With my first pregnancy, I just kind of skated through, not really knowing much about anything. The second time around though, I had a much better idea of what I wanted and needed.
Since Mother’s Day is just around the corner, I think it’s the perfect time to share some of what I consider Pregnancy Must-Haves. If you’re expecting, put these on your list! Or… if you know someone who is expecting, grab something for her! I hate to break it to you, but Mom doesn’t get much in terms of pampering once that baby is out, so it will definitely be appreciated!
Of course, our must-have list does not include things like: finding a good doctor, drinking plenty of water, eating healthy, and taking your prenatal vitamins. I think most pregnant ladies know those things.
Preggie Pop Drops – With both of my pregnancies, there was no “morning” sickness. It lasted ALL day through the entire pregnancy. Preggie Pop Drops are all-natural and can help ease morning sickness and nausea!
Netflix – Whether Mom is stuck in bed, lounging on the couch, or needing a break from parenting an older child (no judgement here), Netflix will definitely come in handy! Pick a new show and binge away!
Maternity photo shoot – I really wish we had done a maternity session when I was pregnant with either of the boys. Actually, I didn’t take very many pictures at all of my growing baby belly. It’s one of those things we’ll never experience again and I think it would be really nice to look back on that time and remember it pleasantly.
Pregnancy Pillow – Everyone says to make sure you get plenty of sleep while pregnant, but that’s easier said than done. Using a large pillow to help support and cradle that growing body really helps!
My Baby’s Heartbeat Bear – These cute, cuddly stuffed animals are the perfect keepsake for expecting parents! Mom will receive a stuffed animal (you can choose from several animals) and a 20-second red heart battery recorder that captures the sound of baby’s heartbeat during an ultrasound. How sweet is that?!?
Maternity Clothes – I remember waiting as long as I could to start wearing maternity clothes when I was pregnant with my first. The second time around, I gave in quickly! There is no reason to squeeze yourself into regular clothes when there are comfortable maternity clothes to be worn! I know they are pricey, but get some! Check your consignment sales for some amazing deals!
Prenatal Massage – Pregnancy makes most women uncomfortable for a large portion of the time. I know I definitely would have enjoyed a prenatal massage. Massage therapy is a healthy way to reduce stress and relieve many of those discomforts we experience during pregnancy: backaches, stiff neck, leg cramps, and headaches.
Pregnancy Journal – I really wish I had done this when I was pregnant with either of the boys. Neither of our pregnancies were easy, but I do wish that I had recorded more while I was pregnant. At this point, I will never be pregnant again and that’s kind of an odd feeling. The Belly Book has spots to record throughout the pregnancy and even spots for pictures of that growing belly!
Skin Care – Carrying a baby does a number on your body! Skin care—mainly stretch marks are a big concern with expecting mothers, especially for first timers. Preserve your beauty and avoid stretch marks and itchiness with these avocado peptide based treatments from Mustela®. All of these are hypoallergenic and uses ingredients that are of natural origin and free of parabens, phthalates and phenoxyethanol. And my favorite part? They’re safe to use while breastfeeding!
- Mustela® Maternity Stretch Marks Prevention Oil is a non-greasy, fast absorbing oil that allows for easy application and is designed to help prevent stretch marks.
- Mustela® Maternity Soothing Moisturizing Balm is a rich, soothing, hydrating anti-itch balm to moisturize the skin and help reduce sensations of tightness and itchiness. I remember my belly itching constantly when I was pregnant. Of course, mom can use this before baby and after!
- Mustela® Maternity Body Firming Gel is a specialized and unique post-pregnancy care product that provides easy application in a gel texture to tone and firm the skin and help remodel the post-partum body.
Snacks & Food – When I wasn’t throwing up, I was hungry! That’s the beast that is pregnancy. Make sure a pregnant lady has snacks and plenty of them! Ideally, there are some healthy options, but make sure it’s something Mom can stomach.
If you want to give an expecting mom a gift, I’m sure she’ll gladly accept dinner in the form of food or gift cards! Even if she’s not up to eating whatever it is, her husband and other children will appreciate it and she will love not having to cook!
Tablet – This is a gift that keeps on giving. When you’re pregnant, you should have your feet up often, so kick back and try to relax. Chill with a tablet and read, watch movies, or scroll through facebook.
A Great Pharmacy – CVS Pharmacy offers a variety of products to help get through pregnancy, and they can all be conveniently picked up on-to-go at an affordable price. I love that you can shop for snacks, magazines, beauty, and medicine all in one store. Some of the things you should grab include:
- CVS Melatonin Sleep Soft Chews (Blueberry & Pomegranate Flavor) – to help Mom get a better night’s sleep
- CVS Pain Relief Tablets Regular Strength – for all of those aches and pains that come with growing a tiny human
- CVS Antacid Chews – for the heartburn that is bound to happen
- CVS Medicated Hemorrhoidal Spray – With constipation, hormone levels, and the increased blood flow, hemorrhoids can easily become a problem during pregnancy.
- CVS Once Daily Prenatal Multi+DHA – Make sure you’re taking your Prenatals!
Pregnancy can be rough, but the reward is pretty sweet!
What are some of your pregnancy must-haves?
Best Pillow says
This information is just great. These things are really very needed during pregnancy. Thanks a lot for sharing.
Jenna Hunter says
I really like what you said about getting a prenatal massage because it can help relieve stress, backaches, stiff necks, leg cramps, and headaches. This would be really helpful for my sister Amanda who is having a baby. She gets really bad back aches and it would be really nice for her to get rid of that back pain.