Here are ten things that have helped me a lot (and continue to help me) during my pregnancy. I can say that they’re ten must-haves, as I’ve experienced that they gave me and my growing belly tremendous relief! If you’re expecting a bundle of joy soon, perhaps this list will help you. If you’d like to help out a pregnant friend, here are some gift ideas!
First Trimester:
Skin cream. Skin gets drier during pregnancy, and when your skin stretches (especially around the lower belly), it can get really itchy! Cocoa butter is said to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, but that didn’t happen for me. My tummy is one big web of stretch marks. I continue to use my Body Shop cocoa butter anyway because it’s rich and creamy, and it really helped relieve the itchiness and dryness of my skin. And I LOVE the buttery scent!
Pregnancy books. “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” has been my main resource throughout my pregnancy. It’s not for everyone though. I find the approach quite clinical and rigid, but it’s a great mine for information. Check out different pregnancy references in your bookstore and see which book suits your reading personality. Even if pregnancy information is easily accessed online, it’s still a great comfort to have a good pregnancy book by your bedside table for immediate questions, quick references, and if you want some quality bedtime reading. 😉
Belly band. Looser waistbands can make you feel less nauseous and definitely more comfortable as your belly grows day by day. If your jeans still fit your hips well but refuse to zip up, consider a belly band. The belly band is a piece of soft, stretchy fabric that you wear around your belly and over unbuttoned or unzipped jeans. You get room to breathe and get to wear your pre-pregnancy pants for a longer time. (See related entry)
Second Trimester:
New undergarments. Your breasts and hips will grow, and you may find your old intimates getting tight. If your cups are still the same, you can opt for bra extenders. Just hook them on and adjust for a proper fit. But if your cups overfloweth, consider getting new bras. You can opt to go for nursing bras if you plan on breastfeeding later on. Consider looser underwear too. Whatever style you choose, the fabric should be soft and breathable. Remember that no matter how cute you look in your new maternity clothes, if your undies don’t fit well, you’ll be very uncomfortable. Don’t crowd your growing belly and glowing body!
Leggings. When my belly band was getting too tight for my bump, I turned to leggings. They’re non-maternity maternity wear. Know what I mean? 😀 While I enjoy pairing them with my tops, I also wear them with dresses that have gone a bit shorter because of my growing bump. And you can still wear leggings post-pregnancy! Just find a pair that is comfortable for you. Some women don’t like the elastic pressing against their bellies. In that case, look for a low-rise pair. Leggings also offer good belly and leg support.
Belly Pillow. Getting a good night’s sleep is a challenge, especially when your belly starts straining your back. Sleeping on your side is a good position, and supporting your bump with a belly pillow gives you added comfort. I started using one halfway through my sixth month. It helped me catch those zzz’s much better! (Related entry)
Comfortable, non-skid shoes. Clumsiness is a bane of the pregnant lady. There will be times when you feel uncoordinated. There will be times that you might slip. Best to help avoid this by getting a pair of comfortable, non-skid shoes. My Olivia Crocs have been a great comfort for me, especially since I enjoy walking around. No mishaps so far! Word to the wise: Your feet might grow during the latter part of your pregnancy. My feet grew half a size. That’s when I also decided to buy my new shoes.
Third Trimester:
Maternity Belly Support Belt. A humongous belly in your third trimester puts a strain on your back, makes it harder for you to walk and stand for long periods of time and to manage that quivering bump on bumpy car rides. My support belt cradles the baby weight when I walk around a lot (ex. grocery shopping) or when in the car (bumpy Manila roads!). Since I’m able to walk more, I get more exercise too without the heavy belly discomfort. (Related entry)
Housekeeping for a day. Delegate the housekeeping to concerned family members or friends. “Borrow” your friend’s household help. Get a “Free Housekeeping” pass from your partner. No matter how spick and span you want your home to be, you HAVE to take a backseat and let others do the cleaning sometime. You don’t want to risk slipping just because you want to get the mold out of the shower, right? Learn to get or accept help for a clean home.
Pamper Me Package. Indulge yourself before the baby arrives! Get your hair styled. Treat your hands to a manicure. Get a foot scrub and a pedicure. With the baby coming, it’s sometimes hard to put yourself first. Set a couple of hours of YOU time. You may not have much of this when the baby’s out!
What are your pregnancy must-haves? Share your list so we can learn from each other!
Image credits:
Belly with ribbon
Olivia Crocs
Hi! I'm Toni Tiu,
and I've been blogging at
at Wifely Steps since 2003. This started as a blog to help newly weds adjust to married life. It has evolved into a home and parenting blog. I write about things close to my heart -- good eats, good reads, family, marriage, and the little things that make everyday happy.
Joey
July 7, 2009 at 12:26 pm (15 years ago)Agree with the book, the belly band, the crocs and the leggings.
I would also recommend the book, “The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding” if you’re preparing yourself to breastfeeding your child. 
Eper
July 7, 2009 at 2:04 pm (15 years ago)I’m in desperate need of pampering! But with a newborn, I just don’t know where to find the time…At this stage, we don’t want other people taking care of him first. Hopefully in a few weeks, I’ll be able to squeeze in some ME time
Enjoy the rest of your pregnancy Toni! Dapat now pa lang, lubusin niyo na ni hubby ung time ninyo together 
Epers last blog post..My Little Pooper
kreez
July 7, 2009 at 3:31 pm (15 years ago)I also have most of the items on your list and I agree, they are pregnancy must haves. Thanks for sharing Toni, your pregnancy posts have been a great source for me.
kreezs last blog post..My very own Personal Chef
kayni
July 8, 2009 at 12:32 am (15 years ago)this is a good post and helpful for moms and future moms. thanks.
mariaR
July 8, 2009 at 2:14 am (15 years ago)my mother-in-law got me the same book when she found out I was pregnant! definitely no to cleaning around the house as the toxic fumes from the cleaning agents may harm the pregnancy if inhaled.
Faye
July 8, 2009 at 4:56 pm (15 years ago)A pregnancy journal would be nice also. A friend gifted me with one and it helped me keep track of my personal pregnancy milestones. But I agree with what’s on your list especially with the leggings, the maternity belt, the comfy shoes and the pamper me package!!! Enjoy the rest of your pregnancy Toni. Wish you a safe delivery!
Fayes last blog post..Separation Anxiety Attacks…Me!
chinita_jill
July 8, 2009 at 9:22 pm (15 years ago)Hi! This is a very helpful list. Not for me :o) But for my…er, 9 friends who are all pregnant now? By reading your blog, I am able to advise my friends about belly bands and pillows and what not. Thanks! My friends are quite impressed, but it did arouse a few curious questions if I were also expecting. Hindi, bilbil lang yan. Haha! Wishing you a nice day!
chinita_jills last blog post..traffic advisory: crossroad ahead
(((((HUGS)))) sandi
July 9, 2009 at 4:23 am (15 years ago)AH housekeeping for a day! BLISS!!!! I WANT IT! I actually do not care for that What to Expect book~I thought it was fear-producing for those mamas who are CrAzY when they’re preggers~like ME! LOL! (((((HUGS))))) sandi
(((((HUGS)))) sandis last blog post..A Wife’s Biblical Submission~Weeks 1 & 2
rachel
July 10, 2009 at 1:16 pm (15 years ago)Very helpful Ate Toni =D Thanks for sharing this.
Anne
March 8, 2010 at 3:24 pm (14 years ago)Great information. Thanks for the helpful post.
.-= Anne´s last blog ..Need Help Getting Pregnant? =-.
Vim
March 4, 2012 at 7:51 pm (12 years ago)I agree on all but I’d like to add the preggy apps on the iPod touch. I like getting notifications, posting photos of my belly bumps and just reading about being a preggy anytime I want.
Yola
May 21, 2012 at 1:37 pm (12 years ago)Well, I go for a skin cream product to be my gift. As a month after pregnancy, I usually have a time to my skin care. I am over confused having a stretch mark when I’ve done in labor. Because it is expected that having a stretch mark is commonly woman experienced.
Yola´s last blog post ..http://stretchmarks24.com