We are more than half way through this pregnancy, gone are the severe pregnancy sickness days (thank goodness!!!) and come are the days of round ligament pain. Early on in most pregnancies, changes start happening, and quick. Here are my 7 early pregnancy essentials:
- Comfortable bras to grow with. Almost immediately my breasts began changing, and by 12 weeks I was spilling out of my old bras. I wasn’t ready to purchase nursing bras and began the hunt of finding a very comfortable bra that would have plenty of stretch if the growing continued. After trying several I landed on this True & Co. bra. It’s incredibly comfortable, plenty soft for sensitive nipples and has continued to stretch with me as I’ve needed. I purchased two and at this point they’re the only bras I wear. For sizing reference, prior to pregnancy I wore a 32B in most brands. Currently I am probably about a 34D and purchased the size medium. It’s a good snug fit but does not dig and the fabric is stretchy enough to expand a bit more.
- Around 10 weeks my pants began to get, well, tough to zip. I can remember even using a hair band to fasten my jeans one day as I waited for my maternity pants to arrive (yes, seriously). I tried 4-5 different pairs of maternity leggings before finding ones I loved. So many were either way too hard to get on (looking at you Spanx…) or I hated the fabric. In the end, these leggings were the hands down winners. In the picture they come to above the models ankle, on me at about 5’6″ they cover my ankle easily.
- My first trimester was miserable as many peoples are. I carried puke bags with me the few times I was able to leave the house and spent the rest of the time with either a bucket or toilet next to me. Around 16 weeks when I was finally back to a functioning level I started doing pre-natal yoga. Thus far, it’s been one of the best things I’ve done for myself. My back pain has been helped significantly- after a long day of shooting my back was killing me in the beginning with just the little bit of extra weight. Now at the end of the day the soreness is minimal. We are fortunate enough to have a wonderful pre-natal studio in our neighborhood and they’ve been a great resource when questions have come up. I cannot recommend pre-natal yoga enough, between the strengthening and stretching it’s been a game changer.
- Around the half way mark in my pregnancy some new breast and nipple changes began to take place. Skipping to the end of that TMI story means- get some nipple cream earlier than you think. I now use it daily, even though I thought I’d only need some when I began breastfeeding. Even if you’re not having nipple issues before breastfeeding, the lactation consultant I spoke with said it’s never a bad idea to start moisturizing early! This is the nipple cream I went with and here is another great option. Both are organic products which is what I was looking for. I have only tried the first and am so far happy with it and will purchase again when I run out.
- In addition to needing some new pants right away my next investment was finding some maternity tank tops to help extend the life of some of my non-maternity sweaters and tops. I looked around and quickly realized almost every one had side ruching. For me, I wanted a smooth look under clothes but had the hardest time finding maternity tops without all of the bunching fabric at the sides. I finally found these (which are currently on sale for under $14) and purchased in 3 colors. They’re easy to wear and great as a base layer so when your sweaters start riding up your belly isn’t hanging out.
- The amount of pregnancy books is overwhelming on the market. However, so far my two favorite, that came recommended to us by many many people, are Expecting Better and Crib Sheet. Both are by the same author, an economist originally based in Chicago. They’re research based books that bring an analytical thinking to pregnancy and infancy. For us, they were right up out ally and both my husband and myself read them.
- Finally, stretch mark prevention. While I cannot tell you if the one I’m using is a winner, because I haven’t been though the full pregnancy growing process. I can tell you it was what my favorite instagram dermatologist recommended and used throughout both of her pregnancies. I use this one at night (derms recommendation) and this belly oil after I get out of the shower (friend recommendation). For both I’m applying to belly, thighs, butt and boobs to cover any and all of the
possiblyexpanding parts. The oil is all natural and has a very calming scent which I love.
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