Thriving In Pregnancy

​Pregnancy can be so overwhelming! But in truth, you can keep it simple! This is my fifth time around, so here are my nine tips for a happy nine months...

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1. Find Prenatal Care You Trust

I once asked an OB why she had chosen obstetrics. Her answer: "Men are terrible patients. Women carrying babies will do anything they are told."

Yeah... I'm one of the weirdos who likes to think for herself and make informed decisions (call me crazy).  I pretty much ran out of there and never went back. 

We all have different comfort levels. Finding a doctor or midwife that you are comfortable with is essential. Yes, you have to work within your limitations and insurance, but God can do amazing things. Ask around. Talk to other mamas. Pray. Interview them. It is not a waste of time! Keep searching until you find someone you can trust.

2. Clean Out Your Closet

You will be much happier if every look into your closet does not remind you of all the things you can't wear anymore! Get a box or bin, label it "Skinny Mama," put in whatever you can, and put that thing away.

3. Start with Comfortable Undies

Seriously.  In a time when there are many, many ways to be uncomfortable, you are going to want underwear that are so comfy you forget about them.  These are my favs.

4. Find Clothes You Love

You want pieces you can mix and match, in colors and fits that make you happy. If it makes you feel like you're wearing a circus tent, get rid of it! 

My favorite shirts are an Amazon find. They are sleeveless which I love, because in summer they're comfy, and when the weather is cool, they're great for layering. And they come in lots of colors.

The rest of my maternity clothes are deals from Thred Up (follow the link to get a free $10 to spend!). Thred Up carries gently used clothing, and you can save your sizes so that it only shows you sizes you want! 

5. Drink Clear to Think Clear

Your brain and body work better when you are hydrated. During pregnancy it's especially important! Water is wonderful and red raspberry leaf tea strengthens your womb! Drink up!

6. Repeat After Me: Just Say No-Tifications

Pregnancy leaves a mama feeling SO scatterbrained.  Your brain is full of baby thoughts and decisions, and it is so easy to get distracted. Your kids are constantly interrupting your train of thought, and let's face it: so is your phone.

I recently turned off all the notifications on my phone, and I couldn't believe the difference that made! I had no idea how often my phone was interrupting me to let me know I had an email until I told it to shush! 

Try it for 24 hours, I dare you! You can always turn the notifications back on if you can't stand the lack of interruption.

7. Don't Try to Run On Empty

You can't pour into your kids and husband and friends if you are running on empty. Even if your "quiet time" isn't all that quiet, make time for it. Even if your kids are chatting away nearby, get a Bible you can scribble notes and just do it! 

Make time for God's Word: He will fill you up so you can still bless your family during the weary days of pregnancy. 

This pencil scratching is the prettiest thing I've made in weeks. And there was kid craziness all around me.

8. Don't Forget the Kids You Already Have!

A baby doesn't have to divide your family. With intention, a baby can draw your family closer together.

Encourage your other kids to look forward to the baby:

• Let them help you pick fun things for a baby registry or get the nursery ready.
  
• Encourage them to talk to the baby in your tummy.
  
• Tell the bigger kids how much you rely on them!
  
• Apologize when you speak harshly with them. Ask them for extra grace when you need it.
  
• Be real.
• Do not blame things on the baby. For example, start training your toddler to walk places where you would normally carry them. Don't blame the baby. Tell them how much it helps Mama's back!

9. Find A Baby Registry That Makes Life Easier

The way we relate to people has changed so much! If your friends and family are scattered all over, I recommend using the Amazon Baby Registry. You don't have to worry if the store you registered with exists where everyone lives. No one has to find a registry machine and print out a list and wander around looking for stuff.

With Amazon's Baby Registry, you can share the link to your registry online, and then your friends and family just click and purchase. You can even add things from other sites and earn things like free diapers!

What About You?

Well these are the things that I thrive on during pregnancy, but what about you? What one thing would you tell an expecting mama she should never be without? Leave a comment!