Pregnancy Must Haves

Tis the season of giving, or getting your pregnant-self something if you’d rather.  My motto: Two gifts for others, one gift for myself.  I really recommend this shopping strategy!  But what do you need really want for this pregnancy?  That’s where I come in.  This is not my first rodeo, folks.  I’ve had a few chances to really figure out what luxuries you should be asking for this pregnancy.  If my list is missing anything, no worries, I polled social media moms for their favorite products or dream products while pregnant!  Your wish list won’t be lacking, that’s for sure. In no particular order:

PREGNANCY MUST HAVES

High Qaulity Prenatals: All vitamins are not created equal.  While you may think the price tag on high quality prenatal vitamins is a splurge, I beg to differ. This is a must. Read more on supplements and how to select them. Clothing that makes you feel AWESOME. You don’t need a whole new wardrobe for such a short period of your life, BUT you do need a few pieces worth their price tags. Great Jeans:   (help on where to shop) You want jeans that do NOT make you look like a mom.  You want them to hug that rear end, slenderize those legs, and make you feel fashion forward.  I have one designer pair I rotate through with some GapMaternity skinny jeans (in multiple colors). Proper Under Garments:  Beacuase expensive, new martinity clothing should look flattering.  Something like “The Blanqi Body Styler” will do just fine.  Let’s help out the awkward side rolls and droopy belly by smoothing, lifting and supporting.  I also love that you can wear this with unbuttoned non-maternity pants and it will hold them up – and hide the fact that you haven’t purchased maternity pants yet. Bras and Underwear: Some women love the “over the belly” style underwear, but it is not my thing.  I’ll stick with my normal underwear selection, but I do invest in a few pairs of really cute full-back undies to sleep in.  Your breasts are the ever-changing volcanoes (literally) both size-wise and shape-wise.  A good bra will do wonders, but it is also the hardest piece to shop for while pregnant.  After you give birth and experience engorgement and your first few months of breastfeeding, the ladies will settle into a size you’ll have for the extent of your nursing relationship.  Personally, I would wait until this point to invest a big chunk of change on new bras, BUT you will need something flattering to keep the boobies under control while they grow! Something Comfortable and Sexy:  A nightie you can wear throughout pregnancy, nurse in afterward, and feel attractive in? Yes, please.  You don’t need to drop the big bucks here – you can find a sweet little nightie just about anywhere. Don’t be shy.  If you’d like something on the sexier side, GO FOR IT.  I’d definitely splurge on something slinky that would drop my husband’s jaw. Good Shoes: Flats, of course. Splurge on a pair that make you feel as though you are walking on clouds. Support Band: On the complete opposite side of the sexy scale, I would recommend a pregnancy support band/belt.  While you won’t be wearing it the bedroom (hopefully), this little amazing invention is a lifesaver for so many reasons.  It’s great for working out, or just if you are experiencing discomforts.  It comes in handy later in pregnancy, or in your second, third, or fourth pregnancies, as babies tend to sit lower each pregnancy. Photo shoot: Possibly pin-up style, if you are brave enough!  This time of your life is so short, and as the years pass, you will slowly forget how you really looked pregnant. Body Pillow: There are several styles to choose from, but getting one is a must.  Your partner will not love this purchase as much as you do, but I promise it will make your nights so much better.  While I have not tried the Snoogle, it seems to be the most recommended (according to my social media poll). Personally, I love my pillows pretty and practical.  I lean more toward the Bump Nest Pregnancy Pillow. (above) Papaya Enzymes (The natural version of Tums) for Heartburn:  The crap in Tums is alarming. Trust me when I say papaya enzymes treat heartburn just as well (or better). Belly Butter/Stretch Mark Cream: Stay away from the shelf-stored, chemical-filled versions.  If I had the time, I would make it myself, but let’s be real – that’s not going to happen.  So I’ll click on over to Etsy.com and order some delicious smelling. Preggie Pops:  A nice little treat that also helps with morning sickness. Yoga Ball:  You will use this for core strengthening, stretching, exercise and to rock those pregnant hips out.  This ball was my best friend even in labor. Heating Pad:  During my third pregnancy, I had the worst pain that was deep in my left glut (butt cheek).  It was almost debilitating.  It was not sciatica – according to the chiropractor, and I wanted to cry every tie it flared up.  My only relief was sitting on a heating pad. Magnesium Flakes/Lotions: Magnesium can help with cramping, nausea, headaches, and so many other common pregnancy ailments.  Using flakes in a foot soak is a great way to see the benefits.  A lotion also works well. Coconut Oil: The uses for coconut oil are pretty much endless. From aiding heartburn to soothing hemorrhoids, coconut oil is a must. Learn more about coconut oil. Massage: At least once (a trimester) you need to splurge on a massage.  While there are numerous benefits to being massaged while pregnant, I fall into the “Put me to sleep” category.  I absolutely reach peak relaxation while being massaged. Pedicures: After a certain point, the belly starts to block the view of the toes.  Treat yourself and have some happy little painted piglets! A Good Chiropractor: Make sure to find a family chiropractor certified in the Webster technique.  Chiropractic care can help with everything from morning sickness to sciatic pain.  I’ve experienced the wonders of having a chiropractor flip my baby from “Sunny-Side Up” into a better position, completely relieving my back pain.

Natural Childbirth Classes: I list this because they tend to cost more than you would think, but are worth every single penny.  Educating yourself about your pregnancy and upcoming labor is a definite need!

Been-There-Done-That Moms Recommend:

• A good, firm mattress – Nothing will make pregnancy ailments worse than a bad mattress.
• Nightgowns that work for nursing
• Pregnancy Pillow – Some women claimed to have named theirs they were so loved.
• Wedge Style Pillow for between the knees
• Body Lotion
• Stretch Mark Cream – Make sure it rubs in well and smells great.
• Zoe organics belly balm (Rave reviews)
• Fancy Toiletries – Soaps, body scrubs, face masks, etc.
• Heating Pad
• Calf/Foot Massage – The added weight and inability to reach your own feet lead you to craving a good foot massage.
• Pedicures – because touching your toes pregnant is overrated.
• Supportive Flip Flops for Swollen Feet – Swollen ankles or hot feet can actually breathe in flip flops
• Chiropractic Care – From day 1 until birth (and beyond) a chiropractor will be your personal Heaven.
• Large Water Tumbler – The thirst is like nothing you’ve experienced before.
• Movies or Books to read/watch during insomnia-filled nights – Thank you pregnancy insomnia.
• Tums – Ugh Heartburn
• Sea Sick Bands for nausea – These work for motion sickness and morning sickness.
• Ginger-Flavored Gum – For nausea
• Arnica for muscle aches and pains
• Labor Gown – Feeling pretty while in labor is a must
• Comfortable pajamas
• Leggings – lots of leggings
• Yoga Pants – Skip anything labeled “maternity” and save your money with a drawer full of yoga pants!
• Yoga Ball
• Sitz Bath Ingredients
• Essential Oils and Diffuser
• Candles