Family over 11 years ago by Liz Adams

Pregnancy Essentials

pregnancy essentials Tomorrow marks 38 weeks of my pregnancy and the two week countdown to our due date. At this point I’m feeling extremely ready but also thankful for every moment this sweet baby has been in my belly. Most of my pregnancy has been really enjoyable but there are also someΒ symptoms/side effects where I’ve learned to ask for help or rely on products to make me more comfortable. I wanted to share my maternity must haves with you today…

1. A pregnancy pillow. Honestly, I didn’t even love this when Dave first bought it for me – it was uncomfortable on my neck and just super bulky in bed. Now I can’t fall asleep without it! I have and love the LeachCo. Snuggle total body pillowΒ and it is awesomeΒ for 2 reasons: {1} it is firm enough to provide support for your back when wrapped behind you and {2} theΒ rounded ends are perfect for supporting your belly when you’re lying on your side. My stomach is so heavy and low at this point and when lying on your side it is essential to have some wedged between your tummy and the bed.

2. Ingrid & Isabel Maternity Legging. Comfortable, thick, supportive on your stomach and they hold up well in the wash! I am so picky when it comes to leggings and these have lived up to my expectations. I also love Splendid’s leggings {so soft}.

3. Aveda ‘Stress Fix’Β Soaking Salts. I have been really into natural oils throughoutΒ this pregnancy and lavender has helpedΒ with sleepless nights and restless legs. I’ve been walking 5 days a week with Webster to help prevent any water retention and swelling which has been a huge help throughout my pregnancy but also exhausting on my knees, hips and pelvic bones. Thankfully these soaking saltsΒ usedΒ at the end of the day or early in the morning soothe those achy body parts!

4. Wintergreen Essential Oil. Towards the end of my pregnancy the weight of my stomach has had a serious effect on my lower back and this oil is a huge help when I put a few drops on the small of my back before I go to sleep.Β Wintergreen is a naturalΒ muscle relaxant, however, it is really strong when concentrated so I like to mix a few drops with almond oil to dilute {check the packaging on your oils to see if they are concentrated}. It also works wonders on headaches when applied to your temples.

5. C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve Lip Balm. Pregnancy makes your lips SO incredibly dry. I’ve probably gone through three of these balms within my almost 9 months. I love that this feels indulgent and pretty when I’m constantly caking it on my lips.

6. Ingrid & Isabel BellaBand. Not only will the BellaBand delay the need to buy maternity jeans but it completely smooths out your belly under whatever you wear! I love that it comes in a bunch of different colors {I have the navy for my jeans and nude to wear under dresses} and honestly just makes your stomachΒ look so much cuter underneath your clothes. It also smooths out the love handle area which I appreciate!

7. Nike Roshe Sneakers. I am embarrassed to admit how often I’ve been wearing sneakers. I seriously look like a commuting middle-aged woman {you know the ladies who speed walk from the train to their office in sneakers?} because they are worn with dresses, shorts, everything.Β This style isΒ comfortable, supportive and extremely light weight. Perfect for aching legs, swollen ankles and a large to-do list!

8. Isabella Oliver Maternity Dresses. I have purchased a few different brands of maternity dresses throughout my pregnancy and these are my favorite. They are feminine, fitted and accent the bump perfectly. They also have so many pretty styles! Also, so many of you loved the tee I wore in this instagram and it is available here.

9. The Happiest Baby on the Block,Β Bringing Up BΓ©bΓ©, Baby Wise, and The Womanly Art of BreastfeedingΒ are all books that I thought were really helpful in mentally preparing for our baby’s arrival!

10. Almond Oil. All over my body, twice a day – trying to avoid stretch marks at all costs!

Is there anything I’m missing? These are just my favorites. I could also list Tums, Prenatal Vitamins, drawstring pants, ginger chews from Trader Joe’s, this water tumblerΒ and cheetos because they have been on high rotation, too.

Photo by Heather Talbert.Β 

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  1. Eeek, so excited for you! Get ready to be extra dehydrated if you plan to breastfeed. Load up on your lip balms, lotions, and get a nice (huge) water bottle.

    I’m no longer pregnant, but love hearing about your Wintergreen oil trick. I have some, but haven’t used any yet since I wasn’t quite sure how. Thanks for the tip!

  2. Oh my goodness, I LOVED Bringing up Bebe. (and I don’t even have kids yet!) I thought it was awesome. French Kids Eat Everything is another good read for when your child begins to eat real foods…go idea to try to help thwart the picky eater syndrome!

  3. Just a heads up- Babywise is not recommended by the AAP and has been linked to failure to thrive. It also is not compatible with breastfeeding, which should be on demand.

    1. Completely agree! Breastfeeding is a whole different ball game and shouldn’t be scheduled. Enjoy it, mama! Savor the time with you and bebe and everything else can wait!

  4. Love your list of essentials! The BEST purchase throughout my entire pregnancy has been Beyond the Bump yoga pants (Hug The Belly Long Leggings, $93). They are a bit pricey, but unlike every other pair of maternity leggings/jeans/pants, the belly band is NOT that itchy, “ballerina tights” fabric. It’s an incredibly soft, smooth fabric that feels amazing against your sensitive/dry/itchy baby bump! Post-baby, the belly band folds down (a la Hard Tail yoga pants). I have yet to try them post-baby, but I ended up buying 2 identical pairs of these pants so I can wear them nearly every day!

    http://www.beyondyoga.com/maternity.html

    http://www.beyondyoga.com/maternity.html

  5. I just entered my second trimester and have been a long time reader of your blog! I’ve loved your pregnancy posts- your recommendations have been awesome. My best friend swears by Babywise and Happiest Baby on the Block (and I trust her, her baby IS the happiest baby). She gave those to me, and I actually purchased Bringing up Bebe the moment I found out I was pregnant (was dying for an excuse to read it). Thank you for all the tips, you look amazing!

  6. I love that you included Cheetos! Best of luck in your last couple of weeks. Your little one will be here soon and your life will never be the same in the best way possible!

  7. I could never get into the pregnancy pillow. I tried and tried but just never found the right spot to get comfortable with it.

    Yes to support leggings and all things hydrating. I slathered myself in balms, lotions and potions to keep my skin from cracking and itching. Oh the joys of pregnancy!

    Jamie // Hello There, Lady!>

  8. So glad I just stumbled upon this via Pinterest. I am exactly in line with you – due October 4 although I think she’ll hang out a while longer.
    I agree with everything above. SPOT ON about the body pillow. My husband bought me one early on and I thought it was bulky, annoying and took up too much bed space. Now, it’s a necessity.
    I’ve never been into lavender before but now I almost crave it. Aveeno body wash and lotion – basically any bath soaks. AND honey lavender macarons. GETCHA SOME! You’re welcome.
    I hadn’t ever had tums before in my life – they provide instant relief. I have them stashed everywhere.
    Yes to all oils, balms, lotions. I should have been taking this good of care of myself much sooner.

    Glad I stumbled over here, can’t wait to hear the rest of your journey!

  9. Has the almond oil helped with the stretchmarks?? That’s one of my biggest pregnancy fears! Lol. So, I’ve already decided I’m stocking up on cocoa butter the day I find out I’m preggo, but if almond butter works well too, that’s a good option!

    xo

    Kirsten