There are rarely two pregnancies that are completely alike and from what I’ve seen and heard over the past nine months, women deal with, and experience, pregnancy in assorted ways.

There are certain things though, that I can say I’m glad I did, or experienced, throughout my pregnancy as I believe they have contributed to the easy and uncomplicated pregnancy I have experienced thus far (note to self that I am a week or two away from labour so perhaps it’s not so wise to speak so quickly of how easy things have been).

Nevertheless, here are my tips for getting through what feels like a lifetime of waiting:

Be fit and keep fit

I was fit before the pregnancy and if I’ve been religious about anything over the past nine months it has been to keep active. While I had to stop running around 23 weeks because of the pressure on my pelvis, I have not stopped my fitness routine, merely altering it to accommodate the changes. I honestly believe that this is the biggest contributor to having a stress free pregnancy (seconded by my doctor).

Enjoy a good massage

I’m not necessarily talking about those given to you out of love by your partner – these can be good (sometimes bad) but do not compare to those given by a professional. It takes a little time to get used to the pregnancy cushion you must lie on, a good massage can be the most blissfully relaxing time and you will come to love the pregnancy cushion because for that one hour you can actually forget your stomach is the size of a sack of potatoes.

Purchase wisely

I have been lucky in that I haven’t had to purchase large amounts of maternity clothing because of the current fashion trends. That’s not to say I haven’t bought new clothes. I’ve just bought non-maternity clothes that accommodate growing bellies but will also fit when the belly disappears (clothes from stores such as Witchery and Sportsgirl accommodate pregnancy well). Maternity clothes can be expensive for the short period of time you will wear them, and while you will probably still purchase a few items like I did, just explore all your favourite clothing stores first.

Be religious with your pregnancy vitamins

This is fairly self explanatory, but worth remembering.

If you feel like coffee, drink it

I’ve made sure I don’t overdo it, limiting myself to one cup (sometimes two) a day, but there’s still nothing like the taste of a good coffee.

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