The truth is, besides a healthy diet and regular visits to your healthcare provider, there isn’t much more you need to grow a baby. After all, you are only pregnant for nine months, so you don’t want to go overboard with spending or stocking up. Still, there are a few items that can help you get through your pregnancy with a little more ease that don’t cost a fortune.
Pregnancy Must-Haves
Everyone is different, but you will most likely find the following items to be helpful during pregnancy.
Belly support bandBody pillowsMaternity clothesMoisturizerMorning sickness remediesPrenatal vitaminsPregnancy booksSupportive bra
Prenatal Vitamins
Although it’s possible to get through pregnancy without taking prenatal vitamins, maternity care providers recommend that all pregnant women take some kind of prenatal vitamin, because it can be difficult to get all the nutrition you need from food alone. When you are pregnant, you have an increased need for vitamins and minerals such as folic acid, iron, and calcium. Plus, many of us have trouble eating a balanced diet when we are dealing with food aversions and morning sickness. Your healthcare provider will likely give you a prescription for a prenatal vitamin. Some women tolerate these well, but many find that they are hard to swallow or digest when they are dealing with morning sickness. Most healthcare providers work with you to shop around until you find a prenatal that is more palatable to you.
Morning Sickness and Digestive Remedies
Whether or not you experience full-on vomiting during pregnancy, almost everyone gets a little queasy during the first trimester, and even beyond that. Then, as the pregnancy progresses, things like constipation and heartburn start to set in. It’s difficult to predict which of these ailments will strike you and at what time, but you may want to purchase an item or two at some point during pregnancy to make yourself more comfortable. Popular items for morning sickness include anti-nausea wrist bands, morning sickness lollipops and teas, and a supply of plain crackers and pretzels. Ask your healthcare provider what is safe to take for constipation and heartburn. Most OTC medications are effective and safe to take during pregnancy to treat these symptoms.
A Good Moisturizer
As your belly stretches and grows, you will be experiencing some skin changes. Itchy, dry skin is common. You also may experience extra dry skin on your face and elsewhere. Many women get stretch marks on their belly as their skin stretches. Note that there is limited evidence demonstrating that non-prescription creams for stretch marks actually work. Either way, applying moisturizer to your belly and other dry patches of skin can be very soothing and will help ease any itchiness. Most simple, non-prescription moisturizers are safe for pregnant women, but you can ask your healthcare provider if there are any particular ingredients you should stay away from. For example, additives like retinoids, retinols, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid are usually contraindicated for pregnant women. In general, it is best to choose a moisturizer that is as natural and chemical-free as possible.
Belly Support Band
As your belly grows and your center of gravity shifts, it’s common to experience back pain, sacroilliac (SI) joint pain, and hip and abdomen soreness. Many women find relief by wearing a supportive belly band or belt. These stretchy bands help keep your belly from drooping and provide back support as well. Belly support bands are usually used once your belly becomes large and prominent, at the end of the second trimester or the beginning of the third trimester. They are especially helpful for pregnant women who want to remain active during pregnancy or who may be more prone to pregnancy-related muscle injury.
Body Pillow
As your belly expands, it can be difficult to find a comfortable position to sleep in. It is not advised that you sleep on your back as your belly grows because you risk constricting vessels and arteries that supply blood to your baby. Tummy sleeping is an obvious obstacle the bigger your belly gets. Side-sleeping is where it’s at during the second and third trimester, but even that can get uncomfortable. Enter the pregnancy body pillow. These pillows can be amazing for pregnant women, as they offer extra support for your hips, back, and legs as you find a side-lying position (the recommended sleeping position in pregnancy) that is most comfortable. They can reduce pressure on your joints too. Many women will place a pillow between their legs to realign their hip joints and reduce pressure.
Supportive Bra
During pregnancy, your breasts will grow at least one cup size, and they will become heavy and sore, especially during the first trimester. It is very likely that you will need at least once new bra during pregnancy. You want to pick one that is supportive, soft, and adjustable, as your breasts will be continually growing throughout your pregnancy. If you are planning on breastfeeding, you may consider buying a nursing bra (which has latches on the cups for easy opening) and wearing that during pregnancy. Be warned, however, that breastfeeding will cause your breasts to grow even more, so make sure to buy a roomy nursing bra if you are going to start wearing it during pregnancy.
Maternity Clothing
Buying maternity clothes is a no-brainer for most of us. After all, you are going to outgrow your regular clothes at some point while you are pregnant. Some people can’t button their pants as early as a few days after a positive pregnancy test. Probably the item that you will need to stock up on most is maternity pants, though you may get away with a waist expander or just wearing sweatpants for a while. By the second trimester, you will need maternity shirts and pants, as your belly, waistline, rib cage, and breasts expand and grow. You don’t have to buy any special shoes, but as the months progress, your feet may expand and swell, and you are unlikely to want to wear heels regularly.
Pregnancy Books
As you move through your pregnancy, each week will be different from the next, and your body and baby will be growing and changing in many new and exciting ways. But sometimes the whole thing can be confusing and stressful—and it’s common to have questions about what is happening with your body. A good pregnancy book—especially one with pictures and illustrations—can act as a trusted pregnancy buddy as you move through the months. In addition to discussing fetal development and pregnancy bodily changes, most books will help you prepare for your prenatal appointments and will offer tips on what to expect during childbirth and postpartum.
A Word From Verywell
When you’re expecting a baby, there is a lot of focus on what you will need for your baby—and buying tiny infant clothing and accessories is a whole lot of fun, for sure. But expectant moms have their own set of needs, and deserve a bit of pampering too. After all, although being pregnant is a blessing, it can also be very physically and emotionally demanding. Perhaps the best gifts you can give yourself don’t have price tags at all: a nap, a long bath, and the chance to put your feet up. Investing in some R & R now is a good idea, since it will be in short supply once the baby arrives. So stick to the essentials, but don’t skimp. You’re entitled to whatever it is you need to make these next nine months as comfortable and easy as possible.
