10 Things You Need When You're Pregnant
Presents that expectant mothers get during baby showers are usually for the baby, and if not, probably a few of the best maternity clothes options — like stretchy jeans and wraparound dresses. But what do they actually need? Here are 10 things that are essential for women waiting to give birth.
Prenatal Vitamins
For a healthy pregnancy, experts recommend adding the best prenatal vitamins to the mother’s diet as soon as possible. You can even add at least 400 micrograms of folic acid to their diet when they’re still trying to conceive.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you simply add these vitamins to the mother’s diet. They also need to eat healthier and hydrate more.
Pregnancy Journal
A pregnancy journal is an easy way to keep track of how your pregnancy is going — and it also makes for a great gift to give your child when they’re older. Plus, if you choose one that provides information about the pregnancy process, you’ll also learn more about what’s happening inside your body.
Safe Beauty, Cleaning, and Personal Care Products
Before mothers obsess about the cleanliness, health, and safety of their children, they should have the same obsession when they’re pregnant. After all, what they’re exposed to can affect the babies they’re carrying.
Mothers should also be encouraged to prioritize self-care. Products they can use to pamper themselves are excellent presents to give them — during their baby shower or just as a surprise. Pregnancy is hard to get through, and anything that keeps them emotionally and mentally healthy can really help.
Maternity Clothes and Shoes
You can’t get through your pregnancy wearing only large shirts and stretchy yoga pants. You’ll need the best maternity clothes and very supportive shoes. If you’re worried that replacing your wardrobe with clothes that fit you only when you’re pregnant will be expensive, consider what most mothers do. Those maternity clothes will probably still serve you well during the first few months after you give birth — and beyond.
Itch Lotion or Belly Butter
As your baby bump increases in size, it will likely start to itch. Don’t worry about stretch marks — they’re natural — but do worry about the itchiness! It can be very annoying. The feeling can keep you up at night and make anything you wear uncomfortable. These days, you can find lotions or butters that deal with both at once.
Tummy Shield
Did you know that your bladder and uterus are more easily injured after 12 weeks of gestation? A tummy shield is one of the essentials on this list that new mothers really shouldn’t do without, especially if you’re going to be riding a car. An estimated 3,000 pregnancies are lost each year in the U.S. from car crashes. They are the leading cause of death for pregnant women and also the leading cause of traumatic fetal injury in the country.
Pregnancy Pillows
Body pillow, bed pillow, lumbar pillow — they’re all pregnancy pillows to expectant mothers. While there are specific designs that are called pregnancy pillows, you should use what works for you to get into a comfortable sleeping position as your belly size increases.
You can also get pillows for resting on the couch or sitting at your work desk. Comfort should always be a priority, even when you’re not sleeping.
Pregnancy Photoshoot
This is especially true for expectant mothers that don’t want another child after their first. You will probably want to remember this period in your life, so set up a pregnancy photoshoot — you should wait until you’re at around seven or eight months pregnant to show off your belly.
If you’re shy or don’t want to spend on a photoshoot, you can ask your partner or a relative to take pictures of you at home.
Belly Wrap
After you give birth, you may have a belly that looks misshapen. That’s okay! It’s normal and your body may slowly reshape itself over time, especially if you exercise. However, you may need more than your maternity clothes to hide your belly if you’re insecure about it.
To wear some of your regular clothes after giving birth, you can look into belly binding or simply use a belly wrap.
Postpartum Care
Postpartum care — for both your physical and mental health — is essential. You can stock up on breastfeeding care products and other postpartum personal care products — such as bath bombs and lotions — while you’re still pregnant. Make sure that you go to a therapist if you’re feeling any depression at all.
Resources— Safe Ride 4 Kids, The Lactation Network
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