Even though I’m only halfway through the second trimester, I’ve compiled a list of must-haves that have made my life easier. Here’s what works for me. Hope they may be of use for you or someone you know!
Pregnancy Pillow: Let me start off by saying that bringing this into your home will inevitably come with others using/stealing it (ahem your partner or animals). My dog absolutely loves curling up in here and using the pillow as a bolster. I’ll admit if she’s using it I let her because I love her so much. I got the PharMeDoc one. Good price and good support!
So starting 20 weeks and beyond, you’re supposed to avoid sleeping on your back because weight of uterus and baby puts pressure on your vena cava, which is the main vein that carries blood from lower body back to the heart. Experts recommend sleeping on your left side for best circulation. Because I can’t fall asleep unless I’m on my back, I make sure to prop myself up with the help of my pregnancy pillow so that I’m at least at an angle then throughout the night (I think) I rotate from left to right.
Sweet Almond Oil: slather this bad boy ALL over your belly and butt. It’s non-greasy and I can fully attest to that because I’m someone who can’t stand even residue of lotion on my body, so this works best for me.
Orthopedic donut: I’ve sustained multiple tailbone injuries throughout my life so I am no stranger to these donut foams for the bum. Lately I’ve been using this while I work at my desk but I’m also a fan of this one (yes I have both…)
Belly Band: I ordered this one off Amazon because it’s cheap. I haven’t used this yet but I will because it’ll make a difference in getting that extra lower back support aka help with my tailbone pain.
Comfy bra: I ordered this from Belly Bandit and it’s so buttery soft. Also a huge fan of this Soma bra with no underwire but great support
Water Bottle: Get yourself a huge ass water bottle because it’s so important to hydrate and help prevent UTIs, which pregnant women are more prone to. I like this one from Amazon because it has a motivational element, as well as my Hydroflask with ice filled all the way to the top!
Compression socks: Compression socks are great for tired swollen feet, ankle, legs, and can prevent varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis. The increased circulation can bring more oxygen to your whole body and give you a boost of energy too! I ordered a pair of Comrad compressions socks and have no complaints.
Bragg’s nutritional yeast: I sprinkle this on my soups and pastas. If you’re vegan like me this is your holy grail when it comes to getting those B vitamins. It has 180% DV of B1, 70% Niacin (B3), 40% Folic Acid just to name a few.
Prenatal Vitamins: love Ritual because they auto mail you a 30-day supply and it has a pleasant lemony aftertaste. I did alot of research on prenatals and decided to go with this one because of its clean, traceable ingredients. Another good one is Garden of Life’s raw prenatals, especially if you’re trying to get some fruits & veggies with each dose.
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Hi Christy,
thanks for sharing! I remember that pregnancy pillow ..It felt really nice. The only issue I had was with the storage. Just so huge on the bed. But I still used it until the end of my pregnancy.
I know it takes up so much of the bed! I like to roll it up and use as a pretzel/reading prop when I’m not sleeping with it.