Surviving Pregnancy: 10 Real Tips from a Mom of 4

It’s easy to picture pregnancy as this beautiful, glowing season full of radiant skin, guilt-free eating, and adorable bump-friendly outfits.

But in reality, it’s often much more than that.

It’s...

• Morning sickness

• Emotions all over the place

• Swollen feet

• Trying to tie your shoes without getting out of breath

I’ve been there before (four times, actually) and I’ve had those moments where I truly didn’t know how I was going to make it to the end.

Over the years, I’ve learned some practical survival tips that make pregnancy a little less overwhelming and a lot more manageable. Here’s what I wish every first-time mom knew about getting through pregnancy with a little more grace and a lot less guilt.

1. Listen to Your Body

If you’re anything like me, slowing down might not come naturally.

During my pregnancies, I constantly felt like I should be doing something:

• Organizing

• Cleaning

• Prepping

• Planning

I wanted to have everything ready for when the baby came, even though I was already juggling life and other kids.

Looking back, I wish I’d paid closer attention to my body’s signals. There were so many days when I pushed too hard with deep cleaning, running errands, or standing/walking for far too long. And I unfortunately ended up with sore feet, an aching belly, and pure exhaustion.

It might make you feel guilty to rest when the to-do list is long, but remember this: you’re growing a whole person. Your body is doing incredible work, and rest isn’t laziness; it’s part of the job. When your body asks you to slow down, listen. Take the rest I didn’t!

2. Snack Smart, Not Perfect

Pregnancy cravings are no joke. One minute you want a salad, the next it’s mustard and cheese, or ice cream.

For some, healthy eating goes out the window (“Hey, I’m eating for two!”), while others become stricter than ever, worrying about nutrients and calories.

And to make things even trickier, morning sickness can make you want to eat absolutely nothing.

The truth is, you don’t have to be perfect.

Focus on smart, simple choices. Keep healthy snacks on hand that are easy to grab when the cravings hit. A mix of sweet and salty options, like yogurt, fruit, cheese sticks, or nuts, can help you stay on track.

It’s not really about having a flawless diet, but about fueling your body and baby in a way that feels doable for you.

You can listen to your cravings (within reason), but also keep a few nutritious options within reach for when you can.

3. Stay Hydrated (Even When Water Feels Boring)

We all know hydration is important, but when you already feel like you have to pee every five seconds, it’s hard to stay motivated.

Still, drinking enough water can help...

1. Reduce swelling

2. Relieve headaches

3. Ease morning sickness

4. Even boost your energy

If plain water bores you, try...

• Fruit-infused water

• Herbal tea

• Sparkling water for variety

You can also snack on water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, or oranges.

A few hacks that helped me:

1. Set reminders on your phone

2. Use a water bottle with time markers

3. Keep an insulated water bottle with you at all times so you can sip throughout the day.

Hydration might seem small, but it makes a big difference in how you feel.

4. Move Your Body

Exercise might feel like the last thing you want to do, especially when you’re tired and sick in the first trimester or heavy and achy in the third.

But movement, even light movement, can work wonders for your mood and your body.

Now, no one is asking you for marathon runs or boot camp workouts. Things like walking, gentle stretching, yoga, or Pilates can help ease aches, improve sleep, and reduce anxiety.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (click for more info), if you were active before pregnancy, it’s generally safe to keep exercising at a similar intensity unless your doctor advises otherwise.

But if that sounds intimidating, start small. A slow walk counts. A few stretches on the floor count.

I found that during pregnancy that when I moved regularly, I had less pain and more energy overall. Just remember: consistency matters more than intensity, and it’s okay to skip days when your body says “no.”

5. Prepare for the Emotions

You’ve probably heard this already, but pregnancy and postpartum can be a mix of emotions. One minute you’re crying over a commercial, and the next you’re laughing at yourself for crying over it. It’s all normal.

Your hormones are doing a lot of heavy lifting right now, and with that comes mood swings, tears, and sometimes anxiety.

Try...

1. Journaling your feelings, symptoms, and thoughts about pregnancy

2. Meditating

3. Talking to someone who understands, whether that’s your partner, a close friend, or another mom. Sometimes just venting about the small stuff (like your favorite yogurt being out of stock) can release some of the emotional weight.

And remember: taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.

If you start feeling down most of the day or lose interest in things you normally enjoy, it might be more than typical pregnancy emotions.

These symptoms can show up before birth as prenatal or postpartum depression, and it’s always okay to ask for help. Check my blog post on postpartum depression for info on what you can do about it.

6. Don’t Google Everything

I get it, you notice a new symptom, and before you know it, you’ve gone down a Google rabbit hole that ends with you diagnosing yourself with something terrifying.

We’ve all done it.

But in pregnancy, Googling every twinge can make anxiety skyrocket even more than usual. Your worries aren’t just about you anymore, they’re about your baby too.

Instead, stick to trusted sources: your doctor or midwife.

It’s also okay to talk things through with friends or family, but try not to compare your experience to theirs.

Every pregnancy is unique, and someone else’s story might cause unnecessary worry.

When in doubt, call your doctor. They’re there for this exact reason.

7. Build Your Support System Early

Pregnancy can sometimes feel lonely, even when you’re surrounded by people.

You’re the only one living inside your body, feeling every ache, kick, and mood swing. It can be hard for others, even your partner, to fully understand.

That’s why building a support network early matters.

Find people you can vent to about your fears, frustrations, or just the weirdness of it all.

These might be the same people who’ll become your go-to support once your baby arrives.

Having someone to lean on doesn’t make you weak, it makes you wise. And learning to ask for help now will help you in the long run.

8. Prep for Baby, but Don’t Forget Yourself

When I was pregnant with my first, I researched everything my baby needed: the diapers, bottles, swings, bassinets, etc.

But what I didn’t prepare for was how to take care of myself.

After giving birth, I had plenty of baby gear but nothing to make my recovery easier.

Looking back, I wish I’d focused more on my own comfort; things like...

• Soft robes

• A cozy pillow for late-night feeds

• Snacks I actually enjoyed

• Anything that made postpartum life a little gentler

Remember, you’re not just preparing for a baby, you’re also preparing for you to recover, rest, and adjust. You matter too.

9. Capture the Moments (Even the Messy Ones)

This is one of my biggest regrets: I didn’t take enough photos during my pregnancies.

It’s so easy to focus on the hard parts like morning sickness, exhaustion, and swelling. And before you know it, you've forgotten to capture the little moments.

Take pictures anyway.

They don’t have to be fancy or filtered. Snap the real ones.

1. Your bump set up as the perfect dining table for one

2. Your partner feeling a kick

3. The moment you laugh trying to tie your shoes

One day, you’ll look back and treasure those imperfect, beautiful memories.

10. Remember: This Time Will Pass

It’s so easy to get lost in the discomfort, exhaustion, and waiting.

Some days feel never-ending, especially when you can’t get comfortable or stop worrying.

But even the hardest days are temporary.

Time is moving, even when it feels slow, and one day soon, you’ll hold your baby, the daily aches and pains will fade from memory, and you will realize that it was all worth it.

When you’re feeling overwhelmed, remind yourself that this is just a season, and you’re doing your best to get through it.

Pregnancy isn’t about being perfect or glowing every day. It’s about growing a life, learning patience, and preparing for what’s next.

Be gentle with yourself, take it one day at a time, and know that you’re doing an incredible job being a mom already.

Let's Wrap This Up!

Pregnancy is beautiful, messy, and exhausting all at once, but you’re stronger and more capable than you realize. Every symptom, craving, and emotional moment is part of the incredible work your body and heart are doing for your baby.

✔️Listen to what your body is telling you

✔️Lean on supports so pregnancy doesn't feel so lonely

✔️Try to consistently move your body

✔️Have patience with yourself and remember that all you can do is try your best

Remember: Expect the wild swings. Some days you'll feel completely on top of the world, productive, and energized, and the very next day you might only manage to lie on the couch.

 ✨Pregnancy is only the beginning, and the first year of motherhood comes with its own highs and lows. My course, Surviving the First Year, is here to help you move through it all with calm, clarity, and confidence.

👇 Click here to enroll now and start feeling more prepared for motherhood today.

I want to feel ready for motherhood!