Products That Help With Prenatal Discomforts

Go-to remedies for heartburn, nausea, itchy skin, swelling, and other pangs of pregnancy.

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Pregnancy is life-changing and amazing in many ways, but it’s also a nine-month stretch of dealing with discomforts you may not have experienced until now.

Perhaps your first indication of being pregnant was unexpected morning sickness that kept showing up (and ruining your appetite for weekend pancakes). Maybe you can’t catch a break from unrelenting indigestion, or maybe back pain, constipation, or prenatal insomnia (or all the above!) have become a thorn in your side. Whatever pesky symptoms persist in your prenatal journey, safe, effective, and, ideally, easy solutions are essential to getting through pregnancy as comfortably as possible. 

It’s important to note that while many of the issues listed below may be safe for a nonpregnant person to treat with medication, not all medications are considered safe to take during pregnancy—and there are also med-free options that can help, too! If expecting (or planning to become pregnant), you should always discuss the use of prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, herbal and dietary supplements, and vitamins with your health care provider. Whatever your ailment(s), these bump-safe remedies are good to have on hand.

Pregnancy Pillow

Your body is working overtime and needs as much rest and relaxation as possible. The Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow combines the feel of multiple pillows (without the bulk and added heat) with a unique contoured shape that supports the lower back, hips, and belly. Whether sleeping or lounging, you can customize and reposition this cozy cushion to your comfort. The zippered removable cover is made with soft jersey material that feels pleasant against the skin and is machine-washable and dryer-safe.

Nausea Lozenges

Morning sickness can be par for the course during the first trimester (and sometimes beyond). A board-certified gastroenterologist developed these ginger Tummydrops that feature a unique proprietary organic ginger extract for easing queasy stomachs. Each batch is USDA-certified organic, gluten-free, certified kosher, and made without nuts or dairy. However, these powerful ginger drops have a bit of a kick, so if you’re sensitive to spice, go with the peppermint Tummydrops instead. (Pro tip: If you’re limiting your sugar intake, these anti-nausea bands use acupressure points to relieve nausea and are worth considering!)

Belly Support Band

As your pregnancy progresses, your growing tummy may strain your back muscles and cause pelvic pain. The Belly Bandit Upsie Pregnancy Support Band lifts your bump to stabilize your posture, take pressure off your bladder, and alleviate discomforts, including sciatica and round ligament pain. This adaptable belly wrap packs 12 inches of adjustability, and the soft SecureStretch fabric molds to your body for the perfect fit. It’s also eligible for reimbursement through various insurance plans and spending accounts.

Body Butter

Elevated hormone levels can cause your skin to feel itchy as it stretches to accommodate baby’s growth, meaning a good moisturizer is in order. Primally Pure’s Almond + Vanilla Body Butter contains high-quality ingredients like organic tallow, mango and shea butter, coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, and vitamin E, creating a thick, nutrient-dense cream that restores and nourishes the skin. Reviews praise this product for its yummy smell, “amazing texture,” quick absorption, and non-toxic formula.

Prenatal Vitamin

Food aversions and nausea can do a number on your pregnancy diet, but a prenatal vitamin helps ensure you and your budding babe get enough of what you need each day. This doctor-formulated chewable prenatal gummy from NĀTALIST is packed with 21 premium vegetarian ingredients that boost your nutrition (featuring DHA, choline, folate, iron, B6, B12, iodine, and biotin), support baby’s development of the spinal cord, brain, eyes, and nervous system, protect against neural tube defects, and aid in supplying adequate oxygen to your baby. While you may not notice a significant difference while taking a prenatal vitamin, getting in your daily dose is important to help fight fatigue and keep your energy levels up.

Maternity Underwear

You may not think of underwear as a potential problem while expecting, but like your pre-pregnancy clothes, you’ll eventually need something created for an expanding bump. Bodily’s All-In-Panty was designed for maternity, postpartum, and beyond, thanks to dynamic micro-modal fabric that’s made to stretch while still being super soft (an essential feature for anyone recovering from a C-section). From the first to the fourth trimester, you’ll feel comfortable and supported in this panty that adapts and transforms alongside your changing body.

Natural Lubricant

For some birth parents, a drop in estrogen levels during pregnancy can result in vaginal dryness, making sex difficult or even painful. Having a bump-safe lubricant on hand for whenever the mood strikes can increase intimacy with your partner while prioritizing your sexual satisfaction. (Orgasms during pregnancy are often more intense than regular orgasms and can be pretty awesome. IYKYK.) Coconu’s water-based lubricant is 100% natural, hypoallergenic, vegan, and cruelty-free, with a silky feel designed to last however long it’s needed. It also works great as a spot moisturizer or massage oil for the back, feet, or anywhere else.

Slip-On Sneakers

Comfy shoes you can wear without bending over to put them on will be much appreciated by the third trimester. Rothy’s City Slip-On Sneakers feature their signature sustainable thread spun from plastic bottles to make lightweight, durable, simple-but-stylish kicks that hold up well and are machine-washable. The contoured insole means you don’t have to break them in to enjoy all-day comfort, which is great considering this goes-with-everything style will be what you reach for most often. Just be sure to weigh the possibility that your feet may grow larger during pregnancy (it happens!) and consider sizing up.

Stool Softener

The iron found in prenatal vitamins can often contribute to constipation, making an already uncomfortable pregnancy much less enjoyable. While staying hydrated, eating fiber-rich foods, and exercising are helpful lifestyle habits to aid your digestive system, some expectant parents may still need an alternative remedy. Colace is a tried-and-true over-the-counter stool softener that is generally considered safe during pregnancy because its active ingredient, docusate sodium, is minimally absorbed into the body. Remember to ask your provider to give the green light before use.

Heartburn Tea

If indigestion makes you miserable, sip on Earth Mama’s Organic Heartburn Tea. A soothing herbal blend of marshmallow root, lemon balm, chamomile, spearmint, and astringent raspberry leaf work together to calm stomach acid and help relieve digestive troubles that can pop up after meals. (Plus, it’s a great reason to sit at an inclined position and take a needed break.) While this tactic might not be 100% effective for all people, it’s a safe way to try and treat heartburn symptoms before reaching for the antacids, as these medications can interfere with the absorption of essential minerals and prenatal supplements, including folic acid and iron.

Sleep Machine

Despite being exhausted from growing a human all day, many parents-to-be struggle to get a good night’s sleep, thanks to increased hormones, a growing belly, aches, pains, and racing thoughts. The use of melatonin and sleep aids should be thoroughly discussed beforehand with your health care provider to ensure the safety of your developing baby; in the meantime, you might also find relief in the Hatch Restore, a multi-use sleep machine explicitly made for adults. This device lets you create a personalized sleep routine with different sound and color combinations to help you relax, fall asleep faster, sleep more soundly, and wake up refreshed. It can also be used as a soft-glow reading lamp (free of blue lighting to prevent eye strain) and a natural alarm clock that gently wakes you from sleep and helps support cortisol levels.

Compression Socks

Pregnancy swelling, also called edema, is common in the legs, ankles, and feet and tends to be more prevalent during the third trimester. While typically normal, edema can feel tight and uncomfortable, making it more challenging to go about your day. Quell the swell with these cute compression socks by Wellow that gently wrap around your legs, ankles, and feet to support and stimulate circulation. Wellow socks are also very soft, durable, and moisture-wicking, making them perfect for lounging while alleviating pregnancy swelling.

Panty Liners

Pregnant people can experience increased vaginal discharge, which helps protect against infection traveling to the womb. To combat excess moisture, enlist the help of Attn: Grace panty liners. A discreet, anti-leak design keeps you feeling drier without added bulk, and expectant parents will also appreciate that their products are plant-based, breathable, and free of harsh chemicals.

Pant Extender

Solving the problem of what to wear when your belly becomes more noticeable is easier with Ingrid+Isabel’s Bellaband. Crafted with seamless stretch fabric, this belly band securely fits around the top of your unbuttoned pants, so you can continue reaching for your pre-pregnancy favorites instead of buying new ones. The Bellaband is also great for transitioning back into clothing postpartum, keeping you covered, supported, and comfortable.