15 Essential Products to Include in a Pregnancy Care Package

Many pregnant people experience pregnancy rhinitis, nasal congestion that isn’t caused by allergies or a cold. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “higher levels of hormones cause the receptors to respond by widening blood vessels in your nose and creating mucus,” which can make it hard to breathe. Although it’s not a cure, adhesive nasal strips can be a huge help, especially for sleep.

When people think about calming, soothing self-care activities, one of the first things that comes to mind is usually a long bath with a bath bomb. Unfortunately, pregnant women aren’t supposed to spend a lot of time lounging in hot water (baths during pregnancy should be in warm water and only 10 minutes long). Shower steamers are a great alternative to bath bombs, since they can be enjoyed without raising mom’s core body temperature.

Toward the end of pregnancy, expecting moms often feel depleted. It takes a lot of energy to create new life, so it’s important for pregnant women to nourish themselves. That’s where this delicious Third Trimester Tea comes in. According to Earth Mama, blood volume increases significantly during pregnancy, and the fetus takes many of mom’s vitamins and minerals. This herbal tea nurtures mom’s body and prepares her for childbirth. Plus, it tastes great!

Lush is known for their luxurious body care products, and now they’re diving into the pregnancy space. This massage bar is their gentlest yet, made specifically for growing bellies. The nourishing butters and essential oils are soothing and safe for all stages of pregnancy (and postpartum), formulated to hydrate the skin and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Insomnia is (unfortunately) a normal part of pregnancy and postpartum. No matter how exhausted they are, most moms-to-be toss and turn all night, unable to get comfortable. This sleepy body lotion is made with magnesium to ease sore muscles and cramps for more restful sleep. It comes in three fragrance options: lavender, vanilla, and unscented. This makes a great gift for any expecting mom.

I know, I know, gifting someone stool softener isn’t exactly cute, but it is definitely necessary. Most experienced moms will tell you that the first postpartum poop is absolutely terrifying. After going through the trauma of birth, the idea of sitting on a toilet and bearing down is too much to handle. Stool softener can ease the experience. It may not be the star of the care package, but it certainly proves you care.

During pregnancy, women have to drink more water than usual — make that experience a little more luxurious with a great water tumbler. The BrüMate Era 40oz keeps beverages cold for 24 hours, works for carbonated beverages, is dishwasher safe, and fits into a cup holder. Unlike other tumblers with straws, the lid is spill- and leakproof, so it can easily be tossed into a bag without worry.

Bombas has some of the best socks on the market, and their compression socks are perfect for pregnancy. Compression socks provide a gentle squeeze to help blood vessels work more efficiently, per WebMD. They improve circulation, which can help reduce swelling and prevent varicose veins. These Bombas compression socks are designed to relieve soreness and achiness.

It’s not unusual for pregnant women to experience facial puffiness. This ice roller can help calm inflammation, alleviate sore facial muscles, promote healthy circulation, and reduce tension and headaches. It’s easy to use and provides the gift of refreshed skin.

Pregnancy is such a life-changing time, but it can be easy to forget about the daily experience once the baby is born. And as soon as the little one arrives, things get so hectic. For many moms, keeping an in-depth baby book just isn’t in the cards. This illustrated journal helps parents capture memories of pregnancy, birth, and the first year. With prompts, week-by-week pregnancy details, places for photos, and milestone lists, it’s easy to fill out the journal quickly without it becoming too much of a hassle.

Sore feet, swollen ankles, and wider soles are not uncommon during pregnancy, so finding comfortable shoes can be a struggle. Even walking around the house barefoot can cause pain, so it’s nice to have a pair of super-comfortable slip-on shoes. These cushioned slides come in a variety of colors and they’re durable enough to be used inside or outside. Many people also like these as shower shoes, which means they’re a great addition to the hospital bag.

A microwaveable heat pack can do wonders for achy, sore bodies, which makes them a perfect gift for pregnant people. This heat pack provides soothing relief, and it’s easy to warm up in the microwave. It can also be chilled in a freezer to help people cool down — that can be super helpful during pregnancy, since a lot of people report feeling overheated when they’re expecting.

Finding clothing to wear with a body that changes every day can feel impossible. Take away the stress of getting dressed for lounging around the house by giving the mom-to-be a super-comfortable robe. The beauty of robes is that they also work really well for the postpartum period, especially for anyone who is breastfeeding. We love this specific robe because it has matching outfits for babies, blankets, crib sheets, toddler pajamas, and more!

If you want to remind the mom-to-be that this is a celebratory time, include some non-alcoholic wine in your care package. This sparkling chardonnay is made with organic grapes, it’s vegan, and it’s low in sugar. According to many reviews, this tastes more like white wine than other non-alcoholic alternatives, since it’s dry (and doesn’t taste like grape juice). It’s also perfect for mimosas!

Made to reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles, these under-eye masks are like “an energy drink for your eyes.” They’re hydrating, cooling, and brightening, making them perfect for a pregnancy care package.