We are 2 month away from Baby Maverick’s arrival, and I must say, pregnancy has been an amazing experience thus far. I am now enduring the aches and pains that the Third Trimester brings, having difficulty sleeping, and that awful heartburn everyone warns you about.
Over these past 7 months, I have learned what works best for me, through my own research, trial and error, and advice from my best mama friends. And I am here to share them with you! Because hopefully they give you some relief that they have given me.
Throughout this pregnancy, I have made an effort to find items that can be used both during and after pregnancy. Not only is this more practical, but also more economically savvy. So a lot of these items below (especially clothing) are non maternity and have worked fabulously for me with a growing belly, but will also work after. Double the benefit!!
| Jeans |
The first pregnancy item I purchase was a pair of maternity jeans. I knew I would need a reliable pair of jeans to wear in the beginning and even throughout the summer. I love my jeans from Target and Old Navy. I got several pairs, a few with side panels and several with the full panel. I used the side panels during the first several months and I am now relying solely on the full panel jeans. They are comfy, available in all sizes, and all under $40!
| Pregnancy Bands |
Buying an entire new wardrobe for maternity wear can get expensive- so using what you have pre-pregnancy can cut costs. And thanks to these amazing BellyBands from Isabel Maternity, you can wear your regular pants and jeans without having to button them up. These bands not only cover up the undone zipper, but it also keeps everything smooth underneath your top.
Especially during the beginning of my pregnancy, I used the expanders often. This velcro-band wraps around your belt loops and helps expand the waistband of your regular pants. This is one of my fave pregnancy items and I highly recommend using one. Plus its only $10 through Amazon Prime.
| Shoes |
Comfortable shoes are the most important item you need during any pregnancy. Your growing body is putting lots of pressure on your feet, which causes swelling and pain. And because the majority of my pregnancy is during the hot months, the swelling is even more intense. So to help prevent that, I invested in some comfy shoes to help alleviate my pain at the end of the day. And because we have hardwood through the house, I keep them, especially when doing house work and daily chores. These sandals from Target offer arch support and a comfy sole, plus they’re under $15! It’s hard to find cute sandals that offer support and comfort, especially ones at this price point, so they’re definitely a good investment.
| Lotions & Oils |
During pregnancy, most women fear stretch marks. And I am definitely one of those. While this is mostly a hereditary side effect, there are ways you can avoid it. For example, it is definitely something that is hereditary for me, but thankfully, I haven’t experienced experienced any at this point thanks to my daily skincare regimen. It was the first thing I researched after I found out I was pregnant and they have worked out great so far. At least two times per day, I will put on the Burt’s Bees Mama Butter on my belly and sides. It has a mild, soft scent and works well with my sensitive skin. I also put this on every time I get out of the shower.
Right before bed, I will also apply the Burt’s Bees Mama Body Oil. This thin oil has a strong lemon scent, but not overbearing. I don’t put this on often, as it is an oil and can leave you feeling slimy. However, it is good to apply before bed without ruining your sheet or pjs.
Keep in mind: It is so important to remain consistent and on schedule with your regimen to get the best results. And side note: don’t forget to lotion up the “twins”. I made the mistake of not doing so in the beginning and I definitely have some stretch marks on the girls because of how quickly they grew in size.
| Undergarments |
Comfort is super important. And if I’m being honest: I used to be a thong-girl. However, no one wants something riding up their cheeks when they have a human growing inside of them. So I found the most comfortable alternative at Target. These cheeky seamless panties been LIFE CHANGING and I cannot purchase enough of them. Plus, they are 5 for $20, which is a great deal. They are super comfortable and don’t show any lines when wearing tight dresses.
As for bras- I definitely had to go up SEVERAL sizes. And because bra shopping can be pricey, I didn’t want to spend too much on a size that I may not be in forever. Thanks to Target, I was able to grab a fabulous bra through their new Auden line. I like a little push-up so this style was perfect for me. But this brand has several style, sizes and options to choose from- all at a super reasonable price.
I went ahead and also purchased a nursing bra. I have to have an underwire, so this Auden style has been working perfectly for me. But there are also some amazing alternatives on Amazon, such as these wireless nursing options that come in a pack of 3.
| Loungewear |
Because I work from home, I spend the majority of my time in some sort of loungewear. And that usually entails some sort of robe. I loved wearing robes before my pregnancy, but they have been even more rewarding during. Because who really wants to wear pants during these 9 months anyways. I am tagging a few of my fave loungewear pieces above, which can be worn during and after pregnancy.
| Pillows |
Sleep is nonexistent at this point. I am typically a back sleeper, however, after 20 weeks, it is suggested that you switch to your left side to sleep. And I am still learning how to adjust for this. Thankfully, my husband gifted me with one of the large pregnancy pillows and this has been a lifesaver. I HIGHLY recommend one of these. I used mine early on and can’t sleep without it.
I also found support in a wedge pillow. This small pillow is placed under your belly to help support when you are sleeping on your side. It helps add comfort to your growing belly.
| Dresses |
Like I mentioned earlier, I made it a point to find items that would work during and after pregnancy. And because the majority of my pregnancy has been during the spring/summer months, I have found simple dresses to be my go-tos for any occasion – casual or dressy. All the dresses tagged above are non-maternity, so I sized up 1 size for some of them. And because a lot of them are stretchy, the sizing can accommodate before and after the bump. These are great pieces for going to lunch with a ball cap on, paired with some wedges for dinner with friends, or even to church with a jean jacket or a blazer over top.
| Meds |
Please consult your medical provider before using. I am not a doctor, but above are a few of the medications I have used while pregnant. Of course, prenatal vitamins are a must, and I get mine from Target (I’m tagging them above).
To ease the discomfort of heartburn and indigestion, I always have Tums at hand. Especially at night, when the heartburn wants to creep up, these can help alleviate the burn. But be sure to monitor your intake on these yummy antacids, as they can cause kidney stones and other side effects.
But one of my fave hacks are the Probiotic gummies. We all know pregnancy brings on the worst GI issues (or lack there of), which adds to the discomfort of a 7+lb baby growing inside of you. I know- TMI- but I have found that taking probiotics on a daily basis helps keep me regular, and I am not ashamed to share my secret (pregnant mamas- you will thank me for this one).
Aside from the supplements, I also purchased a blood pressure cuff off Amazon to track my BP at all times. I found this one for under $15, and it helps me to monitor my blood pressure, which is super important for a pregnant mama. But, like I said earlier, it is important to talk to your doctor before use of any of these.
| Extras |
It is super important to stay hydrated during your pregnancy and after. But during my pregnancy, I have had no issue doing this, as I am thirsty at all times. I have kept a tumbler with me at all time, filled to the rim with ice water. I’m tagging some super cute and practical options to help keep you hydrated. I prefer a straw with mine, so these are definitely my go-tos.
You’re probably wondering why in the world would I put a donut pillow on here. Well, to keep with the transparency, this can be multi-purpose. With pregnancy comes some awful side effects (such as hemorrhoids). And while I do not have this problem, I do suffer from extreme tailbone pain. As your hips and pelvis prepare for childbirth and a growing baby, the ligaments expand, which can cause tailbone and pelvic pain. I have suffered from this since the beginning of my 2nd trimester, so I found this pillow to be helpful, especially when sitting for long periods of time. It came in handy during our trip to Destin a few months ago and made the car ride more bearable.
If you are smaller framed or if you are towards the end of your pregnancy, I found this belly wrap to be helpful to alleviate the pressure of your growing belly. It helps support my belly and relax the muscles in my lower back, which have seemed to be a pain here in the last trimester. Another Amazon Prime find for under $15.
Every pregnancy is different: so all these items may not be necessary or work for you. However, I swear by these hacks and hope they make this wonderful time for you mamas that much more wonderful. It is so important to enjoy these 9 short months, so finding ways like these to make aches, pains, and everything else that comes with pregnancy more bearable is super important. Because a healthy mama means a healthy baby.
| Outfit Details |
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