Maternity Must-Haves
Well… it’s hard to believe but my days of this pregnancy are numbered. Such a mix of emotions.. excited, anxious, bittersweet, thankful… you name it. Since I’ve had two pregnancies in the last 3 years, I want to make sure I make this list before I forget what items were so crucial to me.
Being pregnant opens up a whole new world to a woman… and an overwhelming one at that. Millions of options for things you didn’t even know you needed.
Your body goes through so many changes… and with that so does your wardrobe, skincare, medications… you name it.
This list is a thorough compilation of the items that I swore by throughout my pregnancies… thought it could be helpful for a mom to be! Clearly, I’m going for comfort here and not fashion. And be forewarned for TMI.
Bras/Underwear
Jockey Sports Bras
I LIVE IN SPORTS BRAS. These are the best. I have several pairs. I wore these postpartum too and just lifted it up to nurse. More support than a nursing bra. You can usually find these at TJ Maxx/ Marshall’s… butttt quarantine.
Warner’s No Side Effect Bras
If you have to wear a real bra, these are the freaking best. I found them during pregnancy when my boobs literally couldn’t fit in any bras I owned. I loved them so much I ended up buying in my regular size postpartum.
Sleeping Bras
For me, these were a true necessity. My boobs hurt if not in a bra and these are SO soft and comfy! I have like 6 pairs. They are also easy to nurse in.
Underbelly Underwear
Thongs are a no go during mid to late pregnancy. They raise your risk for infection and when you are super huge, the last thing you want is a piece of fabric up your crack. Granny panties it is. These I’ve used for both pregnancies- they sit below your bump, genius. FYI these run SMALL.
Clothes
Motherhood Maternity Secret Fit Leggings
Literally lived in these….currently wearing as I type this. Have several pairs. My favorite are the cropped length. I wore these folded over for much of my pregnancy then all the way up when my belly got too big. I wore these post partum quite a bit last time and plan to do that again.
Old Navy Yoga Shorts
Wearing these almost everyday. The waistband can be folded down or up. Great for post partum too. This picture in my opinion, isn’t a true reflection. They don’t look baggy like this on…
Amazon Shorts
Wish I had found these sooner! These are for third trimester, so soft.
Old Navy Ribbed Tanks
My go to tops. I layer under flowy sweaters and wear with sports bras most days. Super comfy.
Maternity Dresses for Photo Shoots/Showers
Target Liz Lange Dresses– In my first pregnancy, I was working, and these were clutch.
Comfy Amazon Pajamas
Love these! So soft and cute.
AMiERY Women’s Comfy Drawstring Palazzo Lounge Pants
LOVE wearing these around the house, not technically maternity, but they have lots of give!
Motherhood Maternity Robe
I LOVE this robe, pregnant or not. Love the little lace detail and the attached string. Looks cute not pregnant or when I’m huge. SO soft.
Supplements
TheraNatal Complete Prenatal Vitamin
In case your curious, this is what my Reproductive Endocrinologist recommends (and he’s one of the best in the biz). Three pills per serving that include DHA, Vitamin D and Folate rather than Folic Acid. Not cheap, but every one of my blood work results showed great levels.
Mama’s Select Probiotics, “The SuperBiotic”
If you aren’t yet aware, your gut health is hugely important to your growing baby. Poor gut health is being linked to children with allergies, autoimmune diseases and more. In addition to promoting gut health, taking probiotics while pregnant boosts your immunity, balances intestinal flora, and prevents abnormalities in babies. BONUS- probiotics are supposed to help with nausea, heartburn and constipation.
I researched TONS of probiotics and landed on this one due to the strains and the fact that it’s dairy/soy/allergen free, one pill a day and gentle. I will continue taking this while nursing and likely after that.
Compression Socks
I have the tingliest feet at night during pregnancy and it can be miserable. Compression socks help immensely and improve overall circulation.
Magnesium
Wish I had discovered this sooner! Due to my tingling feet at night, my doc told me to up my magnesium (400 mg a day) and it made a difference! I no longer have to wear my compression socks, but the combo of this and the socks are 100%.
Miralax
Yep. I’m going there. Keeping it 100, constipation can be BRUTAL during pregnancy. The hormonal shifts plus physical pressure creates a perfect storm. Colace and high fiber wasn’t cutting it. My doc told me to try Miralax and it the trick! I just put it in my morning tea. Will definitely continue this after labor during the healing process…. because no one wants to be straining to go, when you have stitches below– someone pay me for that line!!
Snuggle-Pedic Memory Foam Body Pillow
I tried the U-shape pregnancy pillow and could never get it right. I ended up getting a memory foam body pillow and VOILA it was so much easier! But be warned- your husband will try to steal it.
Body/Skincare
Exfoliating Gloves
I exfoliate the belly regularly with these (in circular motions) then follow with oil. No stretchmarks in either pregnancy!
Bio-Oil
I used this religougly during my first pregancy. But as I became more aware of the toxic chemicals in cosmetics, I switched to the one below.
Badger Pregnant Belly Oil with Rose and Vanilla
A much cleaner formula with a jojoba and coconut base. Smells heavenly!
Epsom Salts
When you ache everywhere, nothing feels better than a warm bath with epsom salts to calm your muscles. Also good for constipation anf tingly feet.
Countertime Radiance Serum, Supreme Cream and Ultra Renewal Eye Cream– Because retinols are a no-no during pregnancy/nursing and these are just as powerful, but using safe, plant based alternatives that are just as potent. Can’t get enough and plan to stick with it throughout nursing and beyond!
Overnight Resurfacing Peel
Similar to retinols, hydroquinone- the ingredient often used to lighten spots, is also off limits while pregnant. A chemical exfoliant can help even tone safely, and this one has gentle AHA/BHA’s that are within safe levels for pregnancy.
Vitamin C Serum
Pregnancy makes my face go nuts. Not in terms of acne, but in hormonal discoloration called Melasma. While Vitamin C serum won’t necessarily reverse it, it is an antioxidant that acts as a protective barrier, protecting your skin from damage by the elements. Beautycounter launches their’s nect week which I can’t wait to get my hands on. In the meantime, these are some good brands.
SPF
SO IMPORTANT, especially when pregnant! Hormones make your skin more sensitive to the sun and often result in hormonal discolorations on the face. Traditional American chemical sunscreens not only contain toxic chemicals, but this type of SPF doesn’t protect as well against sunspots as a physical sunscreen. Look for zinc oxide (non-nano preferably) and/or titanium dioxide. I’ve tried them all. Here are some of my favorite options.
Beauty
A Good Concealer
Because, melasma. When all else fails, covering it up helps. Here are my favorite options.
Revlon Crazy Shine
I try not to wear nail polish much while pregnant due to formaldehyde. This buffer makes your natural nails shiny and beautiful!
Zoya Nailpolish
So sometimes, you need a little polish either for an event, or just to feel more put together. Zoya is a safer nailpolish brand (free from formaldehyde, lead and many others). Sabrina is my favorite shade.
Phew, that was quite a list when you see it all laid out like that. I truly was a minimalist when it came to shopping for maternity clothes (couldn’t justify spending a lot on clothes I know are only temporary). And clearly I. was going for comfort, not a fashion statement.
I’ve been on a journey for non-toxic living and even more so while pregnant. I really thought about everything that went on and inside of my body.
I hope somone finds this list helpful!
What are your maternity must haves?
Living LARGE,
Caroline
Check out my related posts:
Post-Partum Stuff I Wish I Knew
What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag
My 13 Month Breastfeeding Journey
How I Prevented Stretch marks
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