Pregnancy is an amazing, life changing journey. But for most moms it comes with a lot of discomfort. From trouble sleeping, to belly aches and pains, to trouble eating due to naseau, there are so many things that can make it feel like it lasts a lifetime. But the right products can help make some things more bearable and the experience a little smoother. Here you’ll find pregnancy must haves and essentials that I’ve used in my two pregnancies and that lots of other moms have found helpful as well. I hope some of these can help you find some relief too!
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Comfort Essentials
- Maternity Pillow
First on the list for pregnancy must haves is a comfortable body pillow! Maternity pillows are great for helping you to get better sleep and support your body that’s working so hard to grow a little person. They provide pain relief, better alignment of your joints, and improve breathing and blood flow. They also help reduce the risk of rolling onto your back accidentally while you sleep, which can be dangerous for you and baby. They come in different styles, like an U or C-shape.
I love this U shaped pillow. It’s great for both during pregnancy and postpartum. A better night’s sleep can mean less aches and pains tomorrow!
2. Stretch Mark Cream or Oil
Keeping your skin hydrated during pregnancy is very important and can help to reduce stretch marks. There are a variety to choose from, both creams, butters and oils. Just make sure whatever you choose is free from retinol, salicylic acid and AHAs. Look for products that contain shea butter, coconut butter or oil, jojoba oil, or vitamin E.
Find a great belly butter here. I also recommend Burt’s Bees belly butter.
3. Comfortable Maternity Clothes
Stretchy, breathable clothing can make every day much more comfortable during pregnancy. It’s never too early to start wearing your maternity clothing either! Even during the first trimester, your growing belly needs the extra room. Wearing loose fitting items can reduce discomfort, increase mobility and reduce swelling. Pieces like maternity leggings and the right size bra can provide extra support. Items without a waistband, like dresses, can be especially comfortable. These Maternity joggers were my favorite!
Health & Wellness
4. Prenatal Vitamins
Proper nutrition in addition to prenatal vitamins is the most important pregnancy ‘must have’. These vitamins provide the nutrients that both mom and baby need to safely grow. They support fetal growth and development, brain and eye development, bone growth, and they reduce the risk of birth defects. Make sure to consult with your doctor when choosing the right prenatal vitamin for you. These are a great budget friendly option. Make sure to take them before bed and shortly after eating to best absorb and prevent any reflux or heartburn.
5. Hydration Support (Large Water Bottle)
Keeping well hydrated has many benefits for both mom and baby as well as supporting your overall health. Drinking enough water helps support amniotic fluid, nutrient delivery, digestion and energy. A large watter bottle, especially one with a tracking chart, can help you watch your water intake and make sure you’re getting enough throughout the day. Make sure to look for a water bottle that is BPA free and easy to carry. I prefer a stainless steel or glass bottle. This water bottle is glass but also easy to carry:
6. Compression Socks
Blood flow is very important during pregnancy, especially to your lower body. Whether you work on your feet all day, or even lay around alot from exhausting, compression socks can help to improve circulation. It also can provide relief from swelling. Make sure to wear them if you’re on your feet for extended periods of time, or while traveling. I highly recommend these compression socks.
Convenience Products
7. Belly Band or Support Belt
A belly band or support belt can reduce pain and pressure by distributing your baby’s weight to your abdomen and lower back. This can improve your posture, reduce risk of injury, and reduce pressure on your bladder. It can be a huge relief to have some extra help to carry around that weight from your growing baby. They can even be used postpartum to continue to support your belly as it heals. This is a great option for a belly support band:
8. Pregnancy Journal or App
Tracking milestones and symptoms during your pregnancy can help you learn about your body and know better what it needs. Seeing how your body and baby are going can be really encouraging to keep going through all the hard parts. That’s why I always used an app like Ovia to see exactly what was going on at every week, trimester, or stage of pregnancy. Journaling can be a great emotional outlet that can help improve your mental well being and even bond with your baby as you write about your experience with them. I love the layout of this journal. This is a great habit to start before baby is born and continue afterwords to help you deal with the stress of becoming a new parent.
9. Nausea Remedies
There are a lot of natural solutions for morning sickness today, like ginger or peppermint in the form of candies or teas. I personally preferred hard candies that you can suck on while out and about or doing things that you know are going to trigger your nasuea. Other options are roll on essential oils, wristbands, ginger ale sodas and vitamin B6. These were my favorite candies!
Self-Care Must-Haves
10. Relaxation Tools
Things like essential oils in a diffuser or a massager can help to manage stress and encourage relaxation. Spoil yourself with some calming lotions or natural candles that can help you unwind. This back massager is amazing!
I hope this list is helpful during your pregnancy to find things that can bring you comfort, and promote health, wellness and self care during this amazing time in your life. Make sure to choose products based on your own personal needs and preferences. Have any pregnancy must haves or essentials to add to the list? Share them in the comments!