10 Must-Have Pregnancy Items

06/10/2015

If this is your first pregnancy, you’re probably wondering what to expect over the next 9 months. Whilst it’s easy to get sucked into the romantic vision of perfectly glowing skin, limitless energy, and endless happiness, the reality might be quite different. If you’re well prepared, you’ll be able to see past the morning sickness, hormones and anxiety – here are 10 must-have items to help you along the way:

Support Belt

As your pregnancy progresses, the weight of your bump will place an incredible amount of strain on your lower back and abdominal muscles. Invest in a support belt to provide your body with the relief it needs, and help you continue with your day-to-day activities until your new baby arrives.

Pregnancy Pillow

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential as you get closer to the birth. Pregnancy is physically demanding, and your body needs the downtime to recover. Despite this, staying asleep with a large bump can be challenging – it’s hard to get comfortable, and you need to avoid sleeping on your back or tummy. A pregnancy pillow can help with this, supporting your body’s new shape to keep you safe and cosy. Take a look at this article from Parent.Guide for more information.

Supplements

When you’re pregnant, your health is more important than ever. Your body’s demands will change significantly throughout the nine months, which makes it difficult for you to get all of the essential nutrients from your diet. It’s a good idea to introduce supplements to ensure you get everything your body needs, including:

• Vitamin D,
• Folic Acid,
• Iron,
• Calcium

Maternity Leggings

It’s a good idea to keep dressing well throughout your pregnancy. This will help you psychologically, as many women begin feel unattractive as their body changes. However, there will days when you just want to be comfortable – and maternity leggings are a must! Make sure you have a few pairs ready. If you’re going to be pregnant during the warm summer months, maxi dresses are an excellent, cooler alternative.

Bio Oil

Bio Oil is a skincare product designed especially to reduce scarring, stretch marks and uneven skin-tone. Many women swear by this product to prevent stretch marks, applying it to their bump throughout the pregnancy. If this is something you’re worried about, make sure you start using it early in your pregnancy for maximum benefit.

Dental Floss

Your body will experience many hormonal changes as you prepare for the birth of your new baby, which can impact your oral health. It’s important to take good care of your teeth and gums throughout your pregnancy, so make sure you invest in some dental floss – and book in regular check ups with your dentist.

Water

Good hydration is essential, even when you’re not pregnant. However, when you’re expecting, your body requires significantly more water to cope with the increased demands. Dehydration can worsen the symptoms of morning sickness, and has even been linked to premature labour – make sure you always have a bottle of water handy!

Supportive Shoes

It’s easy to forget about your feet as you rush around preparing for the birth of your new baby. Don’t make this mistake! As your baby grows, and your weight increases, your feet will be placed under an increasing amount of pressure. Invest in some comfortable, supportive shoes early in your pregnancy to minimize the discomfort.

Scrap Book

When you first find out you’re pregnant, make sure you invest in a scrapbook to document any important, or sentimental, moments – from the start of your pregnancy and beyond! This will create a beautiful keepsake to look back on, and to share with your child as they grow.

Safe Beauty Products

Take some time out to pamper yourself as your pregnancy progresses, to keep you looking and, more importantly, feeling your best! Just make sure any beauty products you buy are safe to use first.