Let's Be Real Mamas - Third Trimester Products

This being my first baby, I am doing EVERYTHING I possibly can do to ensure this last trimester easy as possible. Outlined below I have some of the things I using to make my pregnancy more comfortable.

Number one - Red Raspberry Leaf Tea (RRL)

As of 32 weeks, I started drinking red raspberry leaf tea as it was recommended by everyone & almost anywhere you will read. As someone who is always questioning why something is recommended or will it work for me, I have listed all the reasons to drink RRL for you so you can come to your own conclusion.

*It's important to note that while many women find red raspberry leaf tea beneficial during pregnancy, it's not suitable for everyone. If you are unsure, please consult your healthcare provider.

• Uterine Tonic: It is believed to help tone the muscles of the uterus, making contractions more efficient during labor. This can potentially lead to a shorter and less painful labor. Hellooooooo, who doesn't want this?

• Nutrient-Rich: Red raspberry leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C and E, calcium, and iron. Consuming the tea during pregnancy can provide these essential nutrients to support maternal and fetal health.

• Improved Circulation: Red raspberry leaf tea may promote better blood circulation, which can be beneficial during pregnancy when the body's blood volume increases.

• Balanced Hormones: Some women find that RRL helps balance hormones and alleviate menstrual discomfort. This can be especially helpful during pregnancy when hormone levels are fluctuating. Listen, I am not interested in anymore discomfort or changes, so this was personally a game changer.

• Digestive Support & Hydration: RRL tea can have mild digestive benefits, helping to relieve issues like nausea and indigestion that can occur during pregnancy.Another benefit, provide a flavourful way to increase fluid intake.

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Number two - Yoga ball

Hear me out, I replaced every chair I sit on with a yoga ball. Another thing that was highly recommended was a yoga ball - I was so skeptical because what does sitting on a bouncy ball has to do with helping my body get ready for labour? Using a yoga ball, also known as a stability or exercise ball, can be beneficial for pregnant women for several reasons:

*Choose the right size ball: Ensure that you use a ball that is the correct size for your height. When sitting on the ball, your knees should be at a 90-degree angle or slightly lower.

• Improved Posture & Alignment, Strengthens Core Muscles: Sitting on a yoga ball encourages proper posture and alignment, which can help alleviate back pain and discomfort often experienced during pregnancy. It promotes an upright and balanced position, reducing strain on the lower back.Balancing on a yoga ball engages the core muscles, including the abdominal muscles and lower back, which are essential for maintaining stability and supporting the growing belly.

• Reduced Pelvic Pressure & Back Pain: Sitting on a yoga ball can relieve pressure on the pelvis and lower back. The gentle rocking or bouncing motion can also provide comfort and relaxation. Many pregnant women experience lower back pain due to the added weight and strain on their spine. Sitting on a yoga ball can help alleviate this discomfort by providing a more supportive and dynamic sitting surface.

• Promotes Circulation: The gentle rocking or bouncing motion on a yoga ball can promote blood circulation in the legs and reduce swelling, which is a common issue during pregnancy.

• Stress Reduction: Sitting on a yoga ball can be relaxing and soothing. The rhythmic motion and gentle bouncing can help reduce stress and anxiety, which is essential for the well-being of both the mother and the baby.

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Number three - Pregnancy Belt or "Belly Band"

In the third trimester I can starting to feel ginormous which has been extremely uncomfortable, one thing that was presented to me as an option for some relief was a belly band. I kid you not, the first time I wrapped it around myself... It was a magical feeling. It felt like an entire weight was taken off of my back, shoulders & somehow even my chest. It was godly!

* As always, consult with your health care provider. It's essential to choose a high-quality belly band that fits well and is comfortable for your specific needs.

• Back and Abdominal Support: One of the primary benefits of a belly band is that it provides support to the lower back and abdominal muscles. A belly band helps distribute the weight more evenly, reducing strain and providing relief.

• Improved Posture: The additional weight of the belly can lead to poor posture as pregnant women often lean backward to compensate for the front-heavy load. A belly band encourages better posture by gently pulling the shoulders back and preventing excessive arching of the lower back.

• Versatility: Many belly bands are adjustable and can grow with the pregnancy, providing support from the early stages through the third trimester. Some bands can also be worn postpartum to provide support as the body recovers.

• Pain Relief During Exercise: If a pregnant woman continues to engage in exercise during pregnancy (with her healthcare provider's approval), a belly band can provide extra support and reduce discomfort during workouts.

Here is the link to the one I am using: https://amzn.to/3PEBCD3

My second choice: https://amzn.to/3Q3sOYA