Lately, so many of you have been wanting to know what my first and second trimester pregnancy must have items are.. so here we go!
When it comes to the first trimester, my ‘must-haves’ mainly include the basics. For most people, the first 13 weeks or so are purely survival mode: trying to keep food down, fighting the urge to take 16 naps a day and getting into the habit of remembering to take your prenatal vitamin. I only have a few recommendations for these first few weeks, but here they are:
First Trimester Must Have Items
Pregnancy Essentials
Prenatal Vitamin with DHA: Without a doubt, this is the most important item you’ll use throughout your entire pregnancy. The Nature Made Multi + DHA is the prenatal vitamin that my healthcare provider recommended to me and the one she used for her pregnancy as well. I love that it’s only one pill a day, comes in a 90 day supply and that it’s a reasonably sized gel capsule – so it’s really easy to swallow. It also contains DHA, which aids in the development of your baby’s brain and eyes.
Baby Tracking App: I definitely recommend the use of a baby tracking app. They let you follow along with the growth, development and expected symptoms as you progress in your pregnancy! It may seem like overkill, but I use three: The Bump App, Ovia Pregnancy Tracker and the What to Expect app. Each one offers something a little bit different, so I like to switch back and forth to learn as much as possible as the weeks progress!
Large Water Bottle – Drinking plenty of water throughout your whole pregnancy is hugely beneficial. I like a nice big water bottle like this (with a straw). It really helps keep track of how much water I’m taking in (or not)!
Items that help with morning sickness.
Peppermint Tea – Peppermint tea is naturally caffeine free and helps with some of those pesky stomach issues that can arise in the first trimester (and throughout pregnancy)! Most nights, I find myself making a cup of it after dinner as G and I are winding down for the evening.
Peppermint Hard Candies – This is one I didn’t personally use, but so many people recommended when I asked for input on Instagram!
Ginger Ale – During my first pregnancy, I had zero nausea, but this time around, I spent a few weeks totally miserable. I never once threw up, but was so nauseous and uncomfortable! I was actually surprised at how much sipping ginger ale really helped to relieve those symptoms! My favorite is Seagram’s!
That’s really it for first trimester must haves. Let’s talk about the second trimester.
Second Trimester Must Have Items
When it comes to the second trimester of pregnancy, most people can expect to gain a little more energy and feel a little less nauseous (thankfully)! However, there are other issues that tend to arise with your second trimester. Luckily, these symptoms can be alleviated with a few good products.
Pregnancy Pillow – I bought this during my first pregnancy with Fischer and love it! So far with this pregnancy, I’ve found that a normal body pillow has sufficed (we keep one on our bed anyway), but now that I’m 28 weeks I’m ready to break out this baby!
Belly Oil – Everyone’s skin will react differently to their growing belly – with or without certain products. But I’ve used this belly oil starting in the second trimester for both pregnancies now and have yet to notice any stretchmarks. I just apply it at night before bed and let it do it’s thing!
Maternity clothing.
Waistband Extenders – As your belly begins to grow in the second trimester, you’re often in that awkward stage between needed full-on maternity wear and just a little more give in your pants or shorts. Enter these handy little waistband extenders. I bought this pack of three, but for two more dollars you can get this six pack with a wider variety of colors!
Maternity Shorts and/or Jeans – My first son was due in January and now my second one is due at the end of September. This puts my pregnancies almost at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of weather. During my first one, I was working in an office and was most pregnant when it was cooler out – so I only bought two pairs of maternity jeans. This time, I’m working from home/chasing a toddler around/ battling the heat of summer at my biggest, so I’ve bought a couple of pairs of maternity shorts and haven’t touched a single pair of maternity jeans. Funny how the timing can be so different! Anyway, here are a few options for each!
Keep nursing-friendly in mind.
Comfy Bras – Bras are tough when you’re pregnant. If you find your regular bras are starting to feel really restricting and uncomfortable, my recommendation is not to buy any more ‘regular’ bras – at least until your done nursing (if you’re planning on breastfeeding). Instead, buy a couple nursing bralettes that will be comfortable both now and later. I highly recommend these, but I’ll link another set that I’ve heard good things about:
Nursing Tanks – Same goes for these tanks. No matter what time of year you’re due date is, nursing tanks are AMAZING for both pregnancy and.. well… nursing, lol! They have a built in bra so you don’t have to worry about added clothing or support, and give room for your maternity and postpartum belly! I used these with Fischer and absolutely loved them! They look great by themselves or layered under cardigans/sweaters if you’re having a fall or winter baby! I also just ordered a pack of these on amazon to try out this time – I’ve heard really great things and they’re a great price!
Sleepwear.
Sleep Shirts – The MOST comfortable thing to sleep in! If I don’t have one clean/available I’ll just reach for one of G’s shirts to sleep in. Here are some of my favorites:
Do you have any pregnancy recommendations?
I’d love for you to leave your recommendations in the comments below! Everyone’s pregnancies are so different, so the more the merrier 🙂
pin for later!
Pin the image below for safekeeping and/or to share with others.
Click here for more motherhood blog posts!
Leave a Reply