25 Pregnancy Must-Haves for Moms-to-Be
Expecting a baby? Here's what you need for the next nine months.
Boppy Pregnancy and Body Pillow
The cruel irony of pregnancy is that even before your bundle of sleep deprivation arrives, catching those precious Zs gets tricky. Eliminate one major issue—finding a comfortable position—by making friends with a pregnancy pillow. Your baby bump, pelvis, lower back, hips and knees will welcome the support. Plus, this double-duty design can be reconfigured for breastfeeding and postpartum recovery.
Warby Parker Eyeglasses
A lesser-touted side effect of pregnancy, vision issues sometimes crop up among the expectant crowd. Physical and hormonal shifts can lead to dry eyes, and fluid retention can alter the shape of the cornea, making for blurry vision. Using bump-safe eye drops or switching from contact lenses to glasses can help solve your moisture woes. But if your prescription changes significantly (which is pretty rare), a new pair of spectacles might be in order.
Earth Mama Organics Heartburn Relief Tea
A relaxed esophageal sphincter (blame it on the hormones!) means stomach acid can sneak back up into your esophagus and result in the uncomfortable burning sensation known as heartburn. Consuming small meals; avoiding spicy, greasy foods and caffeinated beverages; and remaining upright for a while after eating can thwart the scorch. But when proactive measures fall short, this minty, soothing organic tea can cool things down.
Simply Gum Chewing Gum
Ginger is a go-to remedy for nausea relief, so find a form that appeals to you—fresh ginger, ginger ale, ginger gum, ginger candies, the list goes on—and fend off the morning sickness that plagues you during the first trimester … and sometimes second trimester and third … ugh.
Old Navy Maternity Basics Set
A combo of what you already own can stay in rotation for your growing belly—open-front cardigans, maxi dresses, roomy tunics. But you’re going to need some solid foundation pieces to make them work. This starter kit of maternity clothes has you covered with an extra-long tank, leggings, a short-sleeved dress and basic tee, all made with cotton jersey and a pinch of spandex for a soft, stretchy fit.
Bodily Nursing and Pumping Bra
Your breasts start changing long before your milk comes in—in fact, many women go up one or two (or more!) cup and band sizes over the course of pregnancy. Support the girls with a stretchy bra, and consider switching to a nursing/pumping style while you’re at it. (You’ll need it as a new mom anyway.)
Madewell Maternity Jeans
Good jeans are almost as important as good genes. (Hey, we said almost!) The elastic over-the-belly panel on this flattering pair mean these pull-on pants expand right along with you. They’re cut low in front to leave room for your baby bump and high in the back to cover your rump (which will look A+ in this no-sag denim).
JJwinks Maxi Nightgown
Move over, decade-old sweats and oversized T-shirt. This modern-day housedress is roomy enough to accommodate your third-trimester curves, cozy enough to nap in and completely nursing-friendly for when you need easy access postpartum. Oh, and it comes with a built-in bra—enough said.
Belly Bandit Support Band
A belly band keeps your britches up when they’re too tight to button, provides extra coverage when your shirt is suddenly a little too short and supports your tummy as it gets bigger (and bigger). Our favorite thing about this one: Its innovative WonderWeave material locks in moisture, so your belly butter gets absorbed by your bump instead of your blouse.
Teeccino Coffee Alternative
If you’re eschewing caffeine and missing your morning ritual of hitting the brew button, try this ground herbal coffee that’s better than decaf and better for your health. It packs prebiotics that support your microbiome and help restore gut health while providing a natural boost of energy that won’t interfere with sleep. Trust us: It will become your go-to cup of (No) you’ll appreciate all of pregnancy.
Color Wow Root Cover Up
There’s little research to prove hair-dyeing is either safe or harmful during pregnancy, so what’s a mom-to-be to do? Options include using natural dyes, asking your stylist to use a technique where the color doesn’t touch the scalp, or opting out entirely just in case. (Of course, getting your doc’s opinion should be step No. 1.) If you’re mostly OK with going au naturel but want to hide those grays for an important meeting or big event, temporary powder coverage can get to the root of the problem.
JINsoon Fab Nail Polish
Wary of the chemicals wafting around the nail salon? The odor alone is enough to make any morning-sick mama run for the nearest trash bin. Skip the professional mani-pedi, and do it yourself instead (or recruit a friend or partner if you can no longer reach your toes). Just be sure to choose at least a 5-free polish, which means there’s no formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, toluene, camphor or formaldehyde resin to fret over.
Mustela Stretch Mark Oil
Genetics play a big role in whether you’ll be subject to stretch marks, but just because your mom got them doesn’t mean all hope is lost. Minimize the damage with slow, steady weight gain and a moisturizing cream, shea butter or oil (which will help with itchiness, too). Spoiler alert: Those pinkish streaks can take up residence on your breasts, buttocks and thighs as well, so don’t limit the lotion or potion to just your bump.
Tweezerman Tweezers
If this is your first pregnancy, you might be thrilled when your new hormones result in a fuller mane, but when those same hormones lead to stray hairs cropping up in unfortunate places (like chins and nipples)? No thanks. They may be awkward, but they’re not the end of the world. Find them, pluck them, and move on.
Belli Skincare Facial Wash
With hormones raging and go-to fixes like salicylic acid off-limits, keeping acne-prone skin under control is no easy task. But before you pull a paper bag over your head, give this gentle treatment a go. This pregnancy-safe skin care product relies on lactic acid, lemon peel oil, green tea extract and cucumber to calm breakouts and get you ready to face the day.
OLLY Prenatal Vitamins
From folic acid and DHA to a slew of essential vitamins and minerals, a prenatal multivitamin is the best way to ensure your growing baby isn’t missing out on any critical nutrition. If swallowing a pill triggers your gag reflex, try these chewable gummies, which come in citrusy and raspberry flavors.
Bumpin Blends Smoothie Pods
Eating often is a must when you’re a pregnant mama, but there isn’t always time or space to prepare a healthy spread. Luckily, these nutrient-packed pods are just the ticket. They are preblended and portioned to make a 16-oz. smoothie, and carefully crafted to target a slew of concerns like brain health, swelling and bloating and milk supply.
Hydro Flask Water Bottle
Your bladder may disagree, but staying hydrated is key during your pregnancy. It can prevent constipation, minimize swelling and even help with fatigue. So drink up, mamas! This colorful water bottle keeps beverages cold for up to 24 hours (or hot for 12).
FOREO Electric Toothbrush
Pregnant women are prone to gingivitis (inflammation of the gums that can cause soreness or bleeding), so taking care of that gleaming smile is ultra important. Keep up with dental checkups every six months and be particularly diligent about your brushing and flossing regimen in between. Handy tip: If minty toothpaste suddenly makes you want to hurl, try switching to baking soda for a while instead.
Comrad Compression Socks
With slowed circulation, it’s no surprise your feet are more likely to swell up like balloons. Prevent the puff by neither sitting nor standing for long periods of time, propping up your feet when you can, and sporting compression socks or stockings, which can also deter varicose veins.
Kizik Sneakers
You have to see (or feel) to believe how easy it is to slip into these non-slip on sneakers. Kizik designed a hands-free shoe-wearing experience that’s ideal for expectant moms unable to see their feet—much less lace them up. With no tying, pulling, heel crushing or hands required, these cute and comfy staples will walk with you through your nine-month journey into motherhood.
Tummytape Pregnancy Tape
Pregnant bellies are beautiful, but not always comfortable. As you stretch and grow (and grow and stretch), enlist the help of tummytape, maternity tape designed to naturally and safely relieve back discomfort, swollen feet, sciatica and other pregnancy related aches and pains. Bonus: It can also be used post-pregnancy for back and abdominal support during recovery.
Habit SPF Mist
While SPF is important no matter that status of having a bun in the oven, pregnant women are particularly prone to sensitivity and should take extra precautions to keep their skin out of harms rays. A make-up friendly misting SPF is an easy way to reapply throughout the day to ward off melasma, burning, heat rash and other skin issues.
TOZO Wireless Earbuds
If spending a half-hour on the elliptical sounds even more lackluster than watching grass grow, liven things up with something enticing to listen to. Whether you work it out to your favorite jams or pass the time with an inspiring podcast, a distraction from the din of the gym might make all the difference. (Need a podcast rec? Try The Birth Hour. Each episode invites a mom to share her birth story and makes great company on a stroll through the neighborhood.)
A Pea in the Pod Maternity Swimsuit
When you’re in the process of putting on 25 to 35 pounds (the recommended weight gain for women with a normal BMI), feeling weightless has never seemed more appealing. So drop the maternity leggings, shimmy into a suit, and take a dip. Back pain and pressure on your joints will be alleviated, and swimming laps serves as excellent cardio.
