If you are expecting a baby this year, you may be wondering what you really need. Your wish list of baby items is never ending (as it should be), but what about what YOU need?

PREGNANCY MUST-HAVES

High-Quality Prenatals: All vitamins are not created equal. While you may think the price tag on high-quality prenatal vitamins is a splurge, it is not. (Look for folate instead of folic acid.)

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.

Proper Under Garments: Because expensive, new maternity 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: 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.

Something Comfortable and Sexy: A nightie you can wear throughout pregnancy, breastfeed 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.

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, this little amazing invention is a lifesaver for so many reasons. It’s great for working out, or just if you are experiencing discomfort. It comes in handy later in pregnancy, or in your second, third, or fourth pregnancies, as babies tend to sit lower each pregnancy.

Photoshoot: 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. Buy a new dress and book a great photographer.

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.

Papaya Enzymes (The natural version of Tums) for Heartburn: The toxins in Tums are alarming. Trust me when I say papaya enzymes treat heartburn just as well (or better).

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 glute (butt cheek). It was almost debilitating. It was not sciatica – according to the chiropractor - and I wanted to cry every time 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.

Massage: At least once (a trimester) you need to splurge on a massage.

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.

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.
• 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
• Natural Candles or Essential Oils