January 11, 2021
This is my second rodeo, and this time around I know what maternity products I actually need. I did a post about pregnancy products during my first pregnancy, and after reviewing it recently, I feel like I really held back. This post is going to show you the maternity products you actually need.
There are subscription boxes out there “catered” to each trimester of pregnancy, but they don’t include the products you really need to get through pregnancy. Sure, an eye mask that says “Napping for Two” is cute, but is that really going to make pregnancy that much easier for you? No.
What you really need are things like high waisted underwear, stool softeners, and a hair trimmer for when things get out of hand. This stuff isn’t glamorous but it is necessary.
1 | Exercise Ball | The easiest way to achieve lower back pain relief. Be prepared to share this ball with the entire family. Milton and Caroline think this is a toy for them when I have it out in the living room.
2 | High Waisted Underwear | Don’t kid yourself. You don’t have the time or energy to wear cute undies anymore. You need your underwear to stay in place throughout the day, and the high-waisted pairs do the trick. I even wear these under my leggings because I could care less if I have a panty line or not. Cotton is also key.
3 | Compression Socks | Pregnancy glamour at its finest. My ankles and feet got huge during my first pregnancy and I was in pain by the end of the day if I skipped out on my compression socks. I have a feeling it will be the same story this pregnancy.
4 | Stool Softener | You just need this. Hormones are really cool and allow the female body to do amazing things, but they also don’t prioritize muscle movement in your intestines during pregnancy so you will likely need some help. Most women go on an iron supplement at one point in their pregnancy, which can also cause constipation. I put miralax and sparkling water in a wine glass every evening (the wine glass just makes me feel a little bit fancier). If you prefer pill-form, go for it. Just get something to help things move. Of course, consult your doctor before taking anything.
5 | Elasticity Oil | They say stretch marks are hereditary, but there is no shame in rubbing some oil on your belly and boobs each night. I also think applying lotion every night would do the trick, but this is one product I like specifically made for a pregnant belly.
6 | Insulated Cup | I am sure just about everyone has their own insulated cup. If you don’t have one, now is the time to get one. Your body fluid volume increases a lot during pregnancy, and once you have the baby you will start to produce breastmilk. All of this requires so much water intake unless you like to have dry and cracked lips. I carry my cup with me everywhere.
7 | Prenatal Vitamins | You can spend as much money as you want on vitamins, but the store brand works just fine for me. You’ll have plenty of other products you can spend more money on later, trust me.
8 | Wedge Pillow | The perfect pillow for belly and lower back support. I used this pillow to sleep at night before my belly got huge and I needed more support. I also use it between my knees at night, or when I am sitting on the couch or at the table on my computer for lumbar support. If you work at a desk I highly suggest buying one to keep on your desk chair. I also used it in my nursery chair postpartum while breast feeding.
9 | Remmington Hair Trimmer | This just makes maintenance that much easier. It is hard to imagine a time when you physically cannot see part of your body, but the time will come and you need to be prepared. I will be pregnant during the warmer months this time and I’m sure we will take a few trips to the beach. Wish me luck.
10 | Boppy Side Sleeper | Belly at back support without the ten foot long maternity pillow. This makes side sleeping much more comfortable for the stomach sleeper. This pillow got me through my first pregnancy, and it is currently getting me through my second. Great purchase.
11 | Blanqi Maternity Support Tank | I know this maternity tank is pricey, but it is the one I have and it does a great job. Amazon has some cheaper options, but with a product like this you (probably) get what you pay for. I purchased mine when it went on sale at Nordstrom. Try going to the Blanqi website and signing up for their emails for a discount code.
