I’m in the thick of newborn days but before pregnancy becomes too far removed from my brain, I want to share some of my pregnancy must-haves. I’ve received quite a few requests for this post so I’m excited to talk about the things I found most-necessary during pregnancy.
Here’s a collection of everything from maternity clothes to self-care to reading/listening material and more!
CLOTHING
Let’s start with clothing because I think that’s top of mind for everyone.
Anytime I wasn’t in a sports bra, I was in a Coobie Bra. These one-size-fits-all bras are so soft and comfortable and perfect for your tender and growing pregnancy breasts. I lived in pajamas when I was pregnant, especially pajama pants. It was crazy, I would walk around most days wearing the most comfy and soft Lululemon Align pants but the minute it was acceptable to get into PJs, I was changing clothes.
I leaned towards fitted clothes during pregnancy and I did a lot of layering. First and foremost, Target was a huge lifesaver for maternity clothes. I got casual dresses, shorts, tops and tanks there. These tanks in particular were a favorite basic for me. I also loved these Gap tanks and these long-sleeved shirts.
I was lucky to be pregnant during cooler months of the year (god bless you ladies who are braving this summer heat with your bumps!) and I defaulted to wearing one of the tanks I linked to above with a cozy wrap sweater almost daily.
I loved this website for maternity dresses and I also got a super cute and cozy nightgown and robe from them.
I wrote a whole post on pregnancy faves for workout/athleisure so be sure to check that post out!
Fun fact…I made it through my entire pregnancy without buying maternity jeans. Thank god for stretchy black pants!
COMFORT + COZINESS
I was obsessed with this body pillow. And I mean obsessed. If you are pregnant, I recommend a body pillow as soon as you hit the second trimester. They are a game changer when it comes to sleeping comfortably and wonderful for supporting your hips, back and shoulders. Many also swear by the Snoogle.
Sleep can be hard to come by during pregnancy for any variety of reasons from general insomnia to anxiety to getting up to pee a million times a night. (I was up 5-7 times a night in the last month of pregnancy). A good meditation app is a lifesaver. It’s a much more productive way to spend your time lying awake in the middle of the night than scrolling through your phone.
Take a lot of baths! I feel like women get freaked out about baths in pregnancy because of what you hear about not elevating your body temperature but it’s totally safe. Just keep the water on the warm but not scalding hot side. I looked forward to baths so much and soaking with lavender salts always made my body feel amazing. Bonus, do a face mask before or after your bath.
While we’re on the topic of self-care, PRENATAL MASSAGES ARE LIFE! Pregnancy is definitely a time to spurge on regular massage if it’s not something that’s in your normal routine…especially as you start to really grow. I also adored that pregnancy massages are side-lying and you don’t have to be on the table with your face smushed in that round thing.
READ + LISTEN
Books: Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, Bringing Up Bebe, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, The Fourth Trimester, The First Forty Days, The Mayo Clinic Guide to Pregnancy, Expecting Better
Podcasts: The Birth Hour and Birthful
VITAMINS + SUPPLEMENTS
I tried several prenatal vitamins but this one was always my favorite. I also took an omega-3 supplement and a probiotic throughout pregnancy. I’m still taking all three postpartum.
BELLY CARE
I lean more towards the thinking that stretch marks can’t be prevented BUT I still used belly oil and butter daily because a) it just seemed like the right thing to do and b) your skin itches as it’s stretching so it needs some extra moisture! I would usually mix together this lavender oil and this belly butter.
MUST-HAVES THAT YOU CAN’T PRIME
Grilled cheese, ice cream, frozen pizza, pineapple, spicy ginger ale, bagels, carrot cake, snuggly dogs, a caring and knowledgeable doula, an amazing doctor/midwife and really good friend/family support.
What are/were your top 3 pregnancy must-haves? Please share!
Great Post! I’ve been debating on some type of body pillow. Its so hard to get comfortable (20 Weeks) and I’m sure it will only get worse! I have to agree with defiantly leaning towards more fitted clothing.
Do it! It was around 20 weeks that I felt like I really started benefitting from one. Now I’m obsessed with it (so is my dog lol)
I will look into it!! 🙂
I have to second the Lululemon Align pant/crop! I don’t normally splurge on Lulu but these are ridiculously amazing for pregnancy and you can keep wearing them afterward. ASOS has some great maternity finds, too.
And, bagels. 🙂
I keep hearing such good things about the Align pants during pregnancy but I’m hesitating to bite the bullet and buy them because at 17 weeks pregnant with my second, none of my normal Lululemon is fitting at the gym. Did you get your normal size or one size bigger? Ideally if I’m spending the money on Lulu I want them to last so hopefully they would work during pregnancy and postpartum if they’re the correct size.
I have them in both sizes (normal and sized up) and they both fit throughout pregnancy!
Normal size! I’m with ya 🙂
HUSBAND! He did everything for me. I basically had morning sickness for 41 weeks.?God bless that man!
A good chiropractor has been invaluable for creaky joints (looking at you left SI) and muscle discomforts.
A prenatal yoga class. My teacher is a doula as well, so she has been a wealth of information, as well as getting to meet other moms-to-be.
Rosehip oil. I also think genetics plays a big part in if you get stretch marks or not, but from everything I read keeping well moisturized is your best bet and rosehip oil helps heal and prevent scarring. ( Maybe TMI, but I got a lot of little white stretch marks on my boobs at week 15, and now at week 33 they’re basically gone after using this oil every day.)
A water bottle. I had the biggest one I could find and carried it with me everywhere.
Have you been cleared to work out by your doctor?
A knee pillow
A LARGE water bottle preforably the kind that let’s you infuse your water
A chest freezer or any space suitable to store freezer meals.
Just found your blog and loving it!
Welcome! I can’t second enough the water bottle. I carry mine with me everywhere postpartum too. Breastfeeding thirst is unreal! And yes, yes! I bought a chest freezer too and it’s been a huge help with baby meals!