If I could list out my emotions the day I found out I was pregnant, it’d go something like this: shocked, nervous, thrilled, disbelief, thrilled part two, panic (in that order). An hour after taking four pregnancy tests to be sure, I texted one of my best friends the news and immediately pummeled her with a string of questions. How do I do this? What do I need to know? Do I need to start buying stuff? What’s the first thing I need to put on my to-do list? I was overwhelmed at the thought of all I didn’t know.
As it turned out, at six weeks pregnant, there wasn’t much I needed to do immediately besides pick up some prenatal vitamins and celebrate the new life growing inside of me. After that, I learned what I needed gradually as my body changed week by week. Now, after a full nine months of learning, here’s my personal list of pregnancy favorites, broken down by trimester...
FIRST TRIMESTER ESSENTIALS
Prenatal vitamins
Picking out a prenatal vitamin is like trying to figure out what to eat when you’re starving—the options seem endless and everything sounds pretty good. I did a basic search (pregnancy is just a 9-month series of Google searches, am I right?) and found this helpful article. Ultimately, I opted for these because they were affordable, included folic acid, and had no added sugar.
Tummy drops
I consider myself one of the lucky ones who felt pretty good throughout most of my pregnancy, but when the nausea (and sickness) did hit during weeks 6-11, I found these ginger drops to be super helpful.
Non-underwire bras
My body was incredibly sensitive throughout the first trimester, especially my chest. This hardware-free bra is aptly named—so comfy.
SECOND TRIMESTER ESSENTIALS
Body pillow
I tried to put off getting a pregnancy pillow for as long as I could because I just didn’t want another thing in my bed. But as my belly grew bigger, I needed the extra support. I love that this pillow isn’t as big as others on the market, but still provided the support I needed for my back, hips, and growing belly.
Lotion / Oil
I used a combination of this lotion and oil twice a day—morning and night—from my second trimester on. It helped soothe my stretched, itchy skin and I loved knowing baby could feel me rubbing my belly.
Water Bottle
Hydration is key always, but especially during pregnancy. In my opinion, this water bottle lives up to the hype. I drank three a day and took it with me everywhere.
THIRD TRIMESTER ESSENTIALS
Comfy pj’s
After waking up one morning in my third trimester with an indent around my waist from too-tight pajama bottoms, I realized it was time to invest in new, comfy options. I got this cozy set and now it’s my go-to gift for all my pregnant friends.
Birthing ball
I used this as a chair and a tool for stretching every single day at the end of my pregnancy.
Red raspberry leaf tea
When I asked my midwife about things I could be eating or drinking to support a healthy labor and delivery, she recommended red raspberry leaf tea. I got this brand and drank it daily throughout my last 4 weeks.
What have been your must-haves throughout pregnancy? Did any of my faves make your list, or did you find a different prenatal vitamin or pregnancy body pillow you love? With every body and every pregnancy being unique, I always love to hear what worked for others—even if it may or may not have been right for me.
