Over the past four years, I have been pregnant three times. I’ve learned a thing or two about what items are necessities during the nine months of carrying a baby. Today I’m sharing my top ten pregnancy must-haves from a third-time mama.
For my first pregnancy, I thought I needed it all. I spent way too much on items that others said I just had to have, only to never touch them. I learned pretty quickly that there are not a ton of things you truly need to get you through pregnancy.
Since this is our final baby, I didn’t buy much of anything for this pregnancy. I stuck with the few tried and true items that I have loved all three go rounds, and they have gotten me all the way to 35 weeks (and counting.)
1a | 1b | 2 | 3a | 3b | 4 | 5a | 5b | 6 | 7 | 8a | 8b | 9 | 10
Pregnancy Must-Haves
Vitamins and Meds
To start with, a prenatal vitamin is a must. You should actually start taking one prior to getting pregnant to prep your body. I use the Nature Made + DHA which is easy to find at any grocery or drug store.
I was lucky not to suffer from reflux much for my first pregnancy, and not until the end of my second one. This time was a whole different story. I have been having major heartburn reflux since the start of the second trimester. I tried three different kinds of OTC meds and Nexium is the only one that worked. It is truly a game-changer.
**Always check with your doctor before taking any medication while pregnant.
Pregnancy Apps
Admittedly, I used apps much more in my first two pregnancies. I probably had at least 5 and looked at them daily for stats and updates. I read everything. With two toddlers, I just don’t have time for that. Even so, Ovia is the favorite that I do still have on my phone and use once or twice a week.
I also love the Baby Pics app for adding cute tags and overlays to your pregnancy pics and baby pics once they are born.
Stretch Mark Prevention
Most things I ready say there is a genetic link to stretch marks, but I still do what I can to prevent getting them. For all three of my pregnancies, I have used a combination of Palmer’s Stretch Mark Cream and Elemis Body Oil. I keep them in my nightstand and lather up my belly before bed. Knock on wood, but so far I have very minimal stretch marks if any at all.
Epsom Salt
I use Epsom Salt even when I’m not pregnant, but I love it even more during pregnancy. In the second and third trimester when your body constantly aches, there is nothing better than a warm Epsom Salt bath at the end of the night.
Maternity Clothes
Like it or not, you will have to spend money on maternity clothes. I have quite the collection after the past four years, but I still have my all-time favorite pieces. For starters, I can’t live without good maternity leggings. They are just so much more comfortable to me than jeans.
I also highly recommend maxi dresses because they are so easy to throw on and go. Finally, if you are pregnant during the summer, a cute maternity swimsuit is a must for cooling off on hot days.
Fan
Speaking of hot days, a portable fan is something I highly recommend. I have one that I keep next to my bed at night. I am normally a cold-natured person, but these last few weeks I have been having major hot flashes in this Louisiana heat. I couldn’t make it through the day or night without this thing.
Pocket Doppler
There are very mixed reviews on owning a pocket doppler because they aren’t always 100% accurate. I however got so much peace of mind owning one. In the early months of pregnancy before you can feel the baby moving, I used it nighty to check the baby’s heartbeat and ease my anxiety.
Pregnancy Pillow and Sleep Mask
Getting a good night’s rest is so important while you are pregnant. I am lucky to not have trouble sleeping in general, but a pregnancy pillow and sleep mask make it that much easier to sleep well.
Baby Books
For my first pregnancy, I read so many pregnancy and baby-related books. I quickly realized that while those books were great there is no manual for having a baby. You have to trust your mama’s gut. The one book that I have re-read for each pregnancy is Baby Wise. This is the book I swear by for getting your babies to sleep well. Both of mine were sleeping twelve hours by ten weeks old thanks to the tips I got in this book.
Belly Band
A belly band is a must in the third trimester or if you have had multiple babies. Maybe it’s because I’m a teacher and on my feet a lot, or maybe it’s because I’m chasing toddlers around when I’m home. Either way, my back seems to hurt so much more this pregnancy. A belly band provides support and definitely helps ease the pain.
If you are currently pregnant or planning to get pregnant in the future, add these items to your list. They truly are my tried and tru pregnancy must-haves that have gotten me through all three of my pregnancies.
For even more pregnancy and postpartum recommendations, make sure you are following me on Instagram. Thanks for reading.
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