My Favorite Pregnancy Products to Keep You Confident and Comfortable
Five years since my first pregnancy, I know a lot more about my body and what makes it feel well. I’ve also discovered a lot more resources and options for a smooth, supported pregnancy, and this time, I did a few things differently.
In addition to eating a mostly Mediterranean Diet, I continued a daily supplement regimen that I adjusted with extra fish oil, prenatal probiotics, and a food-based prenatal probiotic. You can read more about my first trimester and how I prioritized my self-care here.
For the record, supplements and vitamins should never make you “feel sick,” even when you’re pregnant. I hear that a lot, especially in the first trimester. Despite morning sickness, if you feel unwell after taking something, it’s usually because it’s made with synthetic ingredients that are hard to digest. Choosing a food-based option that is easily digestible should not cause these issues. I’ve been sticking with MegaFood’s Prenatal Probiotics and their prenatal vitamins at breakfast and lunch. This goes for when you’re not pregnant as well (look for organic, food-based in the description).
In addition to working out consistently, eating well, taking my supplements, and practicing some amazing self-care, I did a little shopping too.
Here are some of the things that I found to increase my comfort and confidence during this time. NOTE: Other than representing Beautycounter, none of the links or recommendations below are affiliations or paid ads, just sharing my faves!
Belly Oil
I tried a lot of these because stretch marks are NOT welcomed here, and I’ve insisted that if I didn’t get them in my first pregnancy, I wasn’t going to get them the second time. I start applying oil, cream, balm, and body butter from day one. What’s most important in picking the right one for you? The ingredients. They don’t have to be expensive, just keep that belly hydrated morning, noon, and night. NOTE: Searching “organic” on Amazon does not guarantee that a product is clean or organic. I’ve made this mistake more than once and promptly returned the items. Be sure to read the ingredients and enter the name of the products you're looking at in the EWG’s app for everything from belly oil to sunscreen to hair care (this goes for beyond pregnancy as well!). Beautycounter is an amazing option for all products from skincare to makeup.
Wild Botanicals Mama’s Belly Balm
I received this as a gift and absolutely love the consistency and application as a “stick.” It’s super hydrating and easy to apply everywhere! I’m saving the salts and nipple cream for post-baby, but I’m thinking it will be a great addition to my body care products!
I found this one on Amazon AFTER I returned the belly oil I accidentally purchased that was full of icky ingredients (look for a lot of XYZs in the chemicals) that I found toxic and unnecessary. I honestly loved using this all over my body before bed and was very happy with it.
Beautycounter’s Body Butter, Body Oil in Citrus Rosemary, and Baby Balm
I trust Beautycounter’s ingredients for the entire duration of pregnancy and while breastfeeding. The Baby Balm is one of the last of the baby/kid’s line to be sadly discontinued but is sort of like an “Aquaphor” that can be used ON EVERYTHING. I never even USED a diaper cream with my first son the entire time, I just used this or coconut oil when his skin needed extra TLC.
I noticed my skin start to get dry a few months into my pregnancy, based on the time of year and my crazy hormones, so I lotioned and oiled up everywhere every day.
8 Sheep Organics Magnesium Body Butter
I sort of got sucked into some IG/FB marketing on this one, but I really liked the product. Magnesium is an essential mineral that most of us are lacking, and we need even more during pregnancy. This thick body butter is great for sleepy-time and helpful for cramps and water retention. I rub on my calves and feet most nights and it’s definitely been helpful, or at least comforting, and I’ve had no issues. Don’t use it on sensitive areas, it might burn a little.
Extra Absorbent Underwear
So, this sounds a lot worse than it is. We’re not talking your old-school “Depends” here, ladies. We’re talking about period underwear. There are lots of amazing, eco-friendly, and women-owned companies out there these days, and I encourage you to do some searching on your own for a brand you want to try (some are FSA-approved too!) I came across Knix brand about a year or so ago and was sold on their period underwear. It works. I don’t know how, but it does. And saving money and the planet by not buying a box of tampons (and liners) every month is a win in my book. I fully intend to use my period underwear for post-partum bleeding as well (hoping they fit…)
Then I came across their leakproof daily underwear and thongs (not quite as absorbent as period ones) and they were a GAME-CHANGER for pregnancy. Not everyone has this issue, but seriously, the daily discharge and the (oops) pee slips that happen from every cough or sneeze get exhausting, and embarrassing. I’ve had SEVERAL moments of being in public when a pee slip happens (yoga class, the grocery store, whatever) and this underwear SAVED me. So I bought like 6 of their Leakproof Underwear and have been extremely grateful for this find.
Supportive Bras
Then, I found that Knix not only offers nursing bras (hello, built-in absorbency) but the most comfortable “Pullover” bras EVER. They work as an everyday bra and sports bra (because, jeebuz, these girls need to be reigned in), and they don’t squish or hurt like sports bras might if you wear them all day. I got three of these and wear them all week long.
Target and Gap also have some very affordable maternity options for shorts, tanks, and bras if you’re looking for options. I struggle with spending much on maternity clothes when I can only wear them for a few months. If you’re looking to treat yourself to something nice for an event or photoshoot, check out Pink Blush or Hatch.
Leggings and Yoga Pants
I splurged on this - but was told by several yoga/fitness teachers that they knew many mamas who wore these particular pants their ENTIRE pregnancies, so I wanted to try. And GIRL, they still fit! Lululemon’s “Align” pants come in many colors and are SO supportive and comfortable, I can’t even believe they fit (30 lbs and counting…) I bought two pairs around month 3 (because it was that early that my pants already weren’t fitting) and then another two pairs, this time capris, just about a month ago. LOVE THEM and plan to wear them for a looooonggg time.
Hydrating Coconut Water
My incredible massage therapists/yoga teachers of Ra Ma Holistic Care turned me onto Harmless Harvest’s Organic Coconut Water and it has completely alleviated any signs of dehydration or headaches I had earlier in my pregnancy. I have an 8 oz glass about every other day, when it’s extra warm/dry out, or when I spend the afternoon at the beach. Coconut water is an incredible, safe, and natural option for mamas to stay hydrated with vitamins and minerals during and after pregnancy. It can even be beneficial during labor (and way better for you than Gatorade.)
Birth Support and Education
Although I was very happy with my Hypnobabies class and experience during my first birth, this time around, I wanted a refresher with a little less of the “hypno” part (I am still listening to the meditations/recordings here and there).
As Google and Facebook usually do, they read my thoughts and started sending ads my way for “pain-free” and “enjoyable natural births.” I signed up for a free online class for Mama Natural’s online birthing course and purchased the entire class immediately. Genevieve Howland has taken an amazing approach to educating families on all of their options when it comes to natural, unmedicated birth, whether at home or hospital. This information is not easy to find unless you’re already working with a midwife or doula. I wish every woman in the world was taught this information and had this kind of support. Knowledge is power, and knowing more about your rights, health, and safety is essential.
If you’re not ready to commit to the course, check out her book as well! I’m really impressed with her course and will recommend it to everyone I know!
If you’re looking for nutritional support or overall wellness guidance before, during, or after pregnancy, please contact me for a customized plan or program. Thanks for reading and please forward this on to your mama friends!