunches the night before, and now because this big belly is in the way. I sit on the edge of the bed with the clothes beside me, and lift my leg (literally with my hands) to get my ankle on my knee then get one loop of panties on, then kinda stretch the panties and throw my other leg in. Then wash rinse repeat for the next piece of clothing. Ya it sucks.

strickland8052 · August 2016

DH suggested I get one of those sticks with a claw on the end (like for picking up pecans off ground) for when I need to get stuff off the floor. Genius, but I haven't done it yet.

other than that, I second the squatty potty and putting pants on while sitting. I also have begun flushing the toilet for every three pees. Any more and the tp gets to be too much; any less and I'm just wasting water. Is that s hack?

von1976 · August 2016

I'm afraid to admit to my husband that I have trouble getting my pants on at nearly 35 weeks. He would never let me live it down. He thinks it's hilarious how huge I am, which I don't find amusing because my face just decided to get fat.

NoraAurora · August 2016

We bought a squatty potty, because I think my H wanted it more than me. I definitely like it though! But the belly still does get in the way- however I think it will be even more amazing for postpartum poos.

I really can't think of any other 3rd tri hacks. I'm defeated basically. Hire a cleaning service?

FemShep · August 2016

I bought one of these "husband" pillows at Target; combined with a throw pillow, it helps me sit in a reclined position, which is much more comfortable. Seriously the best $15 I ever spent.

https://www.target.com/p/bedrest-pillow-room-essentials/-/A-50355494

LauraPCOS · August 2016

strickland8052 said:

DH suggested I get one of those sticks with a claw on the end (like for picking up pecans off ground) for when I need to get stuff off the floor. Genius, but I haven't done it yet.

other than that, I second the squatty potty and putting pants on while sitting. I also have begun flushing the toilet for every three pees. Any more and the tp gets to be too much; any less and I'm just wasting water. Is that s hack?

Okay my mind is seriously messed up (or maybe a genius). I started reading what your hubby suggested, and I thought you were going to say to help you wipe - because you know since I'm getting huge and now struggling to wipe my brain says everyone is. I was like "That's AWESOME! You put some TP in the claw, and away we go!" But then I kept reading and felt like a door knob lol. Ya I think it's time for me to go get a coffee.

AshleyGemini24 · August 2016

Still doing the ugly manly yoga squats to pick stuff up. And for putting on socks and shoes, i sit on the bed and bend my leg in like I'm sitting indian style. Slide my sock and shoe on, then turn tbe other way and repeat with the other foot.

Mintz1982 · August 2016

Slip on shoes I can't see my feet I'm not tieing my shoes , ice packs on the neck it frigging hot in Ontario Cananda, the poop stool from bed bath and beyhond works for poop and for taking in the shower to shave my legs.
My biggest issue is my hair it's to long I am seriously considering a pixie cut but it's just takes to long to grow.

Mintz1982 · August 2016

Lmao I do what my husband calls the pants dance everyday he basically watches to he can laugh then when I wear a dress every day because it goes over my head he wonders why.

OrangeEv · August 2016

FemShep said:

I bought one of these "husband" pillows at Target; combined with a throw pillow, it helps me sit in a reclined position, which is much more comfortable. Seriously the best $15 I ever spent.

https://www.target.com/p/bedrest-pillow-room-essentials/-/A-50355494

And now it's on sale for 10$!! I am so tempted. Heartburn has been killer. And I bet it would be nice for night feedings in bed.

mkc3888 · August 2016

when I put on pants I bend my leg to the side to put on one leg at a time.

LizaKate1213 · August 2016

Not really a hack at all, but I bought a belly support band off of Amazon. It arrived today and I am SO excited/relieved. I was getting concerned about how I would be able to continue working with my belly feeling so heavy and pulling on my back. This holds it up nicely and is really comfortable. I got the AZ Med support belt, it was $25 and had great reviews. Wore it today for a while and there was definitely a notable difference, especially after taking it off! I was surprised how much it was holding me up once I didn't have it on anymore.

ammetko04 · August 2016

LizaKate1213 said:

Not really a hack at all, but I bought a belly support band off of Amazon. It arrived today and I am SO excited/relieved. I was getting concerned about how I would be able to continue working with my belly feeling so heavy and pulling on my back. This holds it up nicely and is really comfortable. I got the AZ Med support belt, it was $25 and had great reviews. Wore it today for a while and there was definitely a notable difference, especially after taking it off! I was surprised how much it was holding me up once I didn't have it on anymore.

I second the support band! I love mine!

Kaessi · August 2016

OrangeEv said:

FemShep said:

I bought one of these "husband" pillows at Target; combined with a throw pillow, it helps me sit in a reclined position, which is much more comfortable. Seriously the best $15 I ever spent.

https://www.target.com/p/bedrest-pillow-room-essentials/-/A-50355494

And now it's on sale for 10$!! I am so tempted. Heartburn has been killer. And I bet it would be nice for night feedings in bed.

I totally ordered this at 3 AM this morning when I was bumping & couldn't sleep. Thanks for the tip!!

blaf322 · August 2016

@LizaKate1213- do you feel like they're restrictive, hot, or chunky under clothing? I got a belly band when I was just starting to show so I could continue to wear non-maternity pants but I felt like I was constantly adjusting it up or down and that it was super hot. Wondering if I'll feel the same about a support band... But if it'll help my back it may be worth it

allison_smith_6212 · August 2016

I've started sleeping with a few pillows in a slight sitting up position... partially due to acid reflux but the real reason is when I have to pee in the middle of the night I feel like a turtle stuck on my back trying to roll over to get out of bed.

LMNOBaby · August 2016

@FemShep - Why didn't I think of one of these pillows?? I'm ordering one today... The only way I can sleep without both my arms going numb lately is practically upright, but just propping up with pillows I still seem to go flat... I'm ordering one today!!

mayisch · August 2016

I bought at WM a super cheap (compared to other brands) cocoa butter & aloe vera cream, the brand is fruit of the earth and its around $4 dlls. It really leaves my belly super soft and no stretch marks so far... (I do have on my hips thanks to puberty). I use it after showering and sometimes before bedtime

jbal918 · August 2016

I bleached the mop and then sprayed the tub and mopped it. Ten times easier lol

LizaKate1213 · August 2016

@bnsmith85 sorry for the delay getting back to you, picked up an unexpected work shift today. This is much different than the belly band. It is more snug and fully adjustable. It stays in place really well. I wear either a tank top or belly band under it so it isn't right up against my skin because it does have Velcro on it. The one I got has a mesh front and is pretty breathable. Definitely worth the $25 paid for it!

blaf322 · August 2016

Thanks so much @LizaKate1213!

Schell2013 · September 2016

I love my snoogie preganncy pillow for sleeping. I never had one with either of my kids and I am still sleeping soundly through the night except peeing once. I was never able to do this with prior babies and the only thing I think is because of the pillow. I can have my belly against it wrap my legs around it and hug it, and it keeps me from flipping to my back which is also helpful in keeping me asleep for longer periods of time. Best money I've spent, and I wish I wasn't so cheap with my last two kids and got one.

blaf322 · September 2016

@Schell2013... Ugh... I wish I loved mine. Biggest waste of $50. I also wish I could sell it... But who wants a used snoogle (even if I only tried it for a few hours at a time for a couple of nights)... No one... The answer would be no one lol

ibabyloveb87 · September 2016

@bnsmith85 Didn't work for my neighbor either but she used it when her son was born to prop him up for pictures and such. She would just wind it around so it made a donut almost.

I love mine too @Schell2013!

mothernorth · September 2016

@bnsmith85 I'm the weirdo who would buy something like that used.

mommabear444 · September 2016

@bnsmith85 people buy that stuff, especially if it's hardly used ... no drool stains lol jk. But apps like OfferUp make that easy or take it to a kids consignment store and you should get store credit to spend on gently used baby items !

Want a personalized experience?

Pregnancy Hacks!

Re: Pregnancy Hacks!

Choose Another Board

Search Boards