My Must-Haves for Pregnancy by Trimester
/Please note- I know that everyone is different, and everyone’s journey to pregnancy is different. This is what worked for me, and just a brief explanation of our “fertility journey”
It wasn’t until I hit about 8 weeks into my pregnancy that I finally started to feel actual symptoms...Really, it wasn’t until I went to the doctor to find out that I was, indeed, pregnant. The first six weeks of pregnancy, I really had no idea that I was actually pregnant. I thought there was no way it could have happened that quickly! I have always had a weird cycle and things never arrived on time. I spent a weekend in California with family and then left for a trip to Cabo San Lucas about a week later. I was too busy to notice or think about it. Needless to say, Nick and I were so excited!! We weren’t going to officially “start trying” until our annual trip to Cabo over Thanksgiving.
While in Cabo, I realized I was late. I was not showing any real signs or symptoms. I truly thought I was waking up with the normal “hangover” feeling that I typically wake up with while in Mexico from drinking all day before. By 9:30pm, I was exhausted and ready to call it night, just about every night. The tiredness and the “hangover” feeling are normal for me, therefore I thought nothing of it. It was not until one morning we were eating breakfast and the smell of the sage burning at The Office really put me over the edge and that mimosa did not help. I had to rush to the bathroom to throw up! This was the moment I realized…. I am probably pregnant.
As soon as we got back to the states, I took a test. 3 tests. All positive. I scheduled a doctor's visit for the following week where it was confirmed! I was 8 weeks pregnant. This is when the real symptoms hit..like a ton of bricks. I was nauseous 24/7, no appetite, and I really felt hungover! I am not normally a person who takes naps and enjoys being lazy so, this adjustment was hard. After two weeks of feeling “hungover” I finally called the doctor to get some medication. This helped me so much, with the help of a few other things. Here is a list of things that helped me during each trimester:
First Trimester
First trimester was by far the hardest for me. My doctor prescribed me Diclegis which helped kick the 24/7 nausea. I took this until about week 18 when I weaned myself off of it. With Diclegis I was able to get up and move around and be social-- it kicked that hangover feeling.
Preggie Pops - these would help me during the day if I ever felt nauseous. I thought they tasted pretty good. Like candy. A little sweet and a little sour.
Lululemon Align - these leggings feel like butter. I got my normal size (4) and they stuck with me my whole pregnancy.
Cool Racerback Tank top - this top was perfect for pregnancy, especially with a growing belly. I got my normal size (6) and it lasted me the whole pregnancy! It stretched perfectly over my growing baby bump.
I tried my hardest to avoid purchasing any real maternity clothing! Some things, like denim, I had to. Keep reading to find out which my favorite pair was (and the only one I kept after trying on multiple!) Here is a blog post about maternity denim.
Second Trimester
Second trimester my energy levels came back and I felt like a human again! I was able to start eating normal and working out again. Second trimester was also when my jeans/bottoms slowly started to get a little tighter.
Pregnancy Pillow - my husband bought me this pillow which I thought was ridiculous at first. I am here to tell you that I have slept with this pillow every night. I don’t know what it is, but it really helped me feel more comfortable.
Paige Noella Maternity Jeans - these were my favorite maternity jeans. They fit true to size, they were cute and trendy. Also very flattering.
Zella Maternity Leggings - these were my favorite maternity leggings. I stuck to my normal size (xs). Once my belly “popped” they came in handy! They stayed up and I did not have to constantly be pulling them up. They also gave enough support so that I could run comfortably on the treadmill.
Prenatal Gummy Vitamins - at first I was taking Ritual swallowable prenatals, but I found that the gummies were much easier for me to take. They also taste amazing!
Baby Moon by Summer Fridays Stretch Mark Lotion - Its 100% water-free, vegan formula contains only pregnancy-safe ingredients, including nourishing sunflower and avocado oils, and a soothing, all-natural calendula scent. Did not leave me feeling greasy like some of the other products I tried.
Third Trimester
Once third trimester hit, I felt like my energy levels took a dive! Right around 34 weeks is when I started to feel that real exhaustion come back. I was back to taking at least one nap a day. By this time, clothes really stopped fitting me unless... I was wearing a dress that was not form fitting.
Non-maternity style Bump Friendly Dresses - during pregnancy I never bought any maternity dresses or tops. All the clothing I bought can be worn again afterwards. I stuck to my normal size in all of these bump-friendly pieces.
During this time I also packed my hospital bag - The nursing bras linked here by Bravado became a staple in my everyday wardrobe. They are so comfy! I got a size SMALL. The sizing chart seems a little funky, but listen to it. I grew to over a 34DD and the small fit perfectly!
Barefoot Dreams Blanket - the most wanted blanket on the planet. It is so soft and cozy and I found it on sale in all of the best neutral colors.
Universal Threads French Terry Pull-on Shorts - at this point of pregnancy (37 weeks), being comfortable was most important. I ran into Target and saw these shorts. Immediately I bought them! I got the pink and the lime green. Normal size-- SMALL. They sit below the belly and I will wear them around after pregnancy.
Tie-Dye Universal Threads Pull-on Shorts - I purchased these as well in a size SMALL. They will be so cute afterwards with a white tank!
Baby girl will be here basically anytime! We cannot wait to meet her.
