While pregnancy can be a beautiful time in your life, it can also bring about pains and aches you did not anticipate. You may find it is less pleasant than you imagined and more strenuous on your body than you thought. While that is all perfectly normal (especially if you are one of the first of your friends to be pregnant), it does not make it easier or helps lessen the discomforts you need to deal with.

To sooth common pregnancy pains and discomforts, start with making sure you drink plenty of water, eat healthy and sleep (or at least rest) when you can. You’ll be surprised how much of a difference these simple, yet powerful elements can make! So don’t take it lightly when your doctor tells you that your fluid intake needs to go up or that you need to rest.

What you eat can affect how you feel when you are not pregnant, so it stands to reason that when you are, it can affect how you feel that much more. Not to mention the affects your nutrition has on your baby, its health and development, and your health, which is crucial to your baby’s.

Taking your prenatal vitamins can make a difference in how you feel, and how much energy you have. Make sure your prenatal vitamins include folic acid and iron, which are important for both you and your baby. If you are feeling extra exhausted all the time, these can help you get your second wind.

Exercising can make wanders to your body, especially when pregnant. Swimming can help with your back aches, and walking can give you that extra bust of energy and so desperately need. Pregnancy yoga can help with your discomforts as well. Speak to your OBGYN about exercising during your pregnancy and to a trainer to see what you can do (as well as what you should avoid) while pregnant.

Whatever pregnancy discomfort you are suffering from, speak to your doctor about and ask for solutions, and speak to friends who have been through a pregnancy to see what they did to get over their pains and aches. While not all remedies work for every woman, remember it is temporary discomfort that will pass shortly after childbirth.

Stay strong!