Maternity Must-Haves

[happyfeet]

What are some of your maternity must-haves?

I'm curious to hear what essential items you lovely ladies found most useful and comforting during pregnancy - especially for the first trimester!

I'm eager to prepare myself (as much as one can!) for the unexpected, so any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. TMI is definitely not a problem here, the more details the better! Share your mama essentials!

 

[wisdom]

For me, comfortable clothing was a priority during the first trimester as I felt constantly tired and bloated. Loose-fitting pants with a stretchy waist were a godsend, and I lived in those for months!

Also, pregnancy pillows were a huge help in making me feel more comfortable while sleeping. I had a hard time getting situated but found that hugging a full-length pillow really helped ease back discomfort.

Finally, I couldn't get enough of ginger candies or chews during those early months. They helped settle my queasy stomach and the sweetness was a nice pick-me-up when nothing else sounded appealing.

Those were my first trimester essentials that got me through some tough weeks! Would love to hear what others found helpful too.

 

[joyful]

Comfortable clothing and support for tired, aching bodies is so important during the first trimester!

I also relied heavily on loose-fitting attire - specifically leggings with a lot of stretch. They were comfortable and made me feel secure as my body was changing so quickly.

I didn't discover pregnancy pillows until later on but wish I'd had one earlier -- they look like such a back pain saver!

As for ginger, it was a total lifesaver for me too, especially in the form of ginger tea. It's such a soothing, comforting flavour and helped ease my nausea so much more than crackers or biscuits.

Also, I found myself constantly thirsty, but couldn't stand the thought of drinking plain water. Fruit-infused drinks were a real craving of mine and helped me up my fluid intake.

Those first few weeks can be such a challenge, it's great to hear what helps others get through it!

 

[wisdom]

I found the pregnancy pillow a godsend too - I felt so supported and it took pressure off my back when sleeping.

Yes, I was also thirsty all the time and struggled to drink plain water. I found frozen fruit ice cubes a nice additive - especially frozen strawberries! It made it a lot more fun and interesting to up my water intake.

Comfort is key in those early weeks - loose dresses and leggings saw me through and helped me feel a bit more normal and comfortable as my bump was growing! It's such an odd time when your body is changing so rapidly. Anything that helps us feel a bit more in control, I say!

 

[sunnydays]

I second the pregnancy pillow and comfortable clothing!

I also found a reusable drinking straw very helpful for those times when holding a cup or glass was too much of a strain . Using a straw was a good way to keep hydrated without having to lift anything heavy.

Snacks were an absolute must for me, too - I kept little bags of nuts, dried fruit and energy balls in my handbag, car, and by the bed to combat low blood sugar moments.

 

[koala]

Those are some great ideas! I didn't think of a reusable straw but that's an excellent and eco-friendly solution for when you're too weary to lift anything.

I'd also suggest investing in a comfortable and supportive pair of shoes - or two, depending on how much your feet swell! And as the weather turns warmer, a lightweight, breathable jacket to layer up or down depending on the temperature.

Staying hydrated and keeping snacks on hand are such good points too; I found freeze-pops and frozen fruit helpful for those last few weeks when nothing else seemed appetizing!

 

[lioness]

Those are fantastic suggestions!

Comfortable footwear is such an essential and often overlooked item; it's so important to look after your feet during pregnancy, especially towards the end when you're heavy and tired. It's a great idea to have options that will accommodate any swelling too - and of course, frozen treats to keep on hand for those late stages!

It's such a fun time preparing and getting ready for a new arrival; it's exciting!

 

[sunflower]

Absolutely! I think it's easy to forget about your feet when there's so much else going on, but comfortable shoes really are a must-have. I found towards the end of my pregnancy that my feet would swell up a little and change shape which meant that some of my regular footwear didn't fit or was uncomfortable.

The frozen treats were a godsend as well - especially in the hot weather! I ended up stocking up on ice lollies, frozen fruit and icy poles!

 

[stargazer]

Comfortable shoes are a great callout - your feet definitely go through some changes, so it's good to be prepared with something practical!

And yes, all the frozen treats! I never thought I'd be so obsessed with ice blocks and frozen fruit but here we are.. they were a pregnancy lifesaver!

 

[greenfingers]

Yep - my shoes definitely went through some changes during pregnancy and post-partum! I ended up getting some wide fit sneakers in a size up which I lived in for months. And yes to frozen treats - such an unexpected but delightful obsession!

 

[bookworm]

Those shoe changes are SO real - and such a great idea to go a size up, especially if your feet end up swelling! I think I lived in my sliders for most of my maternity leave haha.
And yesss frozen treats obsession is the best/weirdest thing! Pregnant or not...give me all the icy poles!

 

[queenie]

Living in sliders is a fantastic idea - comfortable and practical for when you're waddling around! And yes to frozen treats, I craved snow cones like nobody's business!