6 life hacks that will make life easier for every pregnant woman

Whether it's your first pregnancy or your third, being a mom-to-be isn't easy. Pregnancy is hard work, and while there is no doubt that it is a miracle, even the biggest miracles come with less than pleasant side effects.

We understand that tips and tricks to help alleviate all the problems during pregnancy are never enough. And we've compiled a list of smart hacks you can use to make one of the most difficult and beautiful moments of your life a little easier.

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1. Any mom-to-be can probably laugh at the term "morning sickness" because it can actually come on at any time of the day or night. But the reason it's called morning sickness is that nausea usually occurs on an empty stomach. To avoid this unpleasant sensation, keep a small snack, such as crackers, on your nightstand and eat it first thing in the morning before getting out of bed.

2. While you probably won't need a pregnancy pillow in the first trimester, it's likely that you'll benefit from changing your sleeping position as your tummy gets bigger. Your growing belly places stress on your spine and joints, and a pregnancy pillow can provide support under your belly and between your legs. But if you don't feel like spending a lot of money on a custom-designed pillow that you'll only be used for a few months, consider using some items you already have at home, like a regular pillow or an inflatable pool ring you bought for your last holidays.

3. You have probably experienced a painful burning sensation in your chest after eating a large meal, but during pregnancy, heartburn occurs more often. Your body goes through many changes, and hormonal shifts and weight gain can lead to heartburn. To quickly relieve these unpleasant symptoms, mix a tablespoon of honey with warm milk and drink to soothe the pain.

4. When you're expecting, your body shape changes, and you probably won't feel comfortable in your old bra. But instead of buying expensive maternity bras that you probably won't wear after giving birth, invest in a good sports bra that you can use after your baby is born. Make sure you choose a bra that provides enough support for your growing breasts and chooses lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics that will hide any colostrum leakage that may occur during pregnancy.

5. Many pregnant women experience sudden, sharp leg pain that usually occurs at night. Anything from vitamin deficiencies to changes in your metabolism can lead to these painful cramps, which are especially common in late pregnancy. To get rid of this unpleasant feeling, add some bananas to your diet. In addition to being a perfectly healthy snack, bananas are rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium, essential nutrients that can help ease muscle cramps.

6. Keeping hydrated is absolutely essential for your overall health and well-being but is especially important during pregnancy. Water aids digestion and helps form amniotic fluid around the fetus, which is why doctors recommend expectant mothers drink 8 to 12 cups a day. If you keep forgetting to drink enough water, invest in a reusable reminder bottle that will grab your attention and encourage you to drink more water.