My Top 10 Pregnancy Must Haves

I’m 8 months pregnant this week! I can’t get over how fast the time has gone by. Over the past 8 months I’ve tested several products and put together a list of some of my favorites that I think are worth sharing. Your first pregnancy can be very overwhelming and I remember feeling so clueless about what was needed to help me get through it. Your body experiences so many changes during this time and there are products that can definitely help you feel comfortable and confident through your journey!

PREGNANCY MUST HAVES

These products above have been SO helpful for me, especially during my second and third trimesters. Everyone experiences pregnancy differently, but these items helped solved a lot of issues I faced during my pregnancy. They all come highly recommended!

Keep scrolling for more info on each product and links to everything below!

1. PAI STRETCH MARK SYSTEM

You never know if you’ll get stretch marks, but I figured I’d do my best to avoid them if possible. I’ve been using all natural Pai Skincare products for years and I swear by them. They’ve completely changed my skin. I trust all their products so when I saw they offered a solution to stretch mark prevention, I ordered it immediately. The PAI STRETCH MARK SYSTEM is a two phase oil and cream combo, formulated to reduce visible effects of stretching on your skin. The cream is used in the morning and the oil is used at night.

I’ve been using this product since I was about 18 weeks pregnant. While I can’t guarantee I’ll have no stretch marks from this pregnancy (I’ll report back after giving birth!), so far so good! One thing I can promise is that this system will keep your skin feeling soft and supple as your belly grows. This combo combines vitamins E & C along with a full range of essential fatty acids needed to help skin to stretch and bounce back into shape without showing signs of damage. It also promotes skin cell regeneration.

2. BODY PILLOW

This pillow is a lifesaver! It wasn’t until the beginning of my third trimester that I started feeling aches and pains. I found it very difficult to get comfortable at night. I tried three pillows to help with sleeping – a huge U-shaped one, a small one for between my legs and this BODY PILLOW.

This pillow is not marketed as a pregnancy pillow, but it was the best option I found. It’s basically a memory foam body pillow that never goes flat – the support is amazing! It’s conforming shape molds to your body and provides orthopedic support for side sleeping which is so important during pregnancy. I sleep on my left side with my arms and legs wrapped around this pillow. I also use it wrapped around my lower back when I’m sitting up in bed or on the couch. A PROTECTIVE COVER is also recommend!

This body pillow is made in the USA using eco-friendly products and is hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant. The brand has a 120 night love it or send it back policy – so you cant go wrong! I’d recommend this pillow whether you’re pregnant or not…I plan on using this throughout the remainder of my pregnancy and after!

3. PREGNANCY UNDERWEAR

I thought I’d be able to get away with wearing my normal undies throughout my pregnancy but my third trimester proved me wrong! I finally caved and purchased these PREGNANCY UNDERWEAR – meant for both pregnancy and postpartum. They are 95% cotton with a 100% cotton lining (which is intentionally made white to easily detect unusual spotting.) They have a crossover design in the front that sits comfortably below your belly – also great if you have a c-section! These are full coverage underwear that show no visible panty line. The material is soft, stretchy and free of harmful chemicals. They come in a pack of 6 neutral colors!

I ended up having a C-section, so for postpartum I purchased a different style that I have linked in my POSTPARTUM MUST HAVES post.

4. MATERNITY TANK TOPS

The majority of my pregnancy was through the fall/winter, so my go-to outfit was leggings or maternity denim paired with tanks tops and long cardigans. I stocked up on these basic tank tops and wore them so much! They’re essentially just a extra long tank that fits comfortably over your belly. I love the soft and stretchy material and the flattering neckline. They’re great to wear as a base layer under sweaters or on their own if you’re pregnant through the spring/summer. I bought one in every color and a few in white. I sized up to a medium (I’m a normal size small) so that they would fit comfortably through my third trimester. They wash well too (I did not put mine in the dryer, but rather hung to dry.)

5. PRENATAL VITAMIN

I had a very difficult time finding a prenatal vitamin that worked for me. Almost every brand I tried made me break out in a rash on my face. I honestly have no idea what was causing the skin irritation but I finally found a prenatal vitamin that gave me zero side effects. The KLAIRE LABS PRENATAL & NURSING FORMULA is free of milk/casein, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and gluten. It also contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. If you have any type of skin or diet sensitivities, I would recommend this vitamin. Klaire Labs vitamins and supplements offer some of the purest and most potent products on the market.

NOTE: This prenatal vitamin is also formulated with folate, rather than folic acid (folic acid is the synthetic form of folate.) Many common prenatal vitamins use folic acid which can be hard for many women to process within their body. Klaire Labs Prenatal has 800 mg of folate. My doctor recommends 1000 so I added a separate folate supplement to make up for the difference.

6. TUMBLER

One of the most important things you can do throughout your pregnancy is stay hydrated. Seems like a simple ask, so why is it so hard!? My advice is to keep a large tumbler full of water with you everyday. It’s a good reminder too get your sips in. This particular tumbler comes with a straw, handle and keeps your water cool for hours. My goal is to finish 2-3 per day.

7. BABY BOOK

I took a pretty laid back approach to pregnancy and birth. Despite being a planner, we decided to keep the research to a minimum and just learn as we go. I know there is no ‘right’ way to raise your child and that every baby is different. That being said, I wanted to read at least one book prior to having the baby – so I didn’t feel completely clueless before her arrival! THE HAPPIEST BABY ON THE BLOCK book came highly recommended by family, friends and many of you! This book talks about the fourth trimester – the first few months the baby is born. It helps prepare you for what to expect from your newborn baby and attempts to explain why they cry and what can be done to soothe them. The author of this book is also the creator of the SNOO, the bassinet we just ordered for the baby! The SNOO is meant to emulate the 5 S’s explained in the book, by imitating the calming sensations of the womb. I certainly don’t think reading this book and buying the recommended bassinet will answer all our questions as new parents, but rather it will be a helpful guide to help us get to that point. For more baby book recommendations, see the comments in THIS POST on Instagram.

8. MATERNITY LEGGINGS

These are the BEST maternity leggings! When I first found out I was pregnant I ordered several pairs of maternity leggings that came highly recommended – Zella, Spanx and Blanqi. After trying all 3 pairs, the BLANQI LEGGINGS were BY FAR my favorite. The material is thick, breathable and flattering – holding everything tight in all the right places. They also have seam-free built-in belly panel for extra support. Most importantly, they don’t slide down! These leggings stay put so you’re not constantly pulling at them. I wear them lounging, walking, working out, running errands – basically everywhere. They wash well too (I don’t put them in the dryer but rather hang to dry.)

NOTE: I’ve been told these have been re-done in the past year or so. I saw reviews that they material was too thin, see-through and snagged easily. That is NOT the case with the most recent updated version. (Because of that, I would recommend buying them HERE to get the newest version)

9. MATERNITY BELT

Although not for everyone, a MATERNITY BELT was a MUST-HAVE item for me during my 3rd trimester. Our little babe is measuring BIG and it’s having a pretty significant impact on my body. I’ve been experiencing PGP (Pelvic Girdle Pain) since the first week of my 3rd trimester, which can be severe at times. This specific belt was a recommendation from my doctor (along with some daily exercises) to help with the pain. I wear this when I go for long walks or spend an extended amount of time on my feet and I find that it takes a lot of pressure off my back and pelvis. It’s also great for lower back pain! It’s been a lifesaver.

10. SILICONE WEDDING BAND

Most recently I purchased a SILICONE WEDDING BAND. I’m officially at the point where my hands are starting to swell and my rings are starting to getting uncomfortable. I’m using this simple silicone band to replace my engagement/wedding rings for the time being. I’ve heard these rings are also great for working out. I’ll wear my wedding rings again after the baby…at which point I’ll just use this just for gym!

If you want some fun color options – check out this listing. I can’t speak to the fit or comfort of these but you can get 7 colors for only $11!

ARE YOU A NEW MOM OR MOM-TO-BE?

If you’re a new mom or expecting, I have some additional pregnancy related posts you may be interested in! Click below to read!

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My Top 10 Pregnancy Must Haves