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Pregnancy is a trying time. For some, it is dotted with minor discomforts and some expected physical changes. In contrast, for others, it can be an uphill journey that may turn out to be unpleasant at best and life-threatening at worst.
In either scenario, it is essential that you are gentle with yourself as you navigate your pregnancy journey. It is hard enough that you are bringing life into the world, you must not additionally suffer through avoidable discomfort. So, here are some tips to help you make your home a comfortable haven.
Ventilation
Aversion to scents and aromas is a common symptom among expectant moms. You may find, for instance, that the aroma of coffee or your partner’s perfume brings up an irrepressible bout of nausea. The troubling part is, you never really know when it will strike or what scent may trigger it. It is somewhat a case of learning on the job.
Good ventilation could help make scents in your home less concentrated and thus less triggering. Try to keep your windows open when you can or when meals are being prepared or served in the home. Fresh air is also generally great for calming nausea even when it is not triggered by scents.
Air Quality
For your body to accommodate your growing child, your immunity is stepped down. This immunosuppression may make you extremely sensitive and prone to allergies you may not ordinarily suffer from. Allergens such as dust, animal fur, or pollen may become a source of great misery and you may have to avoid them for a while.
Consider installing air purifying devices in your home. They are designed to suction away allergens and germs from your space to keep you comfortable and healthy. That said, not all brands are made equal. Some are less efficient and can be quite noisy. Aim for high-quality units that have been tested and certified like the low-noise Hisoair disinfection machine.
Comfortable Sleeping Arrangements
Sleeping during pregnancy is influenced by multiple factors. In the first trimester, for instance, progesterone levels rise and may make you feel exhausted and sleepy at all times of the day. However, as your baby grows and your belly gets bigger, your body posture may change and it becomes harder to find a comfortable sleeping position. Hormonal shifts have also been found to contribute to second and third-trimester insomnia.
Comfortable sleeping arrangements during pregnancy are subjective. Only you can determine what feels right and helps your drift off to sleep. Still, on a more general scope, pillows can be quite helpful. You can use them to support your back and relieve some of the pressure that your distended belly places on it. Consider pregnancy pillows too as they are designed to support your entire body frame.
A Home Office
At various points of your expectancy, commuting to work may prove impossible due to prolonged bouts of being unwell. This is often caused by conditions such as hyperemesis gravidarum or high-risk pregnancies such as those involving multiples. While you may be willing to push through it and keep working, doctor’s orders may restrict you to bed rest or limited movement.
If you work in a fast-paced cutthroat setting, pregnancy is often a chance for your competition to outshine you. It is, therefore, understandable that you may want to stay in the loop on work matters. Business owners too may not have the luxury of delegating all their responsibilities on a whim. The pregnancy window, may in fact be a crucial time to prepare your managerial staff to take the reins when you go on maternity leave.
A home office that allows you to work in comfort and telecommute may be the best compromise for such situations. To set it up you will likely need:
- An ergonomic chair that can be adjusted for your comfort
- An adjustable desk that can alternate between standing and sitting positions
- Back support pillows
- A footrest to enable you to raise your feet for better circulation during long periods of sitting
An Exercise Nook
The duration of your pregnancy may not be the time to try and train for the Olympics. Your body, no matter how athletic, may not handle it very well. Severe strenuous activity could lead to complications such as premature labor or detachment of the placenta which are all quite dangerous. Nevertheless, it is recommended that you try and keep your body moderately active hence the need for an exercise nook.
An exercise nook can be as big as an entire room or simply a demarcated section in your bedroom or living room. It would have a non-slip mat and a few exercise aids based on the fitness activities you will be performing. As you furnish the space, keep in mind that there is more than one way to exercise. Whereas you may not be able to skip rope, prenatal yoga can be just as effective and offers numerous health benefits.
Conclusion
It is a natural instinct for mothers-to-be to begin planning for the arrival of their little ones during pregnancy. As a result, you may lose sight of your own needs and try to tough things out. Unfortunately, this approach would only deplete you and cause you to arrive at the door of motherhood extremely tired. Embracing comfort does not make you a lesser mother just a healthier one.
