5 Pregnancy Items You Didn’t Know You Needed
As I continue brewing in my last month of my pregnancy, I feel as though I am “qualified” to make general statements on the matter. My ride is almost over and I’ve definitely stumbled on some things that I simply could not live without. Okay, that’s dramatic … let’s try that again. I’ve found some things that have made my pregnancy much easier, and I will definitely be keeping them in mind for the next go around. Yes, that’s right you heard it here. Not even done with pregnancy #1 and I’m already thinking about baby #2. Check back in with me in a few months post baby and see if I’m still singing the same tune though LOL.
When I first got pregnant, the planner aka. crazy OCD Sash in me, researched EVERY. DAMN. THING. there was to research on pregnancies. Google is an amazing thing. The information is endless, but I also found a lot of the tips to be pretty repetitive. A lot of the advice/recommendations felt like no brainers to me. I was looking for those hidden gems that when you read about them you went, wow… that’s a bloody brilliant idea that I would have never thought of.
(Ps. If there are any Harry Potter nerds out there like moi, I hope that sentence right there made you think of Ron Weasley).
Anywho, I was determined to make note of the very random things that I found essential to my pregnancy that I never thought would be, and I would make sure to share them with you when all was said and done. To me, minus the notable mentions at the end which I could not leave out as I felt so strongly about the specific brand, most of these are things that aren’t mentioned on the average pregnancy read. And if they all are things you’ve all thought of, well I’m here to toot your horn and say BRAVO to you. Either way, let us begin!
1. Panty Liners
Let’s just get right down to it. Uncensored unfiltered and all. Discharge is no joke when it comes to pregnancy. No matter how many times a day you shower, how well you wipe, or how strong your kegels are … discharge will find its way to your underwear. Sorry ladies, these are just the facts.
Yes, some may have more than others, but nevertheless, discharge will be there. For some time there I was wiping my underwear down, but it made me really itchy. Then I started changing my underwear 3-4 times a day. Finally I caved and said it’s time for the mighty panty liner to ease my woes. This was a game changer. They are so thin you can pack them in your purse, have a few lying around in all bathrooms of the house, whatever you so please. Changing them out a few times a day makes for a much more comfortable day-to-day life. Grab one for full underwear, and for thongs, and just feel so much better about yourself.
2. Lacrosse/Massage Ball
There are many different names for this. Lacrosse Ball, Massage Ball, Myofascial Release Ball, Yoga Therapy Ball. All are more or less the same and do the trick. What is this for exactly and why do you need it? Well first off, we all know that during pregnancy our body goes through so many changes. Symptoms you may experience from all these changes are, leg and foot cramping, swelling, hip pain, back pain, neck pain, sacrum pain, and all around joint pain … just to name a few. Zero relief from this pain makes for a long 9 months. Although I did partake in my chiropractic sessions and prenatal massages, I needed an on demand solution to alleviate my discomfort. This is where the lacrosse ball came in. It is so versatile. I would use it under my feet to reduce swelling as well as roll out some kinks that caused cramping. For my back I would stand against a wall with the ball between myself and the wall and just move around targeting all the areas that needed some release. This ball is even in my hospital bag. It was one of the first things I packed in it. I imagine it will provide me much comfort throughout the possible long stay at the hospital.
You can purchase one of these on Amazon, of course, or any sports store. I do forewarn you, that on your back it HURTS, but it’s one of those good pains you know? I promise it will all be worth it, plus what’s some pain when you’re about to go through labor pains am I right??!
3. Big Water Bottle
They say when you are pregnant you should drink at least 8 glasses of water a day aka 2 litres.
Personally I am terrible at drinking my water, or should I say was terrible at drinking my water. On top of that, pregnancy brain is a real thing, and I could never ever remember how much water I had or still needed to have.
Thanks to the secretary at my OB’s office, I was inspired to get myself one of those trendy water jugs. I ordered mine off Amazon after some research, and it’s safe to say I have never been more hydrated in my life. I also am just so in love with this water bottle. It’s cute, it motivates me, never leaks or spills, and is a breeze to clean. I finish my 2 litres no problem, and this is something I am definitely going to carry on using post pregnancy. Baby will have her bottle, and so will mama!
4. Pimple Patches
Helllooooooo Hormones. Oh and Hellooooo hormones partner in crime - acne! If you’re reading this and are one of those lucky people who just glowed all of their pregnancy … to you I say … well I just better not say it. I, on the other hand, never glowed. Not even for one day. Instead I was graced with pimples on the reg. Now don’t get me wrong, there are far worse pregnancy side effects to be dealing with, I’m just saying … clear and radiant skin wasn’t a thing for me during my pregnancy.
Normally, in my pre pregnancy life, I dealt with my pimples by putting Polysporin on them. A strange solution, but I’m telling you it was a miracle worker. I’d see a pimple in the making, put a dab of Polysporin on it and the next morning it was gone. Now that I’m pregnant and I can’t use Polysporin, I had to find another solution. Thanks to my Amazon addiction I stumbled on Rael Beauty’s Miracle Patch.
I’m going to be honest with you here … I was very skeptical about this product. It reminded me of those Biore Nose strips, which are just THE WORST. You expect to peel them off and see all this blackhead goodness on them but usually it comes up empty. So when I was told by the package that it would suck the white gunk out of the pimple … I shrugged it off. To my surprise, I was wrong. More often than not I pull off the patches and there it is … it’s been pulled right out. And if it hasn’t I just have to gently touch the pimple after taking off the patch and BAM. Shoots right out. Sorry … that was a very graphic. Maybe Dr. Pimple Popper fans will enjoy that, while others will merely be grossed out by the imagery I’ve provided them. Either way, if you’re struggling with acne, give these a try. I hope they are as helpful for you as they were for me.
5. Calvin Klein Cotton Bralette
Save the best for last???? This bralette/cotton sports bra is a STAPLE in my wardrobe pregnant or not pregnant. One of your first pregnancy symptoms are tender breasts. Not only will they become so sensitive, those babies will grow, and grow, OH and grow. You will most likely not be able to fit into your usual wire bras, and who wants to spend money on a brand new bra that will only fit you for a certain period of time. This is where the Calvin Klein Cotton Bralette comes in handy. I’ve always had one, and by one I mean three, and they’ve always been my go to on comfy days. But, while pregnant, these are ALL I wear. They are stretchy enough that I didn’t have to go up in size, and they are so light and comfortable that they don’t make me feel constricted or hot or uncomfortable. At some point in my second trimester I would actually wear it to bed because I couldn’t sleep without a bra. Again it’s just the perfect cotton material that you don’t notice it when sleeping.
Every pregnant woman, no I take that back, every woman should own this bra. On top of that, I just found out that they make a nursing bra that is the same material and construction, so you better believe I will be ordering myself one. Don’t worry, I will review it and let you know how it goes.
I leave you now with a few notable mentions. These are four obvious pregnancy recommendations, but I had to share the specific brands/products that I found to be TOP NOTCH!
Belly Cream for Stretch Marks - Beauty Counter Melting Body Balm
U-Shape Pregnancy Pillow - PharMeDoc (whatever brand you do choose opt for a U shape as opposed to a C shape pillow)
Maternity Leggings - H&M Maternity Leggings
What to Expect App
I hope this item list proves to be enlightening and helpful for you guys either now or down the road. This is a truly incredible time, and our bodies are ridiculously amazing things. Please know the journey won’t always be easy and feel like a miracle. There will be difficult times both physically AND mentally. You won’t feel like a warrior every day, and you won’t feel like sharing your body with another human. But this is what a community is for, and why I hope I can help make your experience even a tiny bit better. Keep on trucking ladies !
xx
Sash