When you’re pregnant, especially for the first time, it's easy to splurge on a lot of unnecessary items that promise benefits they can’t deliver. What should you really spend on? Here’s a short list of things that really make a difference.
Exercise ball
A large, rubber exercise ball is great for staying active at home. It helps with back pain and Braxton-Hicks contractions. You can continue to use it after baby is born; bounce on it while rocking him to sleep or rubbing his back.
Pregnancy pillow
At some point, sleeping will become more uncomfortable. Here’s where this specially designed pillow is a real life-saver. You can position it under your belly, legs, or head. You’ll even be able to sleep on your side again! After baby is born, you can use your pregnancy pillow while nursing or bottle feeding to bear some of his weight — and yours — comfortably.
Nursing bra
Besides your breasts, your chest and rib cage also grow larger during pregnancy as your baby bump pushes internal organs higher above the uterus. Around week 12, underwire bras can get pretty uncomfortable. And about halfway through your pregnancy, you may already begin lactating, leading to some wardrobe mishaps. You can buy a regular sports bra, but a better choice is a nursing bra, which is a great item to have after baby is born anyway. Nursing bras have wide straps and support without an underwire, as well as deep cups. They’re more comfortable, supportive, and look better than a sports bra.
Bandage wrap
In the later stages of pregnancy, a bandage wrap can be a handy and versatile item. You can use it to relieve tension in your back and hips, as well as to support joints to help with walking. Be sure to consult your doctor before using it.
Stretch-waist pants
Some expectant mamas figure they can get away with wearing their regular pants and just leave them unbuttoned. No way! Elastic waist all the way! We can’t emphasize enough how glad you’ll be to live in stretch-waist pants. No button or zipper digging into your belly? All-day comfort? Yes, please.
Shoe insoles
The quick weight gain that happens in pregnancy is not the same as the gradual weight gain. Your musculoskeletal system is suddenly bearing a lot of extra weight without a chance to catch up. Walking is impacted by this, and you’ll likely feel it’s harder to move around. Your regular shoes will start to feel tight and uncomfortable, and who needs to deal with that all day? Custom orthopedic insoles are a game changer. They relieve tension in your legs and lower back by properly supporting your arches. They also help prevent edema and varicose veins. Keep your feet comfy, and feel your mood brighten!
