Did you know that VapoRub can potentially prevent your pets from doing their business indoors? This life-changing hack can be used to help train your pets and teach them not to go to the bathroom in the house. Simply rub a bit of the balm over the spot where your pet usually marks its territory.

The strong scent will prevent your pets from coming back to the same place over and over again. Eventually, your pet will start getting used to this treatment and they will want to go outside to do their business!

Sometimes, you might need to fake a few tears to impress your acting coach or to get out of a tricky situation. Making your eyes water by staring into the distance can take some time. Well, you can speed up this process with VapoRub.

Apparently, if you rub a bit underneath your eyes, the tears will start rolling down your cheeks. This will make you an expert in crying on demand. Personally, we wouldn’t put Vicks VapoRub anywhere near our eyes but to each their own, we guess! If you decide to try this trick out for some reason — although we don’t know why anyone would — be extremely careful to avoid getting any balm in your eyes!

Next time you plan on going camping in the forest, perhaps consider taking VapoRub with you. The product apparently makes a great insect repellent. Simply apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub to your skin and/or clothing, and the mosquitoes will be more likely to stay away from you.

The balm’s strong scent repels those annoying bugs, so you can relax when you’re out in nature. VapoRub also supposedly works to relieve the discomfort of insect bites if you’ve already fallen prey to hungry mosquitos. Apply the product on your mosquito bites to relieve the itchiness.

There’s nothing more annoying than the noise a squeaky door makes. Luckily, some VapoRub can fix this issue in under a minute. In order to get rid of the annoying squeaky noise, just rub some VapoRub on the hinges of the door.

This is a non-toxic and quick solution, as well as an excellent substitute for oiling your door hinges. If you run out of grease and don’t feel like making a trip to the hardware store, grab a tub of VapoRub and get to work on those squeaky hinges.

Discomfort inside and around the ear can be caused by various health problems. Vicks VapoRub can purportedly be used as an effective treatment for earache and wax buildup. Putting some balm on a cotton ball and leaving it in your ear overnight can supposedly help relieve the pain.

Then again, we’re not really fans of sticking anything in our ears, especially cotton swabs covered in VaporRub. After all, we wouldn’t want to cause damage to our eardrum or ear canal. So, we’d definitely skip this one.

If you’re running out of your favorite makeup remover, apparently, Vicks VapoRub makes a great substitute? We’re not really sure how that works, exactly. But, we definitely wouldn’t recommend it.

After all, you’d need to be extremely gentle while rubbing the makeup of your eyelids to avoid getting any balm in your eyes or lashes. This a no-go, people. Don’t try this one at home.

Riding a horse during the mating season can be very tricky since male horses can be distracted by the scent of another female horse nearby. During this period of time, it’s likely that your horse will not listen to your commands, even if you give him his favorite treats.

In order to keep your horse focused, you can apparently just rub some VapoRub cream underneath his nose. The menthol supposably masks the scent of any female horse nearby. If we owned a horse, though, we definitely wouldn’t try this tip. It could seriously irritate your horse’s muzzle!

Cats like sharpening their claws on hard surfaces, and they can often destroy your furniture in the process. Apparently, you can apply a small amount of VapoRub to doors, walls, or furniture to add a protective layer. Cats will likely be repelled by the strong scent of menthol, and they’ll start avoiding those areas.

Thanks to VapoRub, you can leave your cat alone in the house without worrying about your favorite armchair getting completely destroyed. You can also apply the balm on your legs or arms if your cat is prone to scratching you.

For the ultimate home spa experience, try VapoRub’s shower discs. They release therapeutic aromas in the shower, which can relax and energize your body. Place a disc at the bottom of your shower to get the best results.

As the hot water hits the disc, the essential oils will release and spread the refreshing scent throughout your bathroom. The disks can also help clear congestion and loosen up the tension in your head when you have a cold. Overall, the VapoRub discs will enhance the relaxing experience of taking a shower.

Having warts on your hands or feet can be uncomfortable and unsightly. Apparently, you can apply some VapoRub on your warts and cover the area with a sock or any clean cloth. Do this twice a day for a period of two weeks till the warts are completely gone.

If you experience any kind of irritation, you should immediately remove the product and wash that area thoroughly with soap and water.

A jar of VapoRub can also speed up the healing process… allegedly. If you ever cut your hand or end up with a splinter, just apply some cream on the wound. It can reportedly help your body heal faster without any side effects.

If you’ve run out of Neosporin or a similar antibiotic topical cream, that’s apparently not a problem as long as you have Vicks VapoRub at home. Not only can it apparently help your cuts heal faster, but it may also prevent any fungal infections and protect your skin from germs. Still, we’d probably just go to the store to buy more Neosporin and call it a day.

Nearly everyone has struggled with acne at some point in their life. VapoRub is purportedly one of the best at-home remedies for blemishes and acne. Some of the ingredients in VapoRub have been known to help fight acne.

Apparently, if you dab some of the balm on the red spots and leave it on overnight, you may notice a significant improvement in the morning. But again — Vicks VaporRub isn’t an all-purpose solution despite the fact that these weird tips and tricks might tell you otherwise.

If you love the smell of menthol, you can add some VapoRub to an air freshener or an air diffuser to spread the scent around the house. This is a great way to clear congestion if you’re sick and don’t want to rub the cream onto your skin.

Using VapoRub as a therapeutic aroma is supposedly a great alternative for people with sensitive skin who get rashes easily. Even if you’re not sick and you just want to add some sort of scent around the house, VapoRub can freshen up your room in no time!

VapoRub allegedly works wonders in clearing up all kinds of skin conditions. A small amount of this product has been said to help treat eczema or rosacea. But, we’d have to seriously disagree.

After all, skin conditions aren’t something to mess with. The only type of ointment you should be putting on your eczema or rosacea is whatever your doctor has prescribed. Treating your skin with VapoRub can cause further irritation. Don’t do it!

Supposedly, one of the most common uses of Vicks VapoRub is to relieve headaches. If you’re suffering from a throbbing headache, you can apparently apply a small amount of VapoRub on your forehead and temples. The menthol scent can help relieve pain and tension in your head.

Besides the fact that it smells really good, menthol has been said to help lower blood pressure and relieve pain in a few minutes. Then again, there are many different ways to relieve headaches that we’d probably try out first — from drinking water to resting with the lights off.

Many women have started using VapoRub to combat stretch marks because of the anti-inflammatory properties of eucalyptus. It can allegedly work to tone and tighten loose skin, especially after pregnancy.

VapoRub contains a combination of eucalyptus oil, cedar leaf oil, and other skin-soothing ingredients. These ingredients can help smooth skin that was stretched during pregnancy. Then again, though, stretch marks are beautiful and should be embraced — especially considering the fact that they’re a result of carrying and nurturing your baby during those nine months.

One of the most common uses of Vicks VapoRub is to ease muscle pain. The product helps increase circulation and gives almost instant relief. VapoRub can help reduce soreness, as long as you apply a large amount to the painful area and rub it in for at least five to ten minutes.

The balm will provide a soothing and cooling sensation in the sore area and thus help you feel less tense and more refreshed. Thanks to these properties, VapoRub is very useful for runners and athletes in general.

We all know how sunburns can feel unbearable at times. Being as red as a lobster is not an ideal look for summer. Vicks VapoRub happens to be a great solution for relieving the discomfort of sunburned areas on your skin and can even help prevent peeling.

Applying the balm on your red areas may help relieve pain, burning, and itchiness. Next time you plan on sunbathing in your backyard or taking a beach vacation, don’t forget to pack the aloe! If you do, VapoRub could make a good alternative.

Having a dry scalp can cause itchiness as well as a flurry of unattractive white flakes on your shoulders. You can supposedly treat this condition with a bit of Vicks VapoRub.

Similar to what we said about treating skin conditions, though, this isn’t something to mess with. Don’t just apply whatever topical ointment you have sitting at home to your scalp, as it could seriously irritate your skin condition even more. Instead, make an appointment with your dermatologist!

Toenail fungus can be very unpleasant, and VapoRub can apparently be a good alternative treatment. If you suspect you have fungus, you can rub this product on your nails and the skin around them. In a few days, you will hopefully see a significant improvement in the appearance of your feet.

Due to the antiseptic and antibacterial properties of thymol, one of the product’s ingredients, the balm can efficiently treat fungal infections and allow for healthy nail growth. Keep applying the product for a period of two weeks to get the best results.

If you have a fresh bruise and want to speed up the healing process, try applying Vicks VapoRub on the affected area. The balm could help reduce swelling and heal the wound underneath.

VapoRub can come in handy if you’re one to injure yourself, or if you have active children who are prone to coming home with bruises. Make sure to store an extra tub of VapoRub in the back of your bathroom cabinet just in case you need to fix up a bruise one day.

Chapped lips look really unattractive, and they can hardly be masked with lipstick. If you often feel that your lips are dry and chapped, you can supposedly apply a small amount of VapoRub to get softer and fuller lips.

Menthol is one of the main ingredients in the product, and it serves as a natural lip plumper. Still, we’re not sure how comfortable we’d feel putting Vicks VapoRub anywhere near our mouth. We suggest thinking twice before trying this hack out.

The skin on the heels is prone to dryness, especially during the winter period. Not moisturizing the skin properly can lead to cracked heels, which can be very painful. VapoRub can alleviate the dryness and bring your feet back to their natural, healthy state.

After applying the product onto your feet, put on socks to let it absorb and prevent it from getting all over your floor if you’re walking around. Vicks VapoRub contains petroleum jelly, which helps lock the moisture in your skin. In order to prevent future dryness, you might also consider moisturizing your heels regularly with VapoRub.

VapoRub can allegedly help you reduce fat and cellulite in both the belly and thigh area. All you have to apparently do is create a slimming cream at home using VapoRub as one of the main ingredients.

To do so, you’re going to need VapoRub, baking soda, rubbing alcohol, and camphor powder. Mix the ingredients together and apply the DIY cream to the desired area. Cover it with plastic wrap to let it absorb and get the full effect. This may sound super easy, but this hack is ridiculous. It probably won’t cause you to lose belly fat, but it could likely irritate your skin.

Dry skin on the face can be the result of various factors — including hot water, winter weather, harsh soaps, etc. Vicks VapoRub can serve as an efficient facial moisturizer to solve this issue, according to some. Apparently, the product on your face can help moisturize the dry patches and leave your skin looking smooth and flawless.

While the ingredients in VapoRub can supposedly help restore moisture to dry skin, we’ll have to disagree… yet again. VapoRub isn’t meant to act as a moisturizer — and as we’ve said many times throughout this list — it can cause lots of irritation. Rather than grabbing a random topical cream from your medicine cabinet to moisturize with, do proper research and get professional advice about the kinds of creams you should use on your skin.

Itchy skin is an incredibly uncomfortable sensation that makes you scratch all the time, which only makes the situation worse. There are many factors that can cause itchiness — including dry skin, a bug bite, or an untreated skin condition. You can use VapoRub to relieve itchiness in the affected areas.

The eucalyptus oil in VapoRub can apparently help the skin heal and serve as a protective layer. If VapoRub doesn’t help in soothing the itch, however, it would be a good idea to see a doctor since persistent itching can be a sign of a health condition that needs to be treated medically.

Open wounds can easily get infected if you don’t treat them properly. You have to make sure to disinfect the area, even if it’s a small cut or even a burn. Well, some say that applying VapoRub around the open wound can help you disinfect it properly.

The petroleum jelly in the balm helps seal the disinfecting ingredients that help heal cuts and burns in a short period of time. After applying the balm to the affected area, you will feel a cooling sensation, which will instantly soothe the pain.

Some lipsticks can be really difficult to remove. Even some of the most expensive makeup removers may not work on long-lasting lipsticks. VapoRub debatably comes to the rescue. We wouldn’t but, apparently, you can apply a thin layer of the balm on your stained lips and wait for approximately five minutes.

After that, just use a cotton ball or tissue to wipe it off. VapoRub will help you remove lipstick completely without leaving any stains or residue — but keep in mind that it may also sting! Perhaps you might consider using water and soap instead, or good old makeup remover.

You do not have to be a tennis superstar to get tennis elbow — it happens even to casual players. VapoRub can be used as an analgesic to temporarily relieve aching muscles and joints. If you’re suffering from tennis elbow, just rub the cream on the painful spot to relieve any discomfort.

Repeat the process a few times a day until the elbow stops aching. Menthol and camphor, the two powerful ingredients in Vicks VapoRub, can help ease the pain as efficiently as possible.

As we’ve mentioned, one of the most common uses for Vicks VapoRub is to help relieve chest congestion and cough. However, there’s another interesting way to do this.

Some people swear by this — if you apply some Vick’s VapoRub to your feet before you go to bed, it’ll help you shake off a cough. To make sure that you don’t get Vicks all over your blankets and sheets, though, don’t forget to throw on a pair of socks once you apply the cream!

If you want a nice candle for your bedside, you can put your jar of Vick’s VapoRub to use here as well! All you need is a rolled-up piece of cotton and a small jar of Vick’s.

First, cover the cotton in Vick’s VapoRub. Now, cut a hole in the lid that you can fit the cotton through and close the cover. Once you light it, the cotton will burn and have the soothing scent of Vick’s VapoRub.

When you first purchase new shoes, they’re shiny and impeccable. After wearing them a few times, though, you’ll notice this luster starts to fade as dirt accumulates on them.

If you want your shoes to look as good as new, grab a jar of Vick’s VapoRub! Put a little bit on a spare toothbrush and start to scrub away. Not only will this help remove any grime from your shoes, but it’ll also add a polished appearance thanks to the oils in the rub.

If you struggle to grow hair, you aren’t completely out of luck. There are plenty of products on the market that are meant to promote hair growth, but all you might need is a jar of Vick’s VapoRub.

Apparently, all you have to do is take a little bit and apply it to your scalp. This works for a couple of reasons. First, it stimulates blood flow in your scalp. Secondly, it works to kill any bacteria you might have on your scalp. But, naturally, using it in excess can cause lots of irritation to your scalp, so keep that in mind if you try this hack out.

Cold sores and fever blisters are pesky and painful problems. Even worse, they can be triggered by stress, making your week even worse. The good news is that relief is close at hand.

When you notice that you have sores or blisters on your lip, you can try putting some Vick’s VapoRub on it! This evidently works because Vick’s VapoRub has ingredients like eucalyptus oil in it. Even so, we’ll stick with a topical cream specifically made for cold sores — like Blistex or Zovirax.

When you go camping, or even if you’re just enjoying a few hours outside in the summer, you open yourself up to the risk of tick bites. If not treated properly, this can become a huge problem.

Getting a tick-off is a challenge in and of itself. Luckily, you can rely on Vick’s VapoRub to help you. Once you realize you’ve been bitten, apply Vick’s VapoRub to the area. The strong scent is likely to get the tick to release.

Just like Vick’s VapoRub is great for relieving sore muscles, it’s also a great tool to turn to if you’re suffering from arthritis pain.

If you find your joints starting to hurt, you can apply Vick’s VapoRub to the affected area for some relief. In fact, you can apply Vick’s VapoRub to the places where your joints hurt up to three or four times a day for continuous pain relief. This will reduce the pain that comes with arthritis.

Have you ever tried to open an old or dirty lock only for your key to catch inside? This can be caused by debris within the lock. This can be a challenge to clean, though.

After all, it’s a small area that’s hard to get into. But you can actually clean it with your key. Just liberally apply Vick’s VapoRub onto the key before putting it in the lock. When you use it, you should be able to open the lock easily.

If you use a humidifier to help keep your breathing easy at night, you can add Vicks VapoRub to help keep your lungs clear.

Some humidifiers or vaporizers will let you add items like aromatherapy components to the tank. That being said, you have to make sure that your humidifier has an aromatherapy compartment to put Vick’s VapoRub into. Without it, you won’t be able to add it to the humidifier and reap the benefits.

Whether it’s on a bag, a boot, or a jacket, a stuck zipper is no joke. It’s a frustrating experience that can hinder how well you can use your items. Don’t panic when this happens.

Instead, just reach for your Vick’s VapoRub and liberally apply it to the zipper and the track. This will help to lubricate it and lead it along the track. Gone are the days that you need to pull and tug on your zipper until it breaks!

If you have trouble sleeping at night because of a nasty cough or cold, you might want to keep a tub of Vicks VapoRub on your bedside table. Apply a generous amount of the balm on your chest before getting into bed, and inhale the soothing vapor.

Relieving cough symptoms is one of the traditional uses of VapoRub, and it should not be overlooked. This balm can really help when you’re awake in the middle of the night, coughing away and waking up your spouse.

Sometimes, you may find yourself in a room that smells so bad, you start to feel nauseous. You can use VapoRub to mitigate the effect of strong scents in your environment. Rubbing a small amount of VapoRub under your nose might help you cope with the offensive odor.

Putting some of the product in an air diffuser is also a great way to freshen up the room and will help put you in a relaxed state of mind for the rest of the day.

We hope you don’t have to use Vicks VapoRub for this purpose, but if it comes down to it, the versatile balm will help you relieve any pain and discomfort caused by hemorrhoids. The menthol in the balm will help reduce itchiness and provide a cooling sensation.

However, we suggest testing out the balm on a different part of the body first to check that you can handle the sensation. If you have sensitive skin, you might get a rash if you use too much of it.

Ringworm is another common type of fungal infection, also known as dermatophytosis. Even though it’s called ringworm, the infection is caused by a fungus. It appears on your skin in the shape of a worm, which explains the name.

If you’re struggling with an itchy case of ringworm, a bit of VapoRub can help ease the discomfort. We recommend speaking with your doctor first but, apparently, you can apply the cream to the infected area two or three times per day and repeat the process until the infection goes away.

One of the most common uses of Vicks VapoRub is to relieve a congested chest. Simply rub some balm onto your chest and throat to suppress a cough and ease your breathing. VapoRub can help open up the airways and make it easier to breathe if you have the flu.

If you apply the balm on the upper chest area, it will provide immediate relief from a cough or other symptoms such as shortness of breath. VapoRub is a must-have product during the cold winter days, especially during flu season. If your shortness of breath is not eased by VapoRub, make sure to see a doctor immediately.

As beautiful as pregnancy is, no one would exactly call it the most comfortable nine months a woman will ever experience. With mood swings, cravings, trouble sleeping, and growing bigger and bigger, pregnancy is a wild roller coaster! That’s why we’ve compiled 45+ of the internet’s best hacks for pregnant women, to make that special time just a little bit easier.

When you’re heavily pregnant, you probably won’t be able to move around as freely as you used to. Bending down, reaching things high up, and climbing on furniture, all become a lot more challenging — and sometimes even dangerous — when you’re with child.

A good way to maintain your independence around the house is to prep everything beforehand. Ensure day-to-day items are within reach and, if you really want to be a genius, use tongs to pick stuff up off the floor so you don’t have to bend over.

If a non-pregnant person were to gulf down a bag of chips immediately after waking up, it may raise some eyebrows. However, potato chips, plain crackers, and pretzels actually make great breakfasts for pregnant women combating morning sickness.

The reason is that those snacks are bland, salty, non-acidic, and easy for the body to digest. Just remember that foods with strong smells and flavors will worsen nausea, so maybe stay away from flavored chips.

Coconut oil really does seem to be the gift that keeps on giving! It’s used for cooking, beauty products, and even cleaning. But, did you know that coconut oil can be used on pregnant bellies, too?

The cooling and moisturizing properties of this product can ease that pregnancy itch that many women experience. It can also prevent stretch marks from worsening and help improve them after pregnancy too. Just massage some coconut oil into the stretch marks, and you’re good to go!

Bending over while heavily pregnant can seem like an impossible feat that should earn you an Olympic medal when executed successfully. Sure, Simone Biles’ signature vault is impressive, but can she bend down to tie her shoes while nine months pregnant?

If putting on your footwear sounds like a nightmare, invest in slip-on shoes as part of your maternity wardrobe. It’ll be easier, safer, and in all likelihood a lot more comfortable than any fancy contraptions.

If you find yourself without the right maternity pants for a certain occasion — or if money for pregnancy clothes is tight altogether — you can DIY your pre-pregnancy pants to fit your growing belly.

Simply secure a hair tie around the button and buttonhole of your pants, giving yourself a few more inches of wiggle room. That said, we only recommend this hack if you can cover the waist of your pants with a long shirt. Unless, of course, you’re going for the Brilliant DIYer look.

As your belly gets bigger, you may find that you need to purchase longer and longer shirts to cover your entire stomach. Not only can this become quite expensive, but it can also get frustrating as each new garment may only last you a few weeks.

If you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to that expensive top you just bought, upscale some of your old clothing into a sort of sash, and wrap it around your lower belly. Voila!

While drinking water with baking soda may not sound like the tastiest beverage ever, it’s certainly a lot better than suffering from acid reflux all day. If that’s something you struggle with during pregnancy, and your doctor doesn’t recommend medication, baking soda is a completely natural way to alleviate your discomfort.

Simply mix two tablespoons of baking soda into a glass of water, and drink up! No need for fancy medical degrees or chemistry knowledge — just the wisdom of women who’ve been there and done that.

Pregnancy brain is very real and a perfectly legitimate excuse if you’ve done something a bit silly. According to Dr. Abdelaziz Saleh, “It’s easy for women to forget about other things because the brain is hyper-focused on the baby and pregnancy.”

That’s why it’s wise to keep a planner while pregnant. It’s also recommended to set reminders on your phone and take photos of where you’ve placed everyday items, such as your keys. Lastly, play brain-boosting games, such as Sudoku or Wordle, to keep yourself as sharp as possible.

Given how easily pregnant women can become nauseous, it’s understandable that brushing one’s teeth with a large toothbrush can make an expecting mother gag. Combine that with the fact that your teeth can become ultra-sensitive while pregnant, and suddenly keeping your hygiene up to par becomes a lot less likely.

If this is you, consider replacing your toothbrush with one from the children’s section of the pharmacy. Kids’ toothbrushes are smaller — so less likely to make you feel ill — and have softer bristles which are perfect for sensitive teeth.

There are quite a few morning sickness remedies out there, so we recommend testing all of them until you find the right one for you. This specific cure is widely regarded as the tastiest — so you may want it to be your first try.

The recipe involves blending berries, bananas, lemon, and ginger into a smoothie. Then, pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze it overnight. The next morning, when that dreaded nausea strikes, eat one of the ice cubes and breathe a sigh of relief!

Wearing a bra on a hot, sweaty day isn’t a good time for any woman. Add pregnancy and an enlarged chest to the mix, though, and donning a too-tight undergarment can sound like torture.

For instant relief on a hot day, put your bra in the fridge for a few hours before wearing it. Not only will it cool you off, but the cold will help soothe any pregnancy soreness you may experience in your chest area.

You may think you’re a calm and reasonable person, until you experience an extremely specific pregnancy craving at 2:00 am for no apparent reason. Then, you’re suddenly screaming at your partner to run to a particular store — in their pajamas — but reasonably, of course.

In order to keep both your and your significant other’s sanity in check, keep all your typical cravings fully stocked in the kitchen throughout your entire pregnancy. Just trust us on this one.

Buying a new bra as needed throughout pregnancy can get very pricy extremely quickly. Rather than part with your favorite lingerie for nine months, simply buy a bra extender instead. They’re easy to attach and unattach to a bra and will make your undergarments a lot more comfortable.

Another hack is to skip maternity bras and go straight to buying nursing bras. They’re suitable for pregnant women as well, and that way you won’t have to buy yet another type of undergarment when the baby’s born.

Pregnancy can be extra difficult for stomach sleepers, because getting your bump comfortable enough to nod off is mission impossible. Unless, of course, you’re armed with a pool inflatable and a genius hack idea.

Lay on your stomach, with your belly going through the inflatable’s hole, and enjoy finally relaxing! Just make sure to check with your doctor before sleeping in this position for the whole night, rather than just a quick rest.

If maternity pants just aren’t in your budget, we’ve got a solution for you — and it doesn’t involve confining yourself to skirts and dresses for nine months. Instead, sew elastic bands onto your regular jeans to earn yourself a little extra space.

The best part is that you won’t be ruining your pre-pregnancy wardrobe. Whenever you’re ready to go back to non-maternity clothing, just take the elastic band out. Good as new!

Make those seas sickness bands you bought for your last cruise earn their stay in your dresser drawer by wearing them throughout pregnancy to combat nausea. Whether these acupressure bands actually work or they’re only a placebo is highly debatable.

However, according to Dr. Laura Sirott, “The evidence isn’t great for some of these treatments, but they’re really low-risk. If it’s not going to hurt, why not try it? […] If women say they work, that’s what matters.”

Anyone who’s prone to heartburn knows how uncomfortable it can be. Now, add all the other overall side effects of pregnancy to your routine acid reflux, and you’re probably ready to try just about anything!

You may even make this concoction which is admittedly not to everyone’s taste, but it does seriously help with heartburn. Mix two quarts of water, one-third teaspoon of ginger powder, and two-thirds cup of apple cider vinegar together, and drink away!

Staying organized — especially when it comes to medical care — is always advisable, but it becomes even more important when you add pregnancy brain to the mix. Many expecting mothers find themselves on a pretty rigid schedule of vitamins in order to keep both mom and baby healthy.

To prevent confusion, have everything sorted in a pill organizer, so you don’t have to worry about wondering where supplement number 1,000 is when you need it.

Your whole body changes during pregnancy, making it pretty easy to overlook specific areas. One thing that most certainly shouldn’t be neglected is your feet, which can get pretty swollen and sore while expecting.

Epsom salt baths, foot massages, and applying essential oils like rosemary and eucalyptus are all recommended for moms-to-be. Furthermore, as counter-intuitive as it may seem, walking around a bit can boost circulation and reduce swelling in the feet.

If you thought not getting your period for nine months would mean a break from cramping, we’re sorry to say that you’re mistaken. As it turns out, good ol’ cramps are a part of pregnancy. Yeah, women really can’t catch a break!

On the plus side, it’s pretty easy to get some relief. When you feel a cramp coming on, eat a banana for potassium, have some electrolyte water with it, and you should feel better soon.

We’ve all seen those moms who are ready for anything, with their baby kits that accompany them everywhere. Those mamas have tissues, diapers, snacks, pacifiers, and pretty much anything else their child could possibly need for a day out. So, why not employ that same preparedness for yourself during pregnancy?

Assemble a nausea kit with baggies, wet wipes, saltines, tea, or whatever else works for you — and take it with you wherever you go. Having extra essentials on hand will be good practice for when the baby comes anyway!

Most moms carry snacks around in their purses for their kids anyways, so why not start that habit early and create a snack kit for long days out while pregnant? Truthfully, even non-pregnant women would benefit from this tip, as you never know when you’ll get stuck somewhere without food.

Create a little kit with water, whatever nibbles you enjoy, some vitamins (if cleared by your doctor), and maybe a little treat to settle cravings. That last one’s for everybody’s safety — not just yours.

Many companies use labels as a way of overcharging customers. For example, if you go to a store to purchase a fancy, white dress, the price will be pretty reasonable. But if you enter the shop saying you want a wedding dress, the cost will skyrocket.

The same goes for maternity clothes, which are far more expensive than they need to be. If you don’t want to pay the fee for the label ‘maternity,’ buy sportswear instead. It’s just as stretchy, comfortable, and stylish — thanks to the athleisure trend.

While surprise parties or surprise gifts may be nice, nobody wants to be surprised when it comes to what their body is about to go through. That’s why it’s advisable to research each stage of pregnancy before you reach it, so you won’t be too shocked.

This way, you can plan in advance and prepare — both mentally and practically. Of course, that’s not to say that all pregnancies are the same, but by hearing about other women’s experiences, you can get a sense of what’s to come.

We all know that pregnant women need to eat more than the average person, and most moms-to-be emotionally prepare for the inevitable weight gain. That said, it’s advisable to stock up on healthy food options during pregnancy, so you can find nutritious ways to satisfy those cravings.

That doesn’t mean that if your body’s screaming for chocolate cake, you should ignore it. It just means that it’s good to prevent things from getting out of hand, so as to protect the health of both mama and baby.

It’s important to remember that the due date your doctor gives is just an estimate. With that in mind, the last thing you want is to have to run around the house gathering all your essentials — all while you’re in labor.

Even worse, you’re already at the hospital and realize you forgot something. Perhaps even more catastrophic would be going to the store on the way home, newborn in tow, for some necessities. If you prepare a hospital bag several months in advance, you can easily avoid all these scenarios.

This may sound like an old wives’ tale, but apparently eating dates in late-stage pregnancy truly does shorten labor.

According to a PubMed.com report on research conducted at Jordan University of Science and Technology, “It is concluded that the consumption of date fruit in the last 4 weeks before labor significantly reduced the need for induction and augmentation of labor, and produced a more favorable, but non-significant, delivery outcome.” In short, dates lessen the need for oxytocin — the medication used to induce labor.

Staying physically active while pregnant not only helps with those nine months, but it can also improve labor, and the postpartum stage as well. Furthermore, exercise doesn’t just benefit the mom-to-be, but it serves the fetus too. The old saying goes, “Healthy mom, healthy baby,” and the science seems to support that.

According to Rebekah Mustaleski, CPM, “Women who regularly exercise during pregnancy tend to have babies that have lower heart rates and stronger cardiovascular systems.” Just make sure to check with your doctor before starting a workout!

Many pregnant women need to take fish oil pills. And, unfortunately, many ladies suffer some pretty embarrassing side effects from the supplements, in the form of belching. First and foremost, there’s no shame in your body doing what it needs to do.

That said, we understand why you may feel uncomfortable. Rather than skip a pill for the day, put it in the freezer for a bit. That way, it’ll only dissolve when it thaws, and by then the supplement will be further down your digestive tract. Problem solved!

Pickle juice may not sound like a tasty beverage, but many women swear it’s the only thing that helped their pregnancy heartburn. It’s also said to alleviate leg cramps, making the odd drink a favorite of avid gym-goers and moms-to-be alike.

It’s worth noting, though, that some mothers say pickle juice actually made their heartburn worse during pregnancy. So, it’s probably best to test this out for yourself and see how your body reacts, before filling your water bottle with it.

Get creative with the different medical equipment you may have, and use a back brace to help carry your belly around! Not only will this decrease your pain, but it will also provide compression during physical activities (think of it like a sports bra but for your bump).

It’s important to note that it’s recommended not to wear a back brace for more than three hours at a time, as you don’t want your body to become overly dependent on it. And, of course, always consult with your doctor.

Prenatal vitamins can cause a lot of pregnant women to feel nauseous, making those pills a really unpleasant way to start the day. If you find yourself in that predicament, check with your doctor to see whether or not your vitamins have to be taken at specific times.

If you’re able to have them right before bed, you can just go to sleep afterward and not endure feeling unwell throughout the entire morning.

Oftentimes, pregnant women feel like they’re spending 75% of their day in the restroom. While that’s simply one of the side effects of creating life, there’s a little trick that can help you take fewer trips to the bathroom.

When going number one, lean forward on the toilet to ensure all the waste is leaving your body. It’s also recommended to do Kegel exercises, when possible, to strengthen the pelvic region.

It’s advisable to start buying maternity clothes as early on in your pregnancy as you feel comfortable doing so. Think about your pre-expecting days… how often did you find yourself needing a certain type of outfit on very short notice?

The last thing you want when you’re super pregnant, and possibly not feeling too great, is to drag yourself to the mall to find something appropriate to wear to your boss’s dinner party. Instead, stock up ahead of time on some basics for your new wardrobe.

Feeling nauseous and trying to freshen your breath after being sick is a bit like a dog chasing its tail. You try to brush your teeth and tongue to get the taste out, but the toothbrush triggers your gag reflexes all over again!

Rather than enter that cycle, use a tongue scraper if you’re feeling ill. It’ll get rid of unwanted odor and taste but is a lot more gentle and less triggering than a toothbrush.

Hot and humid climates aren’t comfortable for anyone, but add a huge baby bump to the mix, and you’ve got one unhappy pregnant lady! While there’s not much we can do about the weather, we can provide a little trick that’ll offer some temporary relief.

Throw some damp towels in the freezer for 10 minutes or so, and then place them over your sweatier areas. You’ll feel as cool as Elsa from Frozen — at least for a little while.

There’s absolutely no reason for every mom-to-be in your neighborhood to buy baby items separately when there are plenty of mothers who are done with pregnancy. Organize an item swap for your community, in which parents can trade things their kids are done with.

You can get maternity clothes, items for infants, or even just make friends with other women. Lean on your community, and remember that you don’t have to go through pregnancy alone!

When you think of maternity clothes, you’re probably envisioning stretchy pants and bigger bras, but don’t forget to add compression socks to your list! Many pregnant women — particularly those with jobs in which they’re on their feet all day — swear by these garments to ease pain and swelling in their feet and legs.

Marcia Summer, MD, explains, “Compression socks apply even pressure to your lower legs to decrease swelling while helping to maintain blood flow in the veins of the leg.”

Treating your feet right is always important, but it becomes absolutely crucial during pregnancy. Invest in good shoes that are comfortable and preferably high-quality. If pricey footwear isn’t in the stars, you can put insoles in your shoes to level up your comfort.

You may even find that you still benefit from insoles in your costly footwear as well! According to researchers at the University of Iowa, using even inexpensive insoles “could potentially protect the long-term musculoskeletal health of women.”

While pregnancy cravings are very much expected, try to pay attention if there’s an odd pattern to them. Do you find yourself desperate for red meat at every meal? Maybe your iron is low.

That’s not to say that every single craving is an indication of a bigger issue, it just means that you should notice if there’s a common recurrence. It’s also important to add that, according to Healthline.com, you should speak to your doctor if you find yourself wanting non-edibles, such as soap or dirt.

If you find yourself combating nausea during pregnancy, try drinking some lemonade to feel better. Not a fan of the flavor? Apparently, just inhaling lemons will work! According to a study conducted in 2014, lemon aromatherapy helped pregnant women experience less nausea and reduced vomiting.

Even if you’re not feeling particularly ill, lemons are still a great source of vitamin C, which boosts the health of your immune system. So, get ready to make some lemonade, buy lemon-scented essential oils, and learn to embrace this sour fruit!

A lot of people don’t realize how many little things are out there to help pregnant women on their journey. There are places that have special parking spots just for moms-to-be, and some states even offer temporary disabled parking permits for expecting mothers!

Don’t be shy to take advantage of the assistance available to you. After all, you have to suffer all the drawbacks of being pregnant, so why not enjoy the benefits too?

A lot of things marketed to pregnant women are just an attempt to get more money out of people and aren’t really necessary. However, pregnancy pillows do not fall into that category.

It seems that every mother out there credits her pregnancy pillow as what allowed her to sleep at all during those nine months. If there’s one thing that you’re willing to invest in while expecting — this could be a great choice.

Ginger is known to ease nausea and boost overall health. Luckily, there are many forms in which this plant can be consumed, so you can find what method works best for your body.

Drinking ginger ale, sipping ginger tea, or even munching on raw ginger can all alleviate feelings of illness. If you really can’t stomach the taste of it at all, check with your doctor about taking ginger supplements in capsule form instead.

Kinesio tape aka therapeutic tape can help support your bump, making it a bit easier to carry around. It’s possible to have an expert strategically place the tape, or you may prefer to check out some online tutorials and try it yourself.

Our other hack for lugging around your baby bump is to have your partner walk in front of you, holding it in their hands. We admit that this method is a lot less practical, but it’s so much more fun!