A Few of My Favorite Pregnancy Things - Care Package List

There are a few essential things I've bought during this pregnancy that I've relied on, and loved - and would recommend to other newly pregnant women.  There are also a few things I wish I had bought, and will likely buy the second time around.  I thought I would list it all out for all the newly preggos out there, for friends who want to buy something for their newly pregnant friends,  and also to remind myself for friends and future pregnancies.

1.  Long, cotton, maternity, tank tops:  Given that I was pregnant March through Oct in Houston, that's no surprise.  Its been over 90 degrees that whole time, and I couldn't have made it without tank after tank.

2.  Maternity Leggings:  Same as above, and the only thing that feels remotely comfortable in the last trimester.

3. Maternity Shapewear:  I loved this.   I had several weddings I attended during my pregnancy, and this helped me deal with my changing body.  Plus it helps support the growing belly and felt like a relief in the later stages of pregnancy.

4.  Detailed First Trimester Book: As a first time mom, I really appreciated this detailed book on the first trimester.  Most pregnancy books gloss over the first 12 weeks, but I was SO DAMN EXCITED about being pregnant that I wanted more, more and more information.  This book delivered.  That said, once I got into my second trimester, I stopped reading altogether and relied on iPhone apps.

5.  Iphone Apps:  I'm sure there are tons, but I loved the timeline in Sprout, and the tips of the day in Baby Bump.  They also allow you to time your contractions, list what to pack in hospital bag, etc. 

6.  Designer Maternity Jeans:  I bought one pair of AG maternity jeans (so soft and comfy yet shapely) at the start of my pregnancy around week 12 for $200 and wore them the entire time, pretty much every time I went out, through week 36.  They are still in great shape and make me look like half of me is in great shape, and I know I'll get another 36 weeks out of them next time. 

AG Jeans at Pea in the Pod

7.  Maternity online shopping:  Once I hit the second trimester, I realized the two mall maternity stores pretty much had K-Mart style clothes that looked all the same.  So I stopped going to them for new things, and just bought tanks and leggings there instead.  I found some great websites for maternity clothes though at reasonable prices.  My favorites are:  ASOS, Zulily, Gilt, Old Navy, Gap, and Seraphine (Princess Kate's favorite).

 

8.  True Lemon:  The ONLY thing that could get rid of my massive migraines the first trimester was staying hydrated.  Actually, the only thing that could relieve me of all and every one of my symtoms was staying hydrated.  I did this by drinking a TON of water every single day.  At first I started drinking Gatorade and PowerAde but then got freaked out knowing some flavors have BMO and it may not be good for baby.  So I forced myself to drink only/mostly water - which I struggled with.  A friend recommended adding true lemon packet to water, and it worked.  It's 100% natural and made the water go down easier.  Just like adding a lemon wedge.

9.  Pill reminder storage:  Blame it on pregnancy brain or not, but I could not quite ever remember if I had taken my prenatal vitamins or not during the first 12 weeks.  As soon as I purchased this, it helped a ton.  I don't think I've missed a day.  Also nice to travel with.

10.  Bikini Shaper: There comes a day when you realize you can no longer see, down there.  At all.  Its also hard to reach.  This little tool allows you to precise and safe bikini trimming without needing a mirror.

 

Ok now for things I wish I had bought.

 

11.  Memory Mattress Pad: By week 20 you are only supposed to sleep on your side and I swear I woke up with bruises on both of my hips.  It got worse as the weight increased.  My sides literally ached with pain making my already lower back pain unbearable.  I actually finally purchased a memory mattress pad last week at 35 weeks and it make a world of difference.  I wished I had done it sooner. 

 

12.  Pregnancy Body Pillow:  Same reasoning as above.  Its been extremely uncomfortable for me sleeping on my sides.  Coupled with the incessant bathroom breaks and insomnia in general, finding a way to sleep should be your utmost priority.  I ruled this body out in the beginning of my pregnancy because I thought it may be too big, and unnecessary.  I thought oh I could just snuggle up to a regular pillow.  Wrong.  Next time, the minute I find out I'm pregnant, I'm buying this as a gift to myself.  $100 is a small price to pay for uninterrupted sleep pre baby.  . 

 



Are there any other things you found useful or of relief during your pregnancies?