Pregnancy Must-Haves

Everyone’s pregnancy journey is different. Some have it easier and others have it harder. Some enjoy the process and others count down until the end. There is no one size fits all when it comes to pregnancy. And just like each person is different each pregnancy can be different too. It can be a big learning curve along the way.

Knowing about some options and products that are out there can be such a huge help during pregnancy! You might like some products during a certain trimester while pregnancy and not another. Or you may swear by a product during one pregnancy and not use it another pregnancy. There are some essentials I have come to rely on during my pregnancies. So I wanted to share what I rely on in the hopes it helps other momma’s to be out there be better prepared.

Pregnancy is a beautiful and life changing process but it is not always easy. So without further ado here are my personal top essential must-haves for during pregnancy.

Belly Butter/Oil

Being proactive in helping to prevent stretch marks has always been a big deal to me during pregnancy. For my first two pregnancies I used cocoa butter for stretch marks. For my third I started looking into more natural and organic options and came across Earth Mama Organics Belly Butter and Belly Oil. I love them and have officially switched to them for any future needs! The belly oil you use after showering and the belly butter I use at least once (sometimes twice) a day. It is a huge relief when you have itchy skin as your belly grows!

Belly Belt

I did a lot of research prior to birth on tips and tricks to help you get your body back after baby. In my search I discovered belly belts. I have used a belly belt during all of my pregnancies, especially towards the end. As your belly grows and you add on weight, there is more pressure and back pain that comes along with it. By wearing a belly belt it helps to relieve that pressure and ease back pain. I wear mine whenever I am going to be standing, walking, and/or sitting for long periods. I have noticed a difference in my back pain when I wear it versus when I don’t.

I personally use the Belly Bandit Hip Band for during pregnancy support and it also doubles with helping shrink your hips back to pre-pregnancy size after birth too. I love the two-in-one use! For more on the postpartum use check out my Postpartum Must-Haves here.

Maternity Clothes

The more your baby bump grows the more uncomfortable your old clothes become. Even if you say you don’t want to wear maternity clothes–trust me, you do! During my first pregnancy I waited as long as I could to wear maternity clothes but they are so comfortable that with my other two pregnancies I started wearing them much sooner. Maternity clothes are made and suited specifically for pregnant woman. And I’m not talking only about your growing bump…the changes and growth in your breasts makes your normal bras uncomfortable too. Once my normal bras don’t fit anymore I switch to nursing bras. Do yourself a favor and take advantage of the maternity clothes!

Earth Mama Organic Teas

During my first two pregnancies, I used Red Raspberry Leaf Tea during the third trimester. It is only safe during the third trimester as it helps to strengthen your lady muscles and help prepare your body for birth.

This pregnancy (third), I have been trying out some other Earth Mama Organic teas that are safe for pregnancy and I am obsessed! There is a Throat Smoothie Tea for a sore throat, Relaxing Tea for when you want to help promote sleep, Third Trimester Tea for helping get extra vitamin boosts and preparing your body for the end. They also have a Nausea Tea and Heartburn Tea.

There are so many great options to help during different phases of pregnancy. These teas are so helpful since you can’t take medicine. I love that they are organic and there isn’t any caffeine (my kids even love having some with me).

Prenatal Vitamins

Your body goes through so many changes during pregnancy. As your baby is growing and developing it is important that you get enough (and extra) vitamins to help support not only your immune system but your baby’s as well. During my first pregnancy my midwife said to make sure to get prenatal’s with folic acid and DHA. If you have any questions about what to take or options make sure to check with your health care provider.

Emergen-C

During pregnancy you aren’t allowed to take hardly any medicine. My go-to during pregnancy if I am feeling run down, starting to get sick, or just need an extra little boost of vitamins is Emergen-C. They are flavored packs of vitamins you simply add to water.

Saline Nasal Spray

During my first and third pregnancies my congestion was really bad. My midwife said congestion is a normal pregnancy symptom but it’s irritating. And since you can’t take any cold medicine you kind of just have to deal with it. One thing that helped during my first pregnancy especially at night when I had trouble breathing was using saline nasal spray. My midwife recommended it to me because it is simply salt water so it is safe to use during pregnancy.

Essential Oils

Great for relaxation by using in the bath or diffusing. Lavender is a go-to for relaxation and sleep. Thieves helps kill germs. And if you’re struggling with congestion peppermint can help clear your nose. There are so many good and natural uses for essential oils.

Pregnancy Pillow

I had always heard of others talking about pregnancy pillows but never could justify spending so much on one during my first two pregnancies. Now that I am in the third trimester of my third pregnancy I just got a pregnancy pillow and cannot believe I never used one before! I love it! It is so comfortable and makes sleeping so much easier especially as I’m nearing the end and more uncomfortable. I will probably be using this even after birth just because I love it so much!

Water Bottle

One of the biggest things I hear from my doctor/midwife during pregnancy is to make sure and stay hydrated. So you will want to invest in a good water bottle to make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids. I use a big one I got at the hospital during my son’s birth throughout the day and sometimes use my fruit infuser water bottle to add fruits for flavor.

Exercise Ball

And last but not least, another of my go-to’s is my exercise/yoga ball. I use this often as I near the end to exercise and encourage baby to get into position. As I near my due date I use it every day to prepare for birth.

I hope that these tips come in handy for you and help to better prepare you for a smoother pregnancy journey. All us mothers have been where you are. Just know you are not alone! If you have any suggestions of other must-haves that I didn’t list please comment below and let me know.