One of the hardest things for me during this pregnancy has been finding ways to remain stress free and pain free. I’m not the most successful at it, and chasing after a two year old while this body of mine gradually stretches a little more every day has been taking a painful toll on my neck and back.
Now, I’m by no means an expert on pregnancy, but I do have a few favorite products that I use (almost everyday) to help me feel just a bit more relaxed. I’ve compiled my top five for you here:
1. Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter
This is a must for me. One of the most undesirable side effects from my growing baby bump is the inevitable amount of dry and itchy skin around my belly and chest area. So far, this cream has been my #1 go-to soother. It’s odorless (which I appreciate) and it doesn’t leave a heavy greasy residue. I usually apply it after the shower or right before bed. I’ve heard that it helps prevent stretch marks but I’ve also heard that those are hereditary and there’s no escaping them (sorry mamas)
I’ve tried many chapsticks throughout my life and thus far, this is my favorite! First off, it comes in a pretty vintage packaging, it has a light rose smell to it and it’s pink! Most of the time, I use the salve on my lips but it really can be used for any surface including cuticles, elbows and hands. I also use it on Grace whenever she gets a small scrape or scratch to help with the itching.
3. Herbal Essence Naked Dry shampoo
I’ve recently learned that it’s not good to wash my hair every day. Seriously, finding that out has completely revolutionized my morning routine. Usually, I like to have freshly dried hair every morning but that’s an unrealistic expectation that I just can’t get around to meeting. These days, I’m lucky to get a nice hairwash and dry once (max twice) a week. This dry shampoo has been my secret weapon. I spray it along my roots at night and in the morning wake up with beautiful hair.
4. Dr. Teal’s Eucalyptus Epsom Salt
I try to squeeze in an epsom salt bath at least once a week. It’s not the most convenient (because let’s face it, who has time for baths?) but it forces me to take a break. I like Dr.Teal’s salt bath with Eucalyptus scent. The aroma therapy allows me to relax my tense muscles while soaking for at least 20 minutes, helps me to clear my mind and breathe. I usually do this after putting Grace down (to minimize interruptions) and make it a point to fill my lungs up with oxygen.
Regardless of how crazy busy my days were, I have always been able to start fresh the following day. Usually, I just willed myself into waking up and taking on the morning, but when you’re 31 weeks pregnant, getting up and staying up is a very difficult task. A warm cup of this coffee in the morning, helps me manage the insomnia and sleep interruptions. I usually opt for a second cup however, for my sanity and grace’s safety, a third cup of coffee is sometimes added mid day. Also, I make sure to follow it all up with plenty of water to keep my blood pressure under control and the baby hydrated.
So here they are… the top five products that have managed to keep me as comfortable as possible in the past weeks. Now, I’m sure I’ll be adding a few more to my list as this pregnancy reaches it’s finish line. In the meantime I am open to any suggestions… especially when it comes to headaches, muscle pain and pelvic pain relief. Please share!!!
I may not be pregnant, but I am totally adding that brand of epsom salt to my shopping list! And I love what you said about making it a point to fill your lungs with oxygen. I think there really is something to that. Sometimes we’re just so preoccupied that we don’t fully relax even when we’re trying to! Breathing is key. 🙂
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Erica,
Thanks for your kind words. I was never a fan of baths but I have noticed that Epsom salt baths make a HUGE difference when it comes to having sore muscles. Also, I completely agree with you about being too preoccupied to fully relax. I have to focus on my breathing so to keep my mind off my to-do list!! Thanks for stopping by!