Must-Have Products During Pregnancy
I learned much from my first pregnancy. My head was always in the books, learning how to best care for the baby during and after pregnancy. I read article after article about the best products that would relieve nausea, deter stretch marks, remedies to make me more comfortable, etc. After all, pregnancy is a very uncomfortable and exhausting experience leading to an even more exhausting, but rewarding experience, parenting.
During my first pregnancy, I purchased products that helped make me comfortable, but during the second pregnancy, I had a better idea as to what modifications I wanted on those products to make me even more comfortable. I’ve compiled a list and description of some of my favorite pregnancy products.
Pregnancy Pillow
I used a body pillow during my first pregnancy; however, I still had some trouble getting comfortable at night. My hips were in much pain, which is why I made frequent trips to the chiropractor. During my second pregnancy, my husband purchased the Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow, determined to ensure I would sleep a little better and endure less hip pain. It was a nice surprise to get in the mail and I couldn’t wait to try it out.
This pregnancy pillow cups my body, serves as a head pillow, gives back support and provides a cushion between my legs. I highly recommend this pillow even if you’re not pregnant.
Comfortable Shoes
As pregnancy persists, the feet will go through some changes. My feet slightly increase in size and become swollen at times. Good shoes are key to comfort. I have many shoes; however, while pregnant, I can only wear about 5% of them. My go-to shoes are my TOMS. They come in various styles and can be worn for just about any occasion. I also love my Sanuk Sandals. The sole of the Sanuk’s have built in u-lounge comfort, which feels like you’re walking on a cloud.
Comfortable Maternity Pants
I’d have to say that maternity pants are my favorite thing about being pregnant. They are so comfy. I feel like I get to wear my pajamas to work every day. When I’m home, I get cozy in maternity leggings. Don’t waste your time trying to wear your jeans until the button won’t close, invest in a few good pairs of maternity pants and leggings. You’ll wish you could wear them well into the future. Actually, why not keep them in your closet for Thanksgiving or to lounge in around the house?
Stretch Mark Lotion
I put stretch mark lotion on every morning and night during my first pregnancy and I didn’t see my first stretch mark until I was in my eight month. I’d like to say it was due to the stretch mark lotion that I used and have continued to use in my second pregnancy. I use Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks, which can be purchased on Amazon. There are plenty of alternative remedies and I’m curious what has worked for you. Please share by leaving a comment to this post.
Preggie Pop Drops with Vitamin B6
My husband found the Preggie Pop Drop candies at a local retail store during my second pregnancy. Not only are they delicious, they helped with the nausea that overpowered my mind and mood during the first three months of pregnancy. Might as well purchase more than one container at a time, I went through mine quickly, and they were very effective.
Netflix
If this is your first pregnancy, you may not be at the point of chasing a toddler around the house with a heavy front just yet. If you are a first time mother, enjoy your free time. You should rest every chance you get. What better way to rest than to get cozy on the couch in your maternity pants and sweater watching a show on Netflix. Enjoy your lounge time during your first pregnancy, things get busy once the baby arrives and busier with every additional child.
Night Lights
Expect to get up often in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. Night lights are a great way to light up the path to the bathroom when you’re feeling groggy and upset that you’re up again. You may want to buy more than one. You’ll use them once the baby arrives. While walking in the dark, you’ll want to see the toys on the floor that will dominate your home. It’s not fun when you step on something sharp or something noisy and wake the baby. We installed them in every room of our house.
Lemon Ginger Tea
Nausea was a constant during the first three months of pregnancy for me. For some women, nausea persists past the first trimester. I was desperate to find something to relieve the horrible feeling. Lemon Ginger Tea helped much. I’m not a tea drinker, but the taste was surprisingly pleasant. Another drink that helped was Ginger ale. I’m also not a soda drinker. I prefer water and the occasional cup of orange juice, but some sips of Ginger ale helped when I was so nauseous that even the taste of water made me feel worse.
Comfortable Bras
Finding a comfortable bra can be challenging. I’ve purchased expensive bras with the expectation that they would last a while and keep me comfortable through the day. That is not always the case. Pregnancy will make your breasts expand and often hurt. Take the time to find the right bra for you; one that provides ideal support, expands with your growth and will last longer than a few washes. I also recommend purchasing a few nursing bras if you plan to breastfeed. It’ll save you time and energy when preparing to breastfeed or pump.
Open Front Sweaters
As your belly expands, having a cozy sweater that will match your maternity wardrobe is ideal. I prefer a long sweater with a length that reaches my thighs. I’ve found this style of sweater more cozy and most flattering when wearing my maternity leggings when out and about. I found a comfy sweater on Amazon, where I go to purchase most of my products now days (busy moms don’t always have time to shop at the mall to update our wardrobe). I recommend finding a sweater that opens in the front so that you can show off your beautiful pregnancy belly and feel less restricted.
Pantyliners
Thanks to your hormones during pregnancy, your body goes through some unfortunate changes leaving mommies uncomfortable through the day. When I became pregnant with my first child, I packed up my feminine products and stored them on the top shelf of a closet, not to be seen for nine months or more. I soon found that I may need some of them after all. Pantyliners will help keep you fresh and comfortable throughout the day.
What to Expect When You’re Expecting
The first pregnancy book I purchased was What to Expect When You’re Expecting. This book was very informative and provided month by month information as to how your body is changing during the pregnancy process as well as how your baby is growing. It offers tips on how to secure a healthy pregnancy and suggestions to prepare for the baby’s arrival. I also recommend What to Expect the First Year and What to Expect the Second Year. They are just as informative. Now that I am on round two, I use these books as references.
Healthy Snacks
It is common knowledge that pregnancy increases a woman’s appetite. It is very easy to grab something unhealthy that will decrease your energy level to satisfy your appetite. Keep some healthy snacks on hand that have little to no salt and will increase your energy level and help you maintain a healthy weight gain. I love smoothies, hummus with broccoli or carrots, bananas, oranges, apples, avocado with tomatoes and celery with a little peanut butter.
Tums
I’ve experienced heartburn before pregnancy; however, heartburn during pregnancy is no joke. It’s painful! They say that having heartburn while pregnant means that your child will be born with a lot of hair. Maybe it’s true because my daughter had a full head of beautiful hair when she was born. Heartburn has kept me up during the night, is one of the reasons I have to sleep sitting up and leaves me feeling very sick at work. Changing my diet hasn’t relieved the pain either. When my doctor gave me the approval to take no more than four tums each day, I was so grateful.
Prenatal Vitamin
Since our pregnancies were all planned, I started taking the prenatal vitamin at least three months prior to trying for each baby. It is one of the first questions your doctor will ask you during your first check-up. My vitamins are prescribed to me; however, you may be able to find a prenatal vitamin at your local grocery or drug store. Check with your doctor for more information. Your doctor may even request that you take additional vitamins during your pregnancy. Mine recommended that I take vitamin D and an iron supplement as well.
Pregnancy Tracker Application
There are many apps available to track your pregnancy by week. I recommend finding at least one that you like. I use The Bump and What to Expect. Each app is set up different and offers snippets of information about mom and baby as well as informative articles that you may be interested in.
I’d Love to Hear From You
If you have any products that should be on this list, I would love to learn what has worked for you. Please leave a comment or feel free to send me a message. Please share with friends and family who may find this information helpful. I know as a first time mom, I was eager to read any article or book that would help make the journey through pregnancy smooth and more comfortable. And remember moms, you are all rock stars. Pregnancy isn’t easy and motherhood is also challenging, but rewarding in so many ways. It’s simply the greatest adventure.
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