10 Top Pregnancy Must-Haves
Here are some of my pregnancy must-haves that I have been using every day during my pregnancy. These products are inexpensive but have helped me so much throughout the last few months. If you are currently pregnant or trying to become pregnant, I suggest you start buying some of these products.
Top 10 Pregnancy Must-Haves
Prenatals
I have been taking a prenatal since the day I found out that I was pregnant. If you are currently pregnant or trying to conceive, you should start taking a prenatal. Prenatals provide folic acid that helps to prevent neural tube defects and other nutrients that are essential for a healthy pregnancy. My favorite brand of prenatal is Ritual because they come in a lemon flavor that does not make me feel sick after taking them. I had a hard time taking my vitamins during the first trimester but not with these.
Stretch Mark Creams/Oils
Stretch marks have a lot to do with genetics but I have been using creams and oils to help prevent or reduce them. I like to use creams/lotions during the day and will use oils at night, so I am not oily during the day. Every night before I go to bed my whole body is covered in oil but I love it. So far I have not had any stretch marks on my belly but have noticed some on my boobs. But, my boobs are MASSIVE so it makes sense. I have also heard that some people do not see stretch marks on their belly until after they have the baby. Hopefully, these products will continue to help.
Pregnancy Pillow
At first, I thought having a pregnancy pillow was kind of pointless but then I got one. Let’s just say it is a game-changer. You do not necessarily need it in the first trimester but once you get to the second and third, it helps a lot when it comes to sleeping. Especially, if you are a back or stomach sleeper because it is recommended to sleep on your side. I think I will continue to use it after I have my baby since they are so comfortable to sleep with.
Essential Oils
I never thought that essential oils could help with morning sickness or should I say all-day sickness but they truly do! Listen when you are throwing up multiple times a day, feeling like crap, you will try anything. I love using lavender and peppermint essential oils throughout the day and at night to help me relax.
Maternity Leggings
Maternity leggings are another essential that I thought I would never buy. Before I started to get bigger I always said I would just size up in regular clothes… then my stomach got big. At first, I was using high-waisted workout leggings/shorts but as I got bigger they became more uncomfortable. The maternity leggings cover your whole bump which is why I love them.
Fiber Supplement
A fiber supplement is one of the top things I recommend for pregnancy and would not know what to do without it. You can become very constipated during pregnancy even if you are eating a healthy diet. Bloating is a part of pregnancy but being bloating and backed up is just not the way to go. If you want some serious relief then go get yourself a fiber supplement. I used fiber powder even before pregnancy and have always loved adding it to my coffee, tea, and smoothies.
Greens Powder
I was extremely sick during my first trimester so the last thing I wanted to eat was vegetables. It was important to me to make sure that I was still getting enough nutrients for my baby and me so I started making more smoothies. I still have this shake every day because it is full of greens, fruits, protein, and probiotics. I add spinach, blueberries, bananas, greek yogurt, chia seeds, a plant-based protein, and a greens powder. I knew that as long as I had that shake during the day when I was feeling sick that I was at least getting something healthy into my diet.
Compression Socks
Swelling…. Yup, I have been experiencing swelling that started at about 18 weeks. Most people don’t start to swell until around their third trimester but not your girl. I have tried walking, drinking tons of water, and elevating my feet but the thing that has helped the most is compression socks. Thankfully it is just in my ankles and feet for now, so it is not that noticeable. Now that I am in my third trimester it’s getting a little bit worse, even my nail tech mentioned it during my pedicure. It is important to let your doctor know if you are experiencing serious swelling because it can mean some other issues are going on.
Water Bottle BPA Free
I have always loved having a huge water bottle to use throughout the day to stay hydrated. Now that I am pregnant I am so thirsty which is a good thing but also bad because I have to pee every 5 minutes. You can buy a gallon-sized water bottle off amazon for less than $25 and they are so worth it!
Exfoliator
I would like to know who came up with the term “pregnancy glow” because that is the last thing I am experiencing. However, I will say that my face has cleared up almost completely. The first trimester was rough for my skin but going into the second trimester I have seen a drastic difference. Since the beginning of my pregnancy, I have had the worst back acne. I hate wearing tank tops and short sleeves shirts/dresses because of it, and living in Florida does not make it easier. I know a lot of people experience issues with their skin during pregnancy so it is important to have a good skincare routine. The one thing that has semi helped my back acne is a good exfoliator. I use it once or twice throughout the week then use a moisturizer so my skin does not dry out.
