Being a first-time mom is very exciting because you’re about to undergo many physical changes. Luckily, certain tools make it easier to deal with these changes during pregnancy.
We’ve spoken to moms across the country to find out what their must-have items were when they were pregnant.
Below, our team has compiled a list of pregnancy must haves that every expectant mom needs for a smooth-sailing pregnancy journey. Keep reading to find out what will make your life easier.
Pregnancy Must Haves
Every mother has a different experience during pregnancy.
Some women rely on different products than others to find morning sickness relief or to get comfortable on those sleepless nights. However, there are a few must-have items that nearly every pregnant woman will need.
1. Prenatal Vitamins
For a healthy pregnancy, you should take prenatal vitamins throughout the entire duration. It’s even recommended to start taking them beforehand if you’re trying to conceive.
There are many nutrients in a prenatal vitamin that are essential for a healthy pregnancy, such as folic acid, iron, and calcium.
Prenatal vitamins will ensure you get all the necessary nutrients for your baby’s brain and development.
It’s still important to eat a well-balanced diet. But, if you have days where you don’t eat the healthiest foods, the vitamins will still provide your body and your baby with the right nutrients.
2. Maternity Clothes
Your body will go through a lot of changes during pregnancy. You must stay comfortable during this time. Your current wardrobe may become too tight and restricting as the baby grows.
Maternity clothes can help you stay comfortable because they’re designed to support your body while it goes through changes. These clothes contain stretchy material that won’t put pressure on your body.
Some of the items you may want to add to your wardrobe include:
- Maternity leggings
- Maternity jeans
- Maxi dresses
- Over-sized cardigans
- Maternity button-down shirts
- Stretchy dresses
- Maternity undies
3. Belly Butter
All expectant moms should purchase good quality belly butter early in pregnancy. The rapid growth of your stomach will cause stretch marks.
Using belly butter as your stomach grows may help prevent stretch marks.
4. Extra Support Bras
Another part of your body that will grow is your breasts. As such, one of the most important pregnancy must-haves is a good maternity bra.
Maternity bras are designed to provide extra support and ease the pain. They also include padded straps that provide more comfort.
5. Compression Socks
Many pregnant women experience aches, pains, and discomfort. They can feel this all over their bodies, but one area that suffers the most is the feet.
Compression socks are an excellent way to reduce pregnancy discomfort. They are known to improve blood flow and reduce swelling by providing gentle pressure to swollen feet.
6. Stability Ball
A stability ball (also known as an exercise ball) can be very helpful for pregnant women.
If you’re experiencing discomfort during pregnancy, this ball can relieve it. Many pregnant women use the stability ball for light exercises or as seating.
These balls are also used as a tool for relaxation since they can help relieve discomfort and joint pain. Many pregnant women also use them for support once they go into labor.
First Trimester Must Haves
During the first trimester of pregnancy, you aren’t quite showing yet. However, you will still be dealing with some of the physical changes.
The following products are recommended by mothers to help them adjust to the first trimester of pregnancy.
1. Loose Clothing
During early pregnancy, you won’t need maternity clothes. However, your body will begin going through changes, so having loose clothing to wear will help you stay comfortable.
Try to avoid tight or restricting clothes. Instead, wear items like:
- Loose dresses
- Flowing skirts
- Oversized T-shirts and sweatshirts
- Pants with a drawstring or elastic waistband
2. Belt Extender/ Clothing Extender
Sometimes you need to wear something from your wardrobe that feels too tight, such as a pair of pre-pregnancy pants. An easy way to manage this is with a belt or clothing extender. This piece of elastic material can be attached to an article of clothing to allow more room.
With this item, you can still wear your favorite outfits until you reach the size when you need to switch over to maternity clothing.
3. Nausea Relief
Many women deal with morning sickness during the first trimester.
Morning sickness can arise at any point in the day. That is why nausea relief is often listed as one of the top pregnancy essentials.
To deal with nausea, you can take an over-the-counter nausea relief tablet. Other ways you can find relief are:
- Eat bland foods
- Nausea relief oil
- Peppermint or ginger tea
- Fresh air
4. Pregnancy Journal
Many expectant moms find mindfulness in using a pregnancy journal. This book can be used to jot down your thoughts, emotions, and any physical changes you’re experiencing.
Some women even use it to monitor their symptoms in case there are any concerns they need to address.
5. Supportive Shoes
Your feet also go through a lot of physical changes during pregnancy. By the third trimester, you may no longer be able to fit into the shoes you wore before getting pregnant. Choosing a pair of shoes that will be comfortable but also reduce the burden on your hips and knees is important.
One thing to remember when shopping for shoes to wear while pregnant is that your feet swell throughout the day.
If a shoe is snug on your foot early in the morning, it will be too tight later in the afternoon. Choose a shoe that allows enough room so your feet stay comfortable all day.
6. Gentle Skincare Products
Another thing that expectant mothers will need to change in the first trimester is their skincare routine to keep their skin hydrated.
The products you’re currently using may contain ingredients that are too strong for pregnant women. This is why you must use gentle cleansers, soaps, and moisturizers. These products can help your face maintain a pregnancy glow.
During pregnancy, it’s common for the skin to be more sensitive. You may experience a slight reaction from products you used to use daily.
Another risk of regular skincare products is that some ingredients may be absorbed into your bloodstream. They can affect your baby’s development.
Items That Make Life Easier During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, all of the changes to your body can leave you feeling aching and tired. That’s why many moms-to-be want things that can help them relax and make their life easier as they prepare for their baby’s arrival.
Below are some of the best must-haves for helping you along your pregnancy.
1. Pregnancy Pillow/ Body Pillow
Pregnancy pillows are essential, especially during the second and third trimester. During this time, a lot of strain will be put on your body. These pillows are designed to fit a pregnant woman’s body, helping her relieve discomfort and pain.
Another great option is a body pillow. This is because your back, growing belly, and legs will need more support.
Body pillows and pregnancy pillows are both designed to provide this type of support for comfort.
2. Slide On Shoes
As you reach the later weeks of second-trimester pregnancy, you may notice that bending down is not as easy as it once was.
One pregnancy must-have that will make your life a lot easier at this time is comfortable slide-on shoes.
Make sure these shoes have good support and are slip-proof.
While slide-on shoes are generally more breathable, choosing a pair with extra room for when your feet swell up is still important.
3. Heating Pads
Cramps, aches, and pains are an unfortunate part of pregnancy. You’re more likely to experience these discomforts as your body grows and changes.
An easy way to find relief is with a heating pad. Heating pads are also an excellent way to target pain in specific areas.
4. Stainless Steel Water Bottle
When you become pregnant, you will be drinking for two. A few essential items you will need to stock up on are hydrating beverages and water bottles.
We recommended using a stainless steel water bottle. This is because it will keep your water cold for longer.
Pregnant women must drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water daily. Bringing a water bottle with you wherever you go is a good idea.
5. Pregnancy Books
You have a growing baby inside you, so it’s natural to want to know as much information as possible to keep the fetus healthy.
There is a lot that first-time moms need to learn about pregnancy, childbirth, and bringing a baby into the world.
You must get reputable information. That’s why you should read a few pregnancy books before giving birth.
Some of the top-recommended pregnancy books to read are:
- Bumpin: The Modern Guide To Pregnancy by Leslie Shrock
- Expecting Better by Emily Oster
- The Pregnancy Handbook For First-Time Moms by Linda Tourville MSN
6. Support Group Of Mom (& Moms-To-Be) Friends
As you adjust to the changes in your life, you can benefit from a support group that understands what you’re going through. This group can include friends and family members that are moms (or soon-to-be moms).
Women can benefit from a support group for their social well-being and mental health.
Final Words
Several pregnancy must-haves can help women find comfort and relieve stress during pregnancy. As your body goes through these changes, you want to be as comfortable as possible.
Have you started making your pregnancy must-have list yet? Let us know which items you plan on getting in the comments below.