7 Ways To Make Your Pregnancy In Bangkok More Comfortable
Three years on, I’m writing an update to my Pregnancy Survival Kit for Bangkok because, well, there’s another bun in the oven!
This pregnancy is different from my first in a lot of expected and unexpected ways and I find myself looking for different ways to make myself feel better and cope with the changes in my body. I put together another survival kit (which is designed to supplement my original one) and I hope you find it useful!
If you’re curious about differences between my first and second pregnancies, be sure to see the links at the end of this post 🙂
Thick pilates mat: I’m following the workouts on the Prenatal Workout by Power 20 app for this pregnancy and I’m really enjoying them. All I need is 20-25 minutes, a mat and a sturdy chair to get a great workout done in the comfort of my home. This time around I invested in a pilates mat, which in general is thicker than a yoga mat. The mat I use is from Decathlon Thailand and it’s about 2cm thick (about four times thicker than a yoga mat). I’m using a thicker mat because I’m heavier and this mat is much more comfortable to workout on, especially for my back and knees. One thing to note is it is significantly heavier than a yoga mat and harder to carry so I recommend this for home use only.
Athleisure wear: I am living in workout gear / athleisure wear these days. It’s soft, comfy and stretchy to accomodate my ever-growing stomach and perfect for running after a toddler and dog too. Not to mention wearing workout gear also motivates me to try and get a workout in every day. I really like the cropped leggings from the brand Kalenji and tank tops from the brand Domyos, both brands are available at Decathlon Thailand — they are both very breathable and comfy to wear all day (if needed) in Bangkok’s heat.
Evening walks: This time around I am focusing on getting more regular walks in the evening when it’s windy and the weather is a bit cooler, especially on the days I don’t get a workout in. I find taking just a 15-20 minute walk calming and refreshing. I get to stretch my muscles and get some fresh air; it’s a really simple act but very beneficial while pregnant.
Extra naps: I’m not feeling guilty about my urges to take multiple naps a day (I work from home so it’s a little easier to do). My night’s sleep this time around is way more broken for some reason and I never wake up feeling fully rested. So during the day after about 4-5 hours of activity (especially with a toddler and dog in the mix) I can feel my body yearning to rest for 30 minutes to an hour and it’s honestly my secret to getting through the day.
Comfy robe: My robe is my best friend right now. I wear it while I’m getting ready in the mornings and also at night if I just want to relax and not be constrained by my clothes (if you know, you know). As my bump is getting bigger, I can see that I’m very bothered by anything fit or tight against my body. So during the day I’ll just change into my robe and lounge if I need some extra space to breathe. It’s amazing. I love this ROCKAN robe in size M from IKEA Thailand because it fits over my bump very comfortably too. My only note on this particular robe is the material is on the thicker side and it can feel hot against the skin in warmer climates like Bangkok if you’re not in an air-conditioned / ventilated space.
Skincare routine: My skin is feeling extra dry since getting pregnant. And that’s why I follow an elaborate morning and nighttime skincare routine with products that focus on hydrating the skin and keeping it that way throughout the day and night. In the mornings I use: a gentle gel cleanser, an essence, a vitamin C serum (read more about this), a hydrating moisturiser, and sunscreen.
My nighttime routine includes: an oil-based cleanser, a gel cleanser, a serum, and a sleeping mask that acts like a really thick night cream. I am really diligent about both routines and invest the time to do them properly; my always skin feels soft, supple and hydrated. I’m also trying hard to be good about applying body oil (I use coconut oil and Bio Oil) to my bump, arms and legs a few times a week to help with the excessive dryness.
Note: Please always check with your dermatologist / doctor which products are safe to use during pregnancy.
Create a busy and engaging schedule for my toddler: The twist in my pregnancy this time around is having a kid to think about and it’s making this pregnancy experience so different from my first. I find having a solid and busy schedule for my toddler has been my saviour. There are lots of resources online with great ideas for activities if you do a simple search. Setting up a busy schedule for my toddler has allowed me to carve out chunks of me-time to rest, work, nap or do whatever I need. Whether or not your child is in school, you can always plan play dates and activities in and around the home to keep them busy. I’m also a little more liberal with screen time because it gives me little breaks in the day. It takes a bit of an effort but once the routine is set, it’s pretty great for both of you.
Encouraging my toddler to be more independent: This is an extension of my previous tip. Being pregnant means I have to be a little more careful about carrying my toddler, lifting / moving things, running fast etc. My toddler is getting taller and heavier and it is cumbersome (and also not advised by my doctor) to carry him for long periods of time. So I’m using this time while pregnant to teach him how to be more independent in daily routines such as: getting in and out of his high chair; eating meals and drinking beverages; standing on a stool to wash hands / brush teeth / go to the bathroom / get in an out of the bathtub (all of which I can still easily assist and support him with); doing bedtime routines and songs while sitting or lying down (instead of being carried); tidying up toys and books; helping bring things to me etc. This allows me to still be active and involved in taking care of my toddler while still being mindful of my own physical health. And it’s setting up great independence for when the new baby arrives and I’ll be extra preoccupied.
I hope you found this post helpful! If you have any other tips and tricks, please share in the comments below.
More pregnancy-related posts:
Pregnancy Survival Kit for Bangkok
My C-Section Recovery and Postpartum Fitness Journey in Bangkok
Baby Essentials for the First Year – Survival Kit for Bangkok
