Pregnancy is an incredible, transformative experience—but let’s be honest: it also comes with a long list of physical and emotional challenges. As your body grows and changes to support your baby, everyday tasks that once felt effortless can suddenly become awkward, exhausting, or downright impossible.
Whether you're in your second trimester or counting down the final weeks, here are some everyday activities that tend to get a little more complicated during pregnancy—and tips to make them more manageable.
1. The Process of Showering: A Balancing Act
What used to be a quick towel-off after taking a shower becomes a mini workout as your belly grows and your ability to bend, twist, or reach comfortably starts to disappear. Drying off your legs, feet, or back feels like trying to win a game of Twister while balancing a watermelon under your shirt.
Solution:
- The new Empower Towel is a hanging towel that allows you to dry without bending or twisting. This allows someone who is pregnant to get fully dry comfortably.
2. Putting on Socks and Shoes
Trying to put on socks or lace up shoes while pregnant is an experience in patience and flexibility—two things that often feel in short supply when you're carrying extra weight and dealing with swollen feet or back pain.
Solutions:
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Switch to slip-on shoes or sandals with adjustable straps.
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Use a long-handled shoehorn or sock aid tool to avoid bending over.
- Sit down with your foot propped on a low stool to bring things closer to your reach.
3. Sleeping Comfortably
Finding a comfortable sleep position becomes increasingly tricky as your belly grows. Back-sleeping is discouraged later in pregnancy, but side-sleeping with a heavy bump, sore hips, and frequent bathroom trips doesn’t always feel restful.
Solutions:
- Invest in a pregnancy body pillow to support your belly, back, and legs.
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Try sleeping with a pillow between your knees and behind your back to reduce strain.
- Use extra pillows to elevate your upper body if you’re struggling with heartburn.
4. Picking Things Up Off the Floor
Accidentally dropping your phone, keys, or that last clean sock becomes a minor crisis. Bending over with a baby bump can throw off your balance or just be plain uncomfortable.
Solutions:
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Use a grabber or reacher tool to avoid repeated bending.
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If you need to pick something up manually, try the squat method—bend at the knees, not the waist, and use support if needed.
- Ask for help (this is a great job for partners, kids, or coworkers!).
5. Cooking and Cleaning
Standing at the stove, reaching across counters, or leaning over to scrub the bathtub can strain your back and feet. Plus, strong smells or overheating can sneak up on you faster than expected.
Solutions:
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Sit on a high stool when prepping food or washing dishes.
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Cook in batches and freeze meals ahead of time to reduce daily kitchen time.
- Use non-toxic, scent-free cleaning products to avoid triggering nausea or headaches.
6. Driving and Getting in and Out of the Car
Fitting behind the steering wheel can feel like squeezing into a too-tight booth. Even getting into the car may involve awkward maneuvering—especially in the later months.
Solutions:
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Adjust the seat and steering wheel to give your belly more space.
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Use a small pillow behind your back for added lumbar support.
- Take breaks during long drives to stretch and walk around.
7. Managing Emotional Energy
The emotional load of pregnancy—between physical discomfort, hormonal shifts, and planning for the baby—can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming. Crying over dropped food or feeling panicked about the laundry is more common than people admit.
Solutions:
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Give yourself permission to slow down and rest.
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Ask for help without guilt. This is a season of change, not forever.
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Talk to a friend, partner, or therapist when you're feeling overwhelmed—mental wellness matters, too.
Final Thoughts
Pregnancy can bring so much joy, but it also brings real, everyday frustrations that aren't always talked about. Needing help to put on shoes or dry off after a shower isn’t weakness—it’s part of the journey of growing a human.
Be kind to yourself, embrace the hacks and tools that make life easier, and know that you’re doing a phenomenal job—even if drying your legs takes twice as long as it used to. One day, you’ll laugh about these moments. For now, take it slow, lean into support, and celebrate every small victory along the way.