I’m in the thick of newborn days but before pregnancy becomes too far removed from my brain, I want to share some of my pregnancy must-haves. I’ve received quite a few requests for this post so I’m excited to talk about the things I found most-necessary during pregnancy.

Here’s a collection of everything from maternity clothes to self-care to reading/listening material and more!

CLOTHING

Let’s start with clothing because I think that’s top of mind for everyone.

Anytime I wasn’t in a sports bra, I was in a Coobie Bra. These one-size-fits-all bras are so soft and comfortable and perfect for your tender and growing pregnancy breasts. I lived in pajamas when I was pregnant, especially pajama pants. It was crazy, I would walk around most days wearing the most comfy and soft Lululemon Align pants but the minute it was acceptable to get into PJs, I was changing clothes.

I leaned towards fitted clothes during pregnancy and I did a lot of layering. First and foremost, Target was a huge lifesaver for maternity clothes. I got casual dresses, shorts, tops and tanks there. These tanks in particular were a favorite basic for me. I also loved these Gap tanks and these long-sleeved shirts.

I was lucky to be pregnant during cooler months of the year (god bless you ladies who are braving this summer heat with your bumps!) and I defaulted to wearing one of the tanks I linked to above with a cozy wrap sweater almost daily.

I loved this website for maternity dresses and I also got a super cute and cozy nightgown and robe from them.

I wrote a whole post on pregnancy faves for workout/athleisure so be sure to check that post out!

Fun fact…I made it through my entire pregnancy without buying maternity jeans. Thank god for stretchy black pants!

COMFORT + COZINESS

I was obsessed with this body pillow. And I mean obsessed. If you are pregnant, I recommend a body pillow as soon as you hit the second trimester. They are a game changer when it comes to sleeping comfortably and wonderful for supporting your hips, back and shoulders. Many also swear by the Snoogle.

Sleep can be hard to come by during pregnancy for any variety of reasons from general insomnia to anxiety to getting up to pee a million times a night. (I was up 5-7 times a night in the last month of pregnancy). A good meditation app is a lifesaver. It’s a much more productive way to spend your time lying awake in the middle of the night than scrolling through your phone.

Take a lot of baths! I feel like women get freaked out about baths in pregnancy because of what you hear about not elevating your body temperature but it’s totally safe. Just keep the water on the warm but not scalding hot side. I looked forward to baths so much and soaking with lavender salts always made my body feel amazing. Bonus, do a face mask before or after your bath.

While we’re on the topic of self-care, PRENATAL MASSAGES ARE LIFE! Pregnancy is definitely a time to spurge on regular massage if it’s not something that’s in your normal routine…especially as you start to really grow. I also adored that pregnancy massages are side-lying and you don’t have to be on the table with your face smushed in that round thing.

READ + LISTEN

Books: Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, Bringing Up Bebe, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, The Fourth Trimester, The First Forty Days, The Mayo Clinic Guide to Pregnancy, Expecting Better

Podcasts: The Birth Hour and Birthful

VITAMINS + SUPPLEMENTS

I tried several prenatal vitamins but this one was always my favorite. I also took an omega-3 supplement and a probiotic throughout pregnancy. I’m still taking all three postpartum.

BELLY CARE

I lean more towards the thinking that stretch marks can’t be prevented BUT I still used belly oil and butter daily because a) it just seemed like the right thing to do and b) your skin itches as it’s stretching so it needs some extra moisture! I would usually mix together this lavender oil and this belly butter.

MUST-HAVES THAT YOU CAN’T PRIME

Grilled cheese, ice cream, frozen pizza, pineapple, spicy ginger ale, bagels, carrot cake, snuggly dogs, a caring and knowledgeable doula, an amazing doctor/midwife and really good friend/family support.

What are/were your top 3 pregnancy must-haves? Please share!