1st and 2nd Trimester Pregnancy Must Have Items For Expecting Mothers
Now that I am into my 2nd trimester, I can finally talk to you about some pregnancy must-haves that have gotten me through my 1st and 2nd trimesters thus far. While pregnancy is a beautiful and life-changing experience, I understand just how tough it can be, especially during your first trimester! Nausea, morning sickness, exhaustion, and aches and pains can leave you feeling tired and unlike your usual self.
Luckily, there are some natural and simple ways expecting mothers can help reduce their discomfort and boost their health. I’ll be talking about some of my favorite must-have pregnancy items here. This way you can spend more time recovering and treating yourself to some much-needed relaxation and rest.
Best Items For Expecting Mothers:
1. Maternity Leggings
Maternity leggings are a must-have item that you’ll need throughout your pregnancy! Again, pregnancy can be exciting and wonderful, but you have to remember that your body is constantly changing. As your baby bump grows and you put on extra weight you’ll need clothes that accommodate and support your body.
Maternity leggings are the perfect option! Not only can you get leggings that can safely go over your stomach, but if you get high-quality leggings they’ll last all the way up to your third trimester. Definitely look into these if you want comfy clothes with a lot of support.
2. Prenatal Vitamins
The clothes you get are important, but you’ll also need to keep track of your nutrition. Getting your baby the vitamins and minerals they need to grow and develop is vital to their health. That’s why I highly recommend getting a good prenatal vitamin during your first and second trimesters.
Really, it can be hard to meet all the nutritional requirements for you and your baby with food alone. You can talk with your doctor about a good prenatal vitamin and they will prescribe one that works for you.
3. Snacks
Along with vitamins, also stock up on snacks you like! Eating well is important, but it doesn’t hurt to have comfort foods around to munch on. You can also find nutritious snacks that are good for you and your baby's health. I’ve included some of my favorite pregnancy snacks below.
Almonds
Reduced fat peanut butter with reduced fat crackers
Low fat cheese
Granola
Dry roasted peanuts
Popcorn
Goldfish crackers (my latest craving)
4. Refillable Water Bottle
It’s important to hydrate a lot during your pregnancy. Water bottles are fine but they produce a lot of waste and don’t hold a lot of water. Really, it’s much more convenient to have a refillable water bottle around (preferable one with a straw). I find that drinking from a straw makes it easier to get in those ounces for the day. It’s easy to reuse a refillable water bottle and even have your family put more water in it for you when you aren’t feeling well.
5. Ginger/Preggie Pop Drops
Morning sickness is something you should expect even during the 2nd trimester. You can help yourself feel a little less sick and nauseous with ginger and preggie pop drops. I used preggie pop drops religiously during my first trimester. They were a huge lifesaver for me. Plus, they are all-natural and taste great.
If you can’t find preggie pop drops or want to spend a little less money, you can also use ginger and make it into a tea to reduce nausea and vomiting.
6. Comfortable Shoes
When you’re pregnant, you want to make your life as hassle-free and simple as possible. Wearing tight shoes that are difficult to put on isn’t fun, especially as your belly gets bigger and you have a harder time moving around. That’s why I suggest you get comfy shoes that are easy to slip in and out of. Good shoes will keep your feet from aching and hurting too.
7. Pregnancy Pillow
If you’re tossing and turning at night trying to find a comfortable position, this next maternity item will be perfect for you. Honestly, this is one of my favorite items on the list. I sleep way better at night snuggling with a pregnancy pillow. Not only is my body better supported but I feel more relaxed and get to sleep much faster.
8. A Supportive Bra
Your breasts will grow during your pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. You want to be prepared for this otherwise you will be dealing with a lot of back pain and soreness! Some of your old bras might fit during your pregnancy, but I personally think it's better to be on the safe side and invest in some new support bras that are made for maternity. You can even find these bras for a good price at Target and Kohls, just do a little digging online!
9. Body Lotions and Essential Oils
Body lotions and essential oils are a must-have for women. When you go into your second trimester and your belly starts to expand more, this can lead to itching and stretch marks. Stretch marks are natural, but it doesn’t hurt to put some body butter or lotion on to prevent massive stretch marks from appearing. You can also use Vitamin E oil, coconut oil, and other natural oils to prevent stretch marks and help itching by keeping your skin moisturized!
10. Pregnancy Books
Finally, don’t forget to get yourself a good pregnancy book! It can be tempting to go through your pregnancy without any foreknowledge, but with your body changing so much this can lead to a lot of questions, confusion, and even stress. Really, I think it's better to know what to expect at each stage of your pregnancy. This way you can keep track of yourself and go to the doctor if you feel like something is not right.
Final Thoughts on Must-Have Items During Pregnancy
With such a long list of potential maternity must-haves, it can be stressful finding the right items to purchase during your pregnancy. I’ve come up with a simple list of the basics that you will need for your first and second trimesters. These items should help you stress less and enjoy your pregnancy. If you have any other must-have items you want to share, feel free to comment below. I’d love to hear from you and learn more about your pregnancy journey! To all of my pregnant mommies, WE’RE IN THIS TOGTHER!