Personal Care and Grooming During Pregnancy

 

When we're pregnant or have problems with our back or hips, we simply can't bend in the ways that we used to. For instance, I just got my left hip replaced, and I am having to learn to do a lot of things differently because there are certain ways I can't bend right now without risking damage to my implant. The same can go for pregnant women who are on bed rest or are having a hard time navigating their way around certain, um, body parts; things like personal care and bathing can be more difficult. There are, however, several items out there that can make them easier. Many of these things are found in the beauty-aids section of your grocery or drug store. If you can't find them there, you may also be able to find them in the home-health-aid section of the pharmacy.

• EasyFeet. EasyFeet is a home-pedicure system that works like a car wash for your feet. Shaped like a sandal with suction cups on the bottom, has brushes that cleanse your feet and pumice stones that smooth out the dry spots. Things such as this are very helpful for pregnant women and others who have problems bending because it affixes itself on the floor of the shower or tub and allows you to clean your feet well without having to twist into a pretzel. You can get it online and at most 'big-box' and beauty supply stores.
• A long-handled brush or 'pouf'. If you can find one with a brush on one end and a sponge/pouf on the other, that's even better.
• A long-handled razor or razor extender. Few things annoy me more than not being able to shave my legs. Even if it's winter and I'm only going to be wearing pants, the very fact that I can't shave if I want to bothers me. I'm sure I'm not alone in this. Luckily, companies such as Kinsman or Etac have created handles that can hold whatever razor you like-electric or manual-to help you reach those calves and ankles that you might otherwise not be able to.
• They might not be sexy, but compression/support stockings are your friend. They have helped me tremendously in terms of swelling in my ankles.
• A long-handled 'claw' tool is very helpful for reaching things that have been dropped onto the floor or are above your head. It's also good for putting on socks, underwear and other 'below the waist' clothing.
• If you are particularly far along in your pregnancy and/or have problems with swelling that make it painful to stand up for very long, you might want to invest in a shower seat. My sister used one when she was pregnant with her twins and it helped her a lot in terms of easing her pain and saving her energy. They are usually inexpensive and found in the health care aids section of the drugstore.

And finally, for the best thing of all-

• The number of a good pedicurist! Being able to groom your own feet and toenails might sometimes prove to be more effort than you're willing or able to put out. Even if it doesn't, it's important to treat yourself every now and then!

As you can see, there are plenty of things that can help you keep yourself scrubbed and beautiful during your pregnancy. To be honest, some of them are better at doing their jobs than anything I used before my surgery! If nothing else, it gives us an excuse to buy new stuff!