Pregnancy is one of those seasons in a woman’s life when many social norms are set aside and grace is extended often. Pass gas in public? Don’t expect anyone to laugh at you. Waddle much? It’s cute, not awkward! Take a third trip to the buffet? You’re eating for two! Take advantage of this social leniency and do five things that will keep you safe and comfortable. Disregard that little voice that says, “but I feel stupid.”
1. Wear those winter boots.
Don’t worry, the fashion police will avert their eyes while you sport winter boots with extra tread while trekking around town in this frigid weather. After all, you are pregnant and your center of gravity has shifted! You need all the extra traction you can get while waddling across icy parking lots and slushy department store tile. Forget the fact they don’t match your Secret Fit skinny jeans; you’ll feel worse if you slip and fall.
2. Do your Kegels. No one knows.
Trust me, no one can tell you are doing this most important exercise unless you make a face every time you clench and release. (Do a few in the mirror first to make sure you’re not squinting or smirking, okay?) The consequences of not doing these are much more embarrassing than exercising your pelvic floor muscles during a boring work meeting.
3. Work that maternity support belt.
It’s not like you have to wear it on the outside of your shirt… but it will make you feel a lot better during those last weeks of pregnancy.
4. Get on all fours once in a while.
I give you permission to reserve this for watching reruns of A Baby Story in the privacy of your living room. Getting on all fours and rocking back and forth not only relieves pressure on your rib cage and helps you breath more deeply, but it also helps get your baby into the correct birth position and keep her there.
5. Go ahead and unzip your fly if you need to.
It’s not good to wear constricting pants when your belly is full of baby. You can loop a rubber band between the button and loop, or you can leave the fly completely open and wear a Bella Band to hold your pants up. If these options don’t give you enough room, it may be time to break down and wear the ever-dreaded panel pants. They’re not that bad, I promise.