With my first child, I think I was over prepared when it came to the pregnancy part, and definitely under prepared for the days that followed the birth of my beautiful daughter. I attended the antenatal classes, purchased various baby books, memorised all the info, and thought I had it all under control, only to be blown away when reality hit. With so many products, apps, antenatal classes, birthing options (plus your own cocktail of hormones) and so much more to choose from, the 9 month pregnancy journey can feel a little over whelming.

Now with my second pregnancy, I’ve decided to hold back a little bit, not make impulsive purchases and instead make better informed decisions about my pregnancy picks. Here’s a list of my top 5 Pregnancy Essentials that I’d recommend for new mums-to-be:

1. Pregnancy Pillow

Since hitting the 12 week mark, I have been using the Clevamama ClevaCushion 10-in-1 Nursing Pillow, and can’t imagine my pregnancy journey without it. Yes, the pillow comes with an expensive price tag, but if there is one purchase that I’d highly recommend you to make, it is to invest in a good U-shaped pregnancy pillow. The sturdy structure of the pillow has been so helpful with back support, while sitting and accommodating the growing belly, and also while sleeping helping to keep my legs raised. This versatile pillow will also continue to provide support during the nursing stage and later on when the baby learns to sit by him/herself.

2. Body Butter for Stretch Marks

Not all of us pregnant mamas are blessed with genes that result in minimum to zero stretch marks during pregnancy. I am certainly not one of those and am so grateful for the availability of Palmer’s Tummy Butter for Stretch Marks that aids in slowing down and minimizing the appearance of stretch marks.  With both my pregnancies I have religiously applied generous amounts of the Cocoa butter around my growing tummy, twice a day, straight after shower and before bed time. Not only does it leave me smelling and feeling luxurious, but it deeply moisturises my skin.

Other Pregnancy related products from Palmer’s include: Palmer’s Stretch Mark Massage Cream, Pregnancy Body Wash and Skin Therapy Oil

3. Maternity clothes

Following the second trimester, you will no longer be able to fit in your regular clothes, and will definitely need a revamp of your wardrobe. However, avoid the temptation to buy everything cute from the maternity section. They REALLY have cute outfits for pregnant mamas.

If not purchasing new maternity bras, purchase a pack of Bra extenders that you can use with your current bras. Maternity jeans have been my best friends during my pregnancy, helping me to stay on trend and be comfy at the same time. For other regular trousers that didn’t fit as my pregnancy progressed, I’d recommend buying a Belly Belt by Love your bump that has allowed me to continue wearing what’s in my wardrobe.

Another staple I am living in are leggings, of all colours, that go well with so many of my long tops. I particularly like the Belly Bandit ones, because the wide and stretchy fabric does wonders for providing support to my tummy.

Remember, you will not go to your previous body size straight away after delivery, so buy a few pretty looking maternity dresses with front buttons, that will be handy when nursing your baby and also look great when heading outdoors.

4. Pregnancy and New Born checklist

As soon as the nesting phase kicks in, you will have this urge to set up the baby’s nursery and prepare baby travel accessories as you see on Pinterest and Instagram. However, stop before you go a little crazy with your baby shopping. Simply print out a list, like the one I have from Mothercare, and spend a little time going through the checklist of the items you simply must have and need. This process helped me to stay on track with my spending, maintain count of items, such as for nappies and new born outfits, and also ensured I wasn’t just relying on my memory to make sure I had everything ready prior to the baby’s arrival.

5. Online Information

Step into the Pregnancy section at your book store and the options on baby-related books can be overwhelming and pricey. However, with so much information available online, you really don’t need to be spending on books.

I love websites such as ‘What to Expect’ and ‘Baby Centre’, that have always given me detailed information on week-by-week developments of the growing baby and my own body while pregnant. Joining pregnancy forums has helped me answer specific questions and compare experiences about my pregnancy with real mums. Other sources of my information have been attending Pregnancy support groups around town, such as those set up my Malak Baby, Babies and Beyond, Tishtash Tots and many more.

NICE TO HAVE:

I am also including a section of recommendations below which I wouldn’t call ‘Essential’ but a little more ‘Nice to have’. Because, pregnancy is such a joyous occasion that you’ll want to spend it in the best of health and remember this part of your life for the days to come.

6. Maternity Shoot

That pregnancy glow you have in your third trimester is irreplaceable and you’ll want professionally taken photos to capture that joy you feel with your partner and/or family, as you are about to bring a mini-you into this world.

7. Pregnancy Journal

It is so much fun documenting your pregnancy journey, right from when you found out your BFP and keeping copies of your Ultrasound scans. And definitely great fun to look back at, a few years later.

8. Milestone cards

Keep a photographic record of your growing bump with some funky milestone cards. The Milestone- Original Pregnancy and New Born cards are a perfect accessory for sharing pregnancy pics with your family and friends, and also on your social media.

9. Prenatal Vitamins

Even though you will be making sure you are eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated and snacking well in between, during your pregnancy, don’t forget to consider a few essential prenatal vitamins. These will help cover up any extra minerals you may be deficient in. Speak to your doctor about it.

Disclaimer:

Some product links will direct you to the website Mumzworld.com, where you can purchase the same items using the code ‘Mumzy10’ to get an extra 10% off your final purchase.

The views and opinions mentioned in this post are those of my own. None of the items mentioned are sponsored. The contents of this post, including pictures, cannot be duplicated or copied without permission.