What are the Must-Haves during Pregnancy?
If you are expecting a baby and you are starting to feel your body change shape, stretch, and open up, now is the right time to check up on my pregnancy essentials list. I made this list after my first pregnancy, and since then, I have passed it along to all my pregnant girlfriends. From the early days of morning sickness through the last trimester – this list contains my favorite essentials that I couldn’t live without while pregnant!
I hope you enjoy and find this list helpful, and please feel free to pass it along to any pregnant women you might know.
First Trimester Pregnancy Must-Haves
One of the most challenging pregnancy symptoms is morning sickness, common in the early stages of pregnancy. Pregnancy-related morning sickness generally begins during the first six weeks and lasts throughout the second trimester. There is nothing worse than waves of nausea, often accompanied by vomiting, to the point of trying nearly any remedy you can to shake it off. The good news is that there are many safe, non-drug remedies to ease the misery, and you’d be surprised at how effective they are.
The Best Remedies for Morning Sickness: Ginger Everything!
Various forms of ginger, including capsules, are effective non-drug treatments for morning sickness. You can also find it in ginger ale, lollipops, and tea.
You can check if this works for you by trying a ginger candy and seeing if it calms your stomach.
Another common trick is eating dry snacks like crackers and nuts in small portions to ease the morning sickness; Try eating some crackers first thing in the morning with a fresh cup of ginger tea. Some women swear it makes all the difference!
Oh, and a Little Pro Tip From an Experienced Mom – It’s not bad to make dietary changes such as eating more frequently. Think small meals. For instance, you can eat every couple of hours. Lastly, avoid spicy and fatty foods as they often trigger morning sickness.
Hydration First: Water Bottle, Your Pregnancy Best Friend
The 40 weeks of pregnancy come with blood volume expansion, so you’ll need lots of liquids to balance that and stay hydrated (even though you may not want to add to your already cramped bladder by drinking more).
To make sure you drink enough water throughout the day, get a nice bottle you can keep on you. I use the Yeti Brand. It keeps the water cold (or hot if you want), and it is light, so you can easily carry it in your bag.
Second Trimester Pregnancy Must-Haves
You made it through the first trimester, mama! And the good news is that the best part is yet to come! – Yes, I’m talking about the second trimester, when nausea has hopefully subsided, and then you have more time to get familiar with your new self. Plus, now that your belly is showing, you can tell everyone about your pregnancy and enjoy the good attention and the famous pregnancy glow!
A combination of excitement and nervous energy occurs inside your body during the second trimester, making it more challenging to fall – and stay – asleep. However, the right pregnancy pillow can help ensure you get the sleep you need to stay healthy and well-rested during this beautiful time.
Pregnancy Pillow – From 2nd Trimester to Nursing
Buying a pregnancy pillow for yourself might be the best gift you can get during this stage of your life. No matter what type of pillow you’re looking for, I’ve broken down the best ones you could find. That way, you can feel confident that the one pillow you decide to buy is the one that’ll help put your insomnia to rest.
Full-Length Pregnancy Pillow:
In many ways, a full-length pregnancy pillow is essentially indistinguishable from the regular pillows that already adorn your bed. But while they closely resemble a regular pillow, they also tend to be a bit longer, so they can run along your entire body. So if you’re a cuddler, these pillows will be perfect for you. Prop it up against your body, wrap your arms around it, throw a leg over it, then snuggle the ever-living heck out of it.
C-Shaped Pregnancy Pillows:
C-shaped pregnancy pillows are great if you need extra support for your head, neck, hips, back, and stomach. They can also help take the pressure off your pelvic region, leading to less water retention in your body. Because it has an open-sided shape, you can put the pillow into the position you find most comfortable. However, for maximum comfort, let the pillow nestle against your back with the opening around your belly. Pure bliss!
U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillows:
As expected, your body will keep changing, which is where a U-shaped pillow comes into play. It provides head-to-toe support, which makes pregnancy that much easier. For example, if you love sleeping on your back, a u-shaped pillow easily helps you transition to side sleeping. Flip your pillow around so the crescent side is on your head and the open part goes near your feet. This way, you rest your head on the curve, which is the most comfortable position.
I use The Original Snoogle, C shape pillow. it’s had many copycats since it was first invented… but they just don’t compare to the original one! I love it because its soft, breathable, and machine-washable. It’s fully support my neck, belly and hips with ease. Oh, and just in case you were wondering if its glowing reputation was justified? It also happens to have been invented by a nurse and a mother.
Close Support – Comfortable Bra
Your belly is showing, but your breasts will also join this party! With your breasts growing a size or two bigger, you need to find good breast support for maximum daily comfort and easing pressure on your back. In addition, you should choose a well-fitting bra, which also has nursing capabilities. Such a bra is designed for heavy breasts that require extra support and is convenient if you plan to nurse your baby after delivery.
My choice is this one from the Panache brand. I’ve been using it during two pregnancies and breastfeeding, and I find it chic and comfortable.
Third Trimester Pregnancy Must-Haves
Here we go! Your first date with your baby is coming up. It is an exciting period, but it’s also tough on your body. So my best advice is to take the time to enjoy these days. Stock up your home with all the essentials for the little one, and get extra rest.
Your body is at its prime, and it needs extra attention to cope with the changes, the pains, and the weight. At this point, many women are spending a large portion of their days on their birthing balls.
All The Benefits Of Using Birthing Ball During Pregnancy
A birth ball may look like an unconventional piece of fitness equipment, but did you know that they’re also excellent for expectant mothers?
If you’re feeling lower back pain while pregnant, you will love birthing balls. Sitting on it while working or during those binge-watching sessions can help take some of that pressure off your spine, making you more comfortable than plopping down on the couch.
Furthermore, medical professionals suggest gently bouncing on it during the early stages of labor because this can help coax your little one’s head into an anterior position if you do so during the first stages of labor.
My Takeaways
As I wrap this up, I want to emphasize that women’s wellness and well-being through all the trimesters is crucial. The above pregnancy essentials can significantly improve your pregnancy experience and make things easier for you.
So Go on, Momma. Get Yourself One of the Above Recommendations and Enjoy These Special Times!
How I Choose The Recommendations for This Article
All products in this article and blog are tested either by a close family member or me. That means if I recommend something, it’s because I genuinely believe in it. Also, some of my recommendations may contain affiliate links. That means that if you click any of those links and make a purchase, I might get a small commission for it, at no extra cost to you.
