Hello from 26 weeks + 6 days! I can not believe that in one week I will be entering my third trimester. It’s funny because when I follow celebrity pregnancies, they feel like they last eternity (do you know how agonizing the wait to see Kylie Jenner’s baby was?) but I swear my own pregnancy has flown by. The first trimester I felt pretty nauseous and sick, but around 15 weeks I started to feel more like myself. Unfortunately my anemia has worsened with pregnancy and has me very tired and a bit “out of it.” I am getting transfusions within the next few weeks so hoping they help as much as people say they do. Otherwise I’m healthy, he’s healthy, and that’s all that matters!
So I thought I’d share a couple of pregnancy products I’ve loved so far. There are so many options on the market and I really think less is more, but I’ve found that these lotions, apps, books, and vitamins have helped me get through both trimesters. Plus they’ve all been used and tested on most of my girlfriends! (Side note: none of this stuff was given to me for free or sponsored… just sharing what I love).
Burt’s Bees Belly Mama Bee Belly Butter and Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Nourishing Body Oil: I know stretch marks are something that if you’re going to get, you’re going to get, and outside of drinking more water, they’re mostly hereditary. But that doesn’t mean I won’t try to keep them away. I’ve been lucky enough to not get any (that can change, I know!) and I’m unsure if it’s because of these products, but I love the way they make my skin feel. They help relieve itchy bellies, are great for sensitive skin, and feel very soothing. They also don’t come off on your clothing and keep my skin looking bright and moisturized.
Dry Skin Body Brush: I was body brushing before I got pregnant but I’ve enjoyed it even more now, especially after a long day of being on my feet. There are also some great benefits to it and it helps my dry skin, especially since pregnancy has made it go a little crazy. I especially love to use the Burt’s Bees Body Oil right after!
Angqi Pregnancy pillow: Heidy had bought me this when I first got pregnant and all I can say is it was one of the best gifts I’ve received during my pregnancy. Although I’m not that big yet, it keeps you comfortable and cozy all night. Because my stomach isn’t rounded out yet, I find myself laying on my stomach in the middle of the night without realizing it and waking up very uncomfortable, so this helps prevent that. I also plan to use it well after my pregnancy – my husband has also slept using it a few times!
Garden of Life Organic Prenatal and Garden of Life Prenatal DHA: Prenatal vitamins are so important when you’re pregnant. I started taking a prenatal a couple of months before I got pregnant and turned to my best friend Christina (who researches everything so I don’t have to 🙂 ) when picking one out. I have a very sensitive stomach and luckily this hasn’t been harsh on it at all. I added in a DHA vitamin at the beginning of my second trimester after my morning sickness let up. This one doesn’t have a fishy taste or leave any gross after-taste in your mouth.
Glow Nurture app: There are so many apps out there for your pregnancy, but many of my girlfriends suggested downloading the Glow Nurture app and I’ve loved it! I actually downloaded it the first time I got pregnant and found a lot of helpful resources and forums when I miscarried. There’s a great support group of women on there and you can join groups that relate to your pregnancy (i.e. when you’re due, what trimester you’re in, where you’re located, etc.) They also have apps to help track breastfeeding and take you well-past after your baby is born.
The Bump app: I use the Nurture app more than this one, but the Bump has great articles as you continue on in your pregnancy. Also every week I look forward to seeing what fruit size he is, and the descriptions of how far along he’s advanced!
Bringing Up Bebe: This book was written by a mother who compares the techniques of raising children in the US vs France, and the “secrets behind France’s amazingly well-behaved children.” I know I’m not a mother yet and am admittedly naive to raising children, but the book approaches parenting in a way I’d ideally like to adapt. I also love the humorous, laid back tone of the book. I also am reading The Happiest Baby on The Block which tackles something all of us new parents are fearful of – sleep. I recommend reading it earlier in your pregnancy – my husband is really enjoying it too!
And if you’re a mom, new mom, or expecting, please let me know what products, apps, books, or vitamins you’re loving! I’m always looking for suggestions.
x Jill
