2016 Pregnancy Essentials
Disclaimer: Some of the following products were sent for the purpose of testing them out for review. These products are highlighted by the use of an asterisk (*) beside them. This post also contains affiliate links which are indicated by the use of a dagger (†). All review words and opinions are my own. All photos are copyright property of Me Becoming Mum.
Pregnancy can be tough, especially if, like me, you suffer with terrible side effects like morning, noon and night sickness. Read on to discover the top products I think every mum-to-be should have during those all important nine months of growing a baby.
Clothing to accommodate your changing body
From the growing bump as your belly expands to make space for the baby, to every changing boobs (yes, they get bigger!) your body changes drastically during pregnancy. Here are a few things you need to help you through the changes.
A comfy bra (or two…)
Finding a bra that fits, is comfortable during pregnancy and doesn't look like a frumpy mum bra is not easy. Here are my favourites:
Molke
These beauties are absolutely fabulous. They are They are not only handmade but are also made right here in the UK! They are notoriously hard to get hold of though for three reasons:
The machinists are only human and cannot keep up with the demand!
They are so amazing
They are so popular.
They update the website as quickly as they can make them; and trust me… they are definitely worth the wait.
Mumba Bra
These amazing bras are one of the most comfortable bras you can invest in. They are also super unique in their design, and I can't wait to use mine to breastfeed Pickle too! Click here to check out the guest post from the owner of this mama run brand, full of all the information you could ever wish to know.
†.Maternity clothes, including Jeans
Mothercare Skinny Jeans
I have only got a couple of pairs of jeans that I wear regularly. Thankfully jean’s only need washing when they’re dirty which means you don't actually need too many pairs! Having the looser waist band and protective over the bump material means these jeans provide me with the comfort that can be sorely missed once your body begins to change.
Stretch Mark Relief
This band and its day gel and night cream are both comfortable and effective. I was so surprised to see what a difference it made - even though I had stretch marks from my first pregnancy. I only wish I had known about it before them!
You can check out my full review of the Secret Saviours belly band in my Anti Stretch Mark Belly Band // Secret Saviours post.
Things to make life easier
Maternity Pillow
Being sent one of these pillows had completely changed my life. I am so fortunate to have been able to use it, as it really makes a massive difference to the comfort that I feel when I am both sitting on the sofa and also when I am laying in bed.
It is one of those items that will continue to work for me too, as I will be able to use it as a nursing pillow too! I can't wait to begin to use it in that way - as it will mean that my little one is here safe and sound. However for now, I am content to continue to use it for my comfort at home when I am relaxing both in front of the T.V. and when I am getting some sleep at night.
Don't forget, you can also check out my full review of the Original Theraline in my The Original Theraline // Maternity & Nursing Pillow post.
Night Light
† and is an absolutely genius invention.One of the post frustrating things in pregnancy is the sheer number of times that you need to pee - especially at night! I have struggled enough during my two pregnancies with insomnia, without the constant need to turn the light on so I can see what I am doing in the bathroom.
This little contraption - that runs on three AA batteries - is simply a life saver! It is motion activated and bright enough to help you use the bathroom - but not so bright that it wakes you up fully when you go! It also changes colour - which is both slightly amusing but also, in a weird way, soothing!
Sickness Relief
My Choice: Sea Bands
, and although they haven't completely relived my symptoms (as I have had quite severe sickness requiring medication!) they have eased them a lot; and I know people who have used them with even greater success.The accupressure point feels a little strange the first time that you wear them, but you soon get used to it. They are worth sticking with, even if it is only for the small measure of relief that it gives you.
Gym Ball
which meant it didn't break the bank!I have used mine throughout my pregnancy and I know that it will inevitably be an invaluable piece of kit when I am in early labour. Rocking on the ball has helped a little to relieve some of the side effects of PGP; and the cramps that I have been suffering from too.
Those special added extras
Mexican Bola Chiming Necklace
I am so glad that I have one of these lovely necklaces during this pregnancy. Not only is the necklace beautiful, but the chimes do exactly what they rather designed to; they comfort mother and baby.
I have enjoyed every moment of Pickle dancing and bouncing around inside to the gentle chimes within the heart shaped pendant I have. Not only this, but Squidgy loves the necklace too. So often she will come and sit on my lap to shake it. Usually this shaking is accompanied by her telling me that she is playing music for her baby sister!
I hope that this list will help you sort out the things you might want to pick out to make your pregnancy comfortable and as easy as possible.
For more blog posts about pregnancy, check out the category here. Do you have any other essentials you think should be here? Let me know in the comments below.
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Check out when we popped down to Bassenthwaite with my camera to snap maternity photos as a family.