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Commercials and big brands will have you believe that the list of things to buy to make pregnancy easier is infinite, and even more will try to convince you that you need everything on it to be a good mom. I’ve been a mom for a while now and bought into all of it. I found out the hard way, not everything that sounds great is actually great or even needed
While you won’t need everything the baby brand blogs tell you that you’ll need, there are some things that just universally make being pregnant easier. You don’t need another list to make you feel bad about how you’re mothering. Do your research.
Here are a few things to should buy/borrow to make your pregnancy easier
1. Preggie pops, seasick bands, and peppermints, oh, my!
Pregnancy can make you nauseous and gassy, and it probably will. Finding something that doesn’t taste gross but cures the nausea is a miracle. Never doubt the seasick bands — those little pressure point pushers saved my life in all of my pregnancy.
Preggie pops, peppermint, and seasick bands are the only things that worked for my all-day sickness. Preggie pops have cane sugar and essential oils that help with the stomach issues that commonly plague early pregnancy. They are especially useful when you are suffering from pregnancy nose (heightened sense of smell common in early pregnancy) — not only does the smell of the pops disguise the smell of everything else, the ginger helps quell the nausea. Win-win.
2. Panty liners
Nobody wants to admit this but light bladder leaks and discharge happen when you’re pregnant. It happens to everyone so don’t be embarrassed, but you also don’t have to suffer. Poise micro liners are great for protecting you against accidents caused by a cough or belly laugh on a full bladder.
3. A Fetal doppler
A fetal doppler works best after 16 weeks of pregnancy, but after that time you can hear your baby’s heartbeat and any movements she makes, whenever you want. Most moms-to-be experience moments of insecurity over the health of the baby in utero and the doppler will give you peace of mind.
4. Pregnancy pillow
It doesn’t matter which brand (the Snoogle, Pregnancy Pillow, etc.) it is — you just need one. The larger your growing baby bump gets, the more uncomfortable it gets to sleep. Rather than barricade yourself in a fort of pillows, these extra-long curvy body pillows will help you get comfy while alleviating some of the stress on your hips, belly, and back.
“A Pregnancy pillow is a must. You’ll use it after pregnancy,” mom Gemarla Babilonia-Gaskin — who is trained in USCG first aid and CPR — told Mom.com.
What to wear to make you more comfortable
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5. Belly support band
The main purpose of a belly support band is to alleviate lower back and hip pain that the weight of of a late in pregnancy belly is known to cause. If you have pubic symphysis dysfunction, a support belt is a must. It helps to distribute that weight.
The Bellaband is a stretchy tube that is worn over the top of your unfastened pants, hiding the opened waistband but keeping them in place with the stretchy tube. It’s a clothing life extender, allowing you to wear those jeans well into your pregnancy. Bonus: It even offers a little extra support for that growing bump of yours.
6. Maternity clothes and underwear
Even with the Bellaband to extend the shelf life of your regular pants, you will still need to eventually get yourself some maternity clothes and undies to be comfortable. There are lots of fashionable choices available, embrace the ease of clothes that fit your bump comfortably.
7. Slip-on shoes
As your baby bump grows, it will get harder and harder to bend to fasten shoes or even see your feet in the end. Just invest in a couple pair of comfy and cute slip-ons early on so they are broken-in by the time the bump is in full action.
Finally, something to do to make your pregnancy easier
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8. Access to a pool
Swimming and water aerobics are awesome when pregnant because the water takes some of the weight off of your joints. If you are having a normal pregnancy and can exercise, getting a pool membership is a great way to stay healthy and get some back and joint relief from the pregnancy weight.
Dr. Jennifer Ashton, OB-GYN, told Good Morning America that physical exercise is a great way to prepare for the momentous upcoming event. “I always say pregnancy, labor, and delivery, they’re athletic events. We should train for them,” she said.
