Every pregnancy is individual, but there are a few items we think will benefit everyone. Here’s our list of pregnancy essentials and mummy must-haves for your next 9+ months.
As you progress through your pregnancy you will experience all manner of different symptoms, side-effects and cravings. As your bump and baby grow, you’ll want to be as comfortable and prepared as possible, but with so many wonderful parenting and baby products it can often feel like a minefield picking out the pregnancy essentials you really need.
Every pregnancy is different and what might be a hero product for one mum-to-be may not cut it for others, but if you need a helping hand with where to start, we’ve curated a list of cult products and suggested must-haves to see you through each stage of your pregnancy and beyond.
Pregnancy Essentials for the First Trimester
Chances are you’re feeling tiredness like never before, as well as nausea, and you may be waiting until you share your news with many people, so the first trimester is all about making you feel better.
Read More: Early Pregnancy Symptoms
Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm with Cleansing Cloth
A lot of salon’s don’t like to treat pregnant clients until after you reach 12 weeks, but a pampering facial is probably exactly what you’d like at this stage. Give yourself the experience at home with this nourishing Emma Hardie cleansing balm which really gives you that ‘just stepped into a spa’ experience.
Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm with Cleansing Cloth, £47
Bravado Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra
You may think that your boobs will only start to change in pregnancy once your milk starts to come in, but during the first trimester those hormones can really wreak havoc. With larger and more tender boobs, you may want to switch out your regular bras for something more comfortable, and also something you can wear to sleep with if you’re finding the tenderness is uncomfortable during the night. These Bravado bras come is a broad array of colours and styles, are wireless, seamless and are more than comfortable enough to sleep in. Plus, as they’re nursing bras you’ll be able to wear them all through pregnancy and beyond.
Bravado Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra, £34
Zita West Vital Essence 1 Vitamins
The first three months of pregnancy are some of the most crucial times for your baby’s development so it’s important to get all the vitamins and minerals you need. Eating a varied healthy diet would be the ideal way, but when you’re in the throws of morning sickness, this is easier said than done. Added to that, it’s also recommended that you take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day until you’re at least 12 weeks pregnant, and it’s also recommended that you take a daily vitamin D supplement. Once you add all these together it makes sense if only for your peace of mind to find a supplement that takes care of all of this for you.
Zita West Vital Essence 1 Vitamins, £28.50
The Ultimate Baby Book
Created by the Baby magazine team, the 2021 edition of this guide is jam-packed with advice from our experts, must-have buys and plenty of encouraging words when you need them. From the first trimester through pregnancy, birth and into the early days of new parenthood, until you’ve a sparky one year old, this is not only a go-to guide, but is designed for you to write about your highs and lows, stick in your photos, and create a treasured keepsake to look back on for years to come.
Free People Mini Dress
A new outfit at this stage will give you an extra boost when you’re not feeling great, and even though you most likely don’t need pregnancy specific clothing yet, you may be feeling a little bloated so don’t want the constraints of your regular waistbands every day. Treat yourself to something that you’ll be able to wear during your pregnancy and beyond. We love Free People for dresses that you can wear on their own in the summer or layered up in the winter taking you from season to season through each trimester, plus if you’re planning to breastfeed, pick a dress with a button front to keep it as part of your wardrobe through that journey as well.
One Green Bottle Stainless Steel Bottle
There are so many reasons that you need to drink extra water while pregnant, from easing constipation to helping your body absorb vital nutrients and more. It can be tricky to remember to keep drinking during the day, and it can be especially tricky if you’re feeling nauseous, so keeping a bottle to hand with a straw top so you can take regular small sips, and keep a track of how you’re doing during the day.
One Green Bottle stainless steel bottle, £18
Pregnancy Essentials for the Second Trimester
People will tell you that you’ll feel amazing and full of energy in your second trimester, but do bear in mind, you are still pregnant. At this stage you’ll have seen your new little person at your first scan, and have likely told more people. You’ll also be noticing more physical changes as your baby grows.
BBHugme Pregnancy Pillow
If you only buy one thing, this has to be it. There are many pregnancy pillows around, but this one really is worth the extra £’s. It is full length so you can use it to support you from your head, bump, and knees down to your ankles, offering you optimum comfort and support during your pregnancy. The firmness can be adjusted to suit you, and due to the filling it won’t flatten like other pregnancy pillows. And once you’ve become accustomed to sleeping with it during pregnancy, you’ll most likely want to keep using it long afterwards.
BBHugme Pregnancy Pillow, £138
Decleor Cica Body Oil
This natural oil is perfect to rub on your growing bump after a bath or shower. It provides skin with a deep hydration to help your skin accommodate your growing baby, and soaks into the skin without leaving a sticky or greasy residue.
Nike Maternity Leggings
Exercising during pregnancy is encouraged (unless your doctor has told you otherwise), and whether you’re starting your first yoga class, or you’re used to an active exercise regime, you will want to feel comfortable. Thankfully in the past couple of years, maternity fitness wear has boomed, including Nike launching its first range, Nike (M), made with sustainable zonal fabric to work with your body both during and after pregnancy.
Nike Maternity leggings, £54.95
Isabella Oliver Maternity Jean
The hairband around the button trick may not last too much longer, and the day will come when it’s time to invest in some maternity jeans as your wardrobe staple. Under bump or over bump is a personal preference so see which ones work for you.
Isabella Oliver Maternity Jean, £69
Green People Facial Sun Cream
We all know the benefits of sun protection, but during pregnancy your skin may be extra sensitive to those rays. Pick a high factor sun screen like this organic one that is perfume free so won’t be irritating if your skin has become sensitive.
Green People facial sun cream, £20
Pregnancy Essentials for the Third Trimester
During your third trimester you’ll notice a lot of physical changes as your baby grows, and as you near your due date your body will be getting ready for your baby’s arrival. Take time out to rest when you need to.
Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter
This tummy rub butter can be used from your first trimester, but as you start to feel more movements from your baby, we love the ritual of using this rich nourishing tummy rub before bed, then sitting back and enjoy the wriggles.
Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter, £24
Yolke Classic Silk Pyjama Set
You may find you need more rest during the third trimester, so treat yourself to a comfortable pair of pyjamas to make you feel good while you relax. Opt for one with an elasticated waist and a button front to take you through to post birth as well.
Yolke Classic Silk Pyjama Set, £345
Natural Birth and Fitness Ball
Despite the name, starting to use a birthing ball in your third trimester might be one of your best decisions. Using the ball to sit at your desk if you’re working, or incorporating it into daily exercise, it can help with your posture and any pains you’re feeling, and also assist in getting baby into the best position for birth. Be sure to get the correct size for your height.
Natural birth and fitness ball, £18.99
Nakd Bars
During your third trimester you may find you have days where your appetite increases, and it’s recommended that you eat an extra 200 calories a day. Having handy healthy snacks means that you won’t just be reaching for the easy option that may not make you feel so good. These nākd bars can count as one of your 5 a day, and a lot also contain dates which some studies have shown to help your body during labour.
The Positive Birth Book
Covering all birthing options, and packed with the information you’ll be looking for, this book will help you as you start to narrow down your birthing preferences. Plus, run a bath and take some time out to read will give you that perfect R&R time.
The Positive Birth Book, £14.99
Read More:
- The Ultimate Birth Bag Check List
- How to Help Your Baby Sleep in a Heatwave
- Your Pregnancy Week-by-Week
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