How to Survive Pregnancy With a Toddler
(Real Tips From a Mom of Soon to be 3)

Let’s be real… pregnancy while parenting a toddler is no joke.

Recently, I was talking to my sister-in-law, who is deep in the trenches of first trimester nausea while parenting a 2-year-old, and I realized something: I’m officially on round two of surviving pregnancy while chasing toddlers around all day.

While there are still plenty of moments kicking my butt, I feel much better equipped this time around. So let me share what’s actually helped me survive the roller coaster that is pregnancy while parenting toddlers.

FIRST TRIMESTER

If your first trimester is anything like mine… I understand why you’re here.

My pregnancies have brought so much “morning” (aka all day) sickness that I’ve carried doggie bags around with me and have genuinely had to run to nearby bushes for relief.

And the fatigue? Absolutely next level.

So how do you survive it while also parenting a toddler?

First Trimester Survival Tips:
• Rest whenever possible – low prep activities for your toddler, low energy bonding, etc.
• Lower expectations – if you need movie days, that’s okay. If the kitchen is messy, that’s okay.
• Meal prep when you can – plan your meals. Look for easy, basic, simple, non-odorous recipes.
• Focus on survival mode – release some of the unavoidable mom guilt and recognize you deserve breaks.

Low-Prep Activities Are Everything
First trimester is NOT the time to set up sensory bins or add all the arts and crafts supplies to cart. This is the trimester where you want easy, independent, AND engaging toys.

My daughters and I LOVE these water mats because:
• you can set them up in 2 minutes
• they're mess-free
• reusable
• work indoors or outdoors
• allow me to sit on the couch for at least five consecutive minutes

We also love this activity desk because it has multiple activities and add-ons for when toddler attention spans start shifting every 12 seconds. It also helps me feel a little less guilty sitting on the couch because I can hear my daughters practicing counting, writing, etc.

Implement “Rest Time”
Even if your toddler has stopped napping, this is the perfect season to introduce quiet rest time. Have your toddler bring quiet toys, books, or activities into their room for a little reset during the day. Letting your toddler pick a special toy for rest time can help build excitement and encourage them to stay comfortably in their room for a little while — while still giving you a chance to sit down.

Sometimes my “rest” looked like:
• watching Frozen for the 1000th time because my daughter didn’t want to be alone
• folding laundry while seated
• scheduling a grocery pickup order
• meal planning
• sitting on the couch staring into space

All are valid.

SECOND TRIMESTER
Ah yes… the magical second trimester burst of energy everyone talks about.

Did I rejoin society a little?
Yes.

Was I still exhausted by bedtime?
Also yes.

I found myself giving pep talks in the mirror before bath time and bedtime routines because while I finally had a little more energy, parenting while pregnant was still physically exhausting. And this trimester introduced brand new symptoms for me: swollen feet, back soreness, and plantar fasciitis.

Second Trimester Survival Tips:
• Help your body support your lifestyle
• Don’t ignore pain
• Modify instead of canceling

After talking to my doctor, they recommended compression socks and supportive house shoes, and honestly… both made a huge difference.

These compression socks were my favorite because:
• they go up to the knee
• they actually stay up
• they aren’t insanely expensive

After returning several pairs of slippers, I finally found a pair I genuinely love! These slippers:
• are supportive
• are easy to slip on
• have a FULL BACK so they actually stay on
• are comfortable enough to wear constantly
• are cost effective

Honestly, I’ll keep wearing them long after pregnancy.

Belly Bands = Underrated
By second trimester, I usually start getting stir crazy from being sick during the first trimester and desperately want to start going places again.

Mentally Ready? Absolutely!
Physically Ready? Not always.

I make very large babies (9 lbs 11 oz and 10 lbs exactly), show early, and feel pressure quickly, so belly support becomes a necessity for me much earlier. This belly band is might favorite and might be more of a third trimester purchase for some moms, but for others who need relief a little earlier, I can’t recommend it enough.

Sometimes helping your body keep up with motherhood can make all the difference. Even small things that help you feel a little more normal again can be huge for your mental health.

THIRD TRIMESTER
This is the trimester where reality REALLY starts setting in.

I feel like almost every mom reaches the point before their next baby arrives where they think:
“How am I going to do this?”

You worry about:
• splitting your attention
• missing your firstborn (or all older kids)
• adjusting to life with another baby
• whether your heart can possibly stretch any further

Third Trimester Survival Tips:
• Slow down when needed
• Include your toddler in the pregnancy
• Let go of the guilt
• Soak in the final moments before baby arrives

One thing that really helped me emotionally was intentionally including my toddler in the pregnancy.

Let them:
• feel the baby kick
• say the baby’s name
• help set up baby items
• talk about becoming a big brother or sister

We also love reading sibling books together like:
• I’m a Big Brother / I’m a Big Sister

Not only does it help prepare them, but those extra snuggles and moments together are good for both of you.

And if you’re nervous about adding another child to your family?

I promise… creating siblings for your kids is so incredibly worth it. Watching my girls play together really is one of my favorite parts of motherhood.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Pregnancy while parenting toddlers is exhausting, emotional, beautiful, and honestly… a little chaotic.

Some days are magical.
Some days are survival mode.
Both are normal.

If you’re currently in the trenches of pregnancy while parenting little ones, I hope this post helped you feel a little more prepared — and a little less alone.

Questions? Feel free to reach out anytime.

It truly takes a village, and I’m so happy you’re here.

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