When you're pregnant, everyone tells you to enjoy every moment because it goes so fast.
And while I absolutely loved feeling those little kicks and watching my bump grow, by the third trimester I was also... uncomfortable.
Rolling over in bed became a mission. I'd get out of breath putting shoes on. Even getting up from the couch required a little countdown in my head.
Looking back, it wasn't the big purchases that made those last few months easier. It was the little things I did every day without really thinking about them.
If I could go back and give my pregnant self a few pieces of advice, this is exactly what I'd say.
Buy the pants that fit you sooner
I waited way too long.
I kept telling myself I could make my normal clothes work, but by the end of the day I'd be desperate to change into something more comfortable.
The day I finally bought maternity leggings and a proper maternity bra, I wished I'd done it weeks earlier.
It's amazing how much better you feel when you're not constantly adjusting your clothes or pulling a waistband back into place.
Accept the help
This was probably the hardest lesson for me.
I like being independent, but growing a baby while working full time and raising a toddler is exhausting.
If someone offered to look after my 2 year old for the afternoon, cook dinner or help with the washing, I eventually learnt to say yes.
You don't get a medal for doing everything yourself.
Make bedtime as comfortable as you can
Sleep was probably the thing I struggled with most towards the end of pregnancy.
Between needing the toilet, trying to get comfortable and waking up every time I rolled over, a full night's sleep felt pretty rare.
I found that giving my body a little extra support made a noticeable difference. Whether that's a couple of regular pillows or a pregnancy pillow, the goal is simply to take some of the pressure off your hips, bump and lower back.
If you're wondering whether pregnancy pillows are actually worth buying, you can read my
guide, "Do I Really Need a Pregnancy Pillow? And Do They Really Work?" .
Buy the pregnancy belt
I didn't think I'd need one, until I reached the point where even a trip to the supermarket felt like hard work.
As my bump got heavier, I started noticing more pressure through my lower back, hips and pelvis, especially if I was standing or walking for even for short periods of time.
Wearing a pregnancy support belt gave my bump a little lift and made everyday things feel that bit more comfortable. It wasn't something I wore every day, but on the days I needed it, I was always glad I had it.
Stop trying to do everything
I spent far too much of my pregnancy feeling guilty that I wasn't getting enough done.
Looking back, I wish I'd been kinder to myself.
The washing could wait. The house didn't have to be spotless. Dinner didn't need to be anything fancy.
Growing a baby was enough.
Stop comparing your pregnancy to everyone else's
Social media can make it look like everyone else is glowing, exercising every day and loving every minute.
That wasn't my reality.
Some days I had energy. Other days I needed an afternoon nap just to get through dinner. And that's okay.
Every pregnancy is different, and there isn't a prize for pushing through when your body is asking you to slow down.
One last thing...
If you're reading this in your third trimester, I just want to remind you of something I wish someone had reminded me.
You don't have to "tough it out."
If buying the maternity leggings makes you more comfortable, buy them.
If an afternoon nap helps, take it.
If you need help carrying the groceries, ask.
These last few months can feel long, but they're also the final stretch before you meet your little one.
Make comfort a priority. Your body is doing something pretty incredible.
About the author
Elle Nilsson is the founder of Belly Bliss and a mum of two from New Zealand. After experiencing the challenges of pregnancy discomfort herself, she created Belly Bliss to help other mums feel more comfortable throughout pregnancy. She loves sharing honest, practical advice that she wishes someone had shared with her.
