I’ve done this whole pregnancy thing a few times now. And sure, each pregnancy is different (like one requiring me to stock up on ranch dressing and another on Frosted Flakes). But some things remain the same. These are the tried and true products I can’t live without. I figured I’d share them in the hopes that other moms-to-be might benefit and share their own tips. After all, I’ve still got 18 weeks to go (gulp)!
Bellybar Prenatal Vitamins– When you’re as sick as I’ve been during my various pregnancies, prenatal vitamins can be as much of an obstacle as a must. I just discovered these this pregnancy (turns out my neighbor and friend founded Bellybar…how cool is that?) and they’ve been great. I love a couple things about them. 1) I don’t have to try to swallow a horse pill. 2) I don’t have to digest a horse pill…just in case I don’t have much time to digest, if you catch my drift. I also had a Baby Wants Chocolate bar this morning and it was surprisingly delicious—not at all vitaminy tasting. (Plus the copywriter in me loves the clever name.) I’m definitely going to try out more Bellybar products (like the chews and shakes) soon.
Lemon Drops– I don’t like lemon. At all. So if you see me popping lemon drops, you can bet there’s a baby bump announcement coming. For some reason, these are the one thing that have been a miracle cure for me with morning sickness. If I remember to suck on one when I start feeling funky, it seems to help soothe my stomach. I can’t explain it, but it’s true.
BellaBand– My pants are too tight. My pants are too loose. This shirt lays funny on these pants. I need to stick my stomach in…but I can’t. All of these fashion quandaries and more can be solved with one glorious piece of elastic fabric. (Bonus, today my doc told me to use it to hold my belly up and keep that baby from riding too low.)
Snoogle– Go ahead, laugh at the pictures. I do. But man, this pillow is a little piece of heaven and helps you lay just right during what should be some of the most long and uncomfortable nights. It also helps you avoid lying on your back, which is where I tend to end up. Pair it with the Boppy Pregnancy Wedge on the other side and you’re set.
Shea Body Butter– Knock on wood, I have yet to get any stretch marks (during pregnancy, at least). Considering I already weigh as much as I did when giving birth the last two times, I’m not sure I’ll be able to say that in a few months. But I swear I’ll do everything in my power to avoid them. Plus I itch like ca-razy when I’m pregnant and this is the one lotion that does the trick. Lather it on. You’ll be soft, glowing and smell good, but not perfume-y.
Pregnancy Companion App– I’m sure there are a million pregnancy apps out there that are great. I’ve only given this one (developed by my OB) a try and it’s been really helpful. I know most of the do’s and don’ts, but it’s nice to have a reminder of what week I am (yes, first timers, by the third kid you’ll lose track by week 4), what teas to avoid when I’m in the aisle at the grocery store, what’s happening with the baby each week and so on. It also has some great yoga and acupressure tips. I admit that I haven’t even clicked on the nutrition or weight sections (sorry, Dr. R), but I’ll pay for that come my glucose screening in a few weeks.
Sure I considered putting chocolate on the list, but let’s face it, that’s something I’m obsessed with whether I’m pregnant or not.
What is it that you can’t live without when you’re pregnant?
Disclosure: While I do know the founder of Bellybar and my OB, I was not compensated to recommend any of these products. These are my personal opinions based on 60 weeks of pregnancy fun.
Image from Flickr by helloromeo.
If you develop a cake obsession like I did when I was pregnant with my first, I absolutely recommend purchasing gimmicky “as seen on TV” bakery items such as the Betty Crocker Bake N Fill cake pan I HAD to purchase. This way, you can “treat” your friends to a cake every time you go to their home… because you’re at least attempting to be responsible by not keeping the entire cake in your home for you to single-handedly consume.
😉
How extremely selfless of you to share. No wonder you’re such a great mom!
aw, you’re the best! thanks so much for the shout out about the vitamins! i’m so happy that they are working for you. bellybar chews on their way to you right away (we discontinued the shakes unfortunately)… talk soon!
I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t mean it. They’re really great. And I love being able to recommend a product made by a hard-working mom like you!
I don’t think I would have survived my pregnancy without my Snoogle. Best prego pillow EVER. I took it with me on vacation even though it took up a whole suitcase! 🙂
The Snoogle is one of my favorites too! It makes sleeping a little more bearable. I too pair it up with the boppy wedge. I am surrounded by pillows and I love it!
Wow, you got one in a suitcase? That’s impressive Snoogle dedication! I think the only people who may not love this are the partners who get pushed out of bed to make room for all the pillows.
Oh! I had a Snoogle too. What a lifesaver!
Interesting info, thank you. I would just to mention that even the Mayo clinic agrees that moderate exercise while pregnant can be good for you.
My Husband and I are having our fourth child in 3 weeks and I couldn’t be much more nervous, I’ve carried out this 3 times before and I don’t understand why I’m so nervous this time around, so doing on-line research for baby and pregnancy related topics assist to ease my nerves. I can’t tell you just how much it has helped me to calm down by reading the articles on your website, so thank you very a lot.
For immediate results, tanning lotions and body concealers work great in hiding stretch marks in a flash. Be sure to buy these camouflaging products near your skin color for a natural look. Lastly, wearing the right type of clothes will hide areas that one does not want others to see. With the wide selection of fashion trends offered nowadays, style is not typically compromised. This will also give you the chance to have fun and experiment with clothes.