1st Trimester Must-Haves {and Splurges}
Having gone through pregnancy once before and going through it now, there are lots of products that I feel are must-haves, not only for the 1st trimester, but throughout the entire pregnancy. While there are many must-haves that are common sense, here are a handful of products and brands that I absolutely love. Some are splurges and some are basics. Read on…
1. Knocked Up Fitness DVD (Splurge)
It’s important to maintain your health when you’re pregnant. A lot of women think it’s a time to eat like crazy and let themselves go, but I disagree. I love using my Knocked Up Fitness DVD in the comfort of my own home. Did you know that exercise can help alleviate fatigue?
Visit http://knocked-upfitness.com/ to shop!
2. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Tummy Butter (Basics)
I’ve actually listed quite a few Palmer’s Cocoa Butter products in this article because I believe they are all worth purchasing. They’re products are designs to keep the skin around the tummy moist to diminish the look of stretch marks. This Tummy Butters is a more concentrated formula than the lotion (listed below) and is loaded with Vitamin E, Collagin and Elastin. This formula even contains soothing Lavender oil for an ultra soothing effect.
3. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks (Basics)
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks with a special blend of pure Cocoa Butter, Vitamin E, Shea Butter and Bio C-Elaste™. Bio C-Elaste™ is a powerful combination of Collagen, Elastin, Centella Asiatica, Sweet Almond Oil and Argan Oil. This non-greasy, all over body lotion helps improve elasticity and suppleness of stretching skin during and after pregnancy. I begin using this lotion from the moment I find out I’m pregnant and continue to use it throughout my pregnancy. Also recommended for stretch marks associated with weight fluctuations. With regular use, skin elasticity improved in 97% of the test subjects.
Visit www.palmers.com to view everything they have to offer.
4. Three Lollies Preggie Pops (Basics)
Battling nausea? Give these Preggie Pops a try. These lolly pops are all natural, drug free and are even recommended by healthcare professionals. My favorite variety pack is the sour fruit. You can purchase a pack of 7 for $3.95 at www.threelollies.com.
5. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil (Basics)
This soothing skin oil is a savior to tired skin. The oil penetrates deeply into dry skin and stays on for hours. Plus, it has an awesome scent.
6. Pink Blush Maternity Comfy Pants (Splurge)
The reason I have these pants listed as a “Splurge” is because typically in the 1st trimester, you don’t need to wear maternity clothes. However, in my case, I’m just more comfortable in comfy clothes but I don’t want to sacrifice my style. These white linen maternity pants from Pink Blush work great for before, during and after pregnancy. You might even find that they will become a staple for your maternity wardrobe because they are so cute and comfy. You can find these pants at www.pinkblushmaternity.com for $34.95.
7. Pink Blush Maternity Chevron Print Dress (Splurge)
As I mentioned above, you probably won’t be needed maternity clothes in your 1st trimester so I have this dress listed as a “splurge.” I’m absolutely loving this dress with a belt and leggings or as a swimsuit cover up. It’s super lightweight, dries easily if it gets wet and is on trend. You can order this dress for around $22 at PinkBlushMaternity.com.
8. Three Lollies Preggie Naturals Chews (Basics)
Three Lollies products are must-haves to fight nausea. These all natural chews taste just like candy and are drug free. Order the variety pack to try all of the flavors or order a box of your favorite flavor for $3.95. You can find the Three Lollies products on their website (listed above), your local Babies R Us stores and even Amazon.
9. Boppy Custom Fit Total Body Pregnancy Pillow (Splurge)
So many women (including me) struggle with getting comfortable in the bed without the help of lots of pillows. While it’s probably more cost-effective to pile up the pillows from around the house around your back and belly, this Boppy Pregnancy Pillow is a great alternative. The new design allows moms to customize the shape of their body pillow to suit their needs. For the first trimester, I like to just use one of the pieces between my legs because I hate when my knees touch when laying on my side. It is recommended that pregnant mother’s sleep on the left side so I’m really trying to get back into that habit.
You can purchase this pillow for $55 at www.boppy.com.
The newly-designed Boppy® Custom Fit Total Body Pillow is a pregnancy pillow that was developed with a physical therapist to provide customized support throughout your pregnancy. The flexible, three-piece design means you can use the combination that works best for you. Choose from: Head/Neck Support, Belly/Back Support, and Hip/Leg/Ankle Support. Extended length design provides support all the way down to your ankles, alleviating strain on hips. Machine washable for easy care.
10. Palmer’s Botanicals Cocoa Butter Lotion for Stretch Marks (Basics)
Palmer’s Botanicals Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks helps improve the appearance of stretch marks, naturally. A special combination of Cocoa Butter, Aloe, Shea Butter, Vitamin E, Soybean Oil, Collagen, and Elastin lubricates the skin, helping retain its natural elasticity and moisture. A lot of moms prefer to only use natural products during pregnancy and I feel that this is a great choice for a body lotion.
11. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Cream for Stretch Marks (Basics)
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Cream helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks with a special blend of pure Cocoa Butter, Vitamin E, Shea Butter and Bio C-Elaste. Bio C-Elaste is a powerful combination of Collagen, Elastin, Centella Asiatica, Sweet Almond Oil and Argan Oil. This rich, cream concentrate helps improve elasticity and suppleness of stretching skin during and after pregnancy. Ideal for stretch mark prone areas such as tummy, hips, thighs and bust. Also recommended for stretch marks associated with weight fluctuations. If you prefer a thicker formula, this massage cream would be a good choice. It goes on nice and thick and penetrates dry, stretching skin.
12. Three Lollies Preggie Drops (Basics)
Like the Preggie Pops, the Preggie Drops are candies that are designed to battle nausea during pregnancy. My favorite flavors are the sour fruits. I keep these in my purse or diaper bag to easy on-the-go relief.
Visit www.ThreeLollies.com to shop the many flavors.
13. Boppy Tummy Band with Cooling Pack (Splurge)
The Boppy® Back Therapy Band with THERA°PEARL Technology® provides comfortable support for the lower back and belly. One extra-large THERA°PEARL® pack is included to provide hot or cold therapy for the lower back. The THERA°PEARL pack can be chilled for soothing relief and warmed to relax stiff back muscles. The reason I have this product listed as a splurge is because you most likely won’t need it on the 1st trimester, but it’s a great product to keep on hang for when you need it. You can purchase this in a couple of different sizes for $25 at Boppy.com.
14. RejuvaHealth Slimming Support Compression Leggings (Splurge)
Compression leg wear is often recommended to pregnant women to prevent blood clots. If you’re looking for affordable compression leg wear that’s chic and stylish, you have to check out all that RejuvaHealth has to offer. I’m loving my Slimming Support Compression leggings under tunics and dresses or even with tee around the house. I ordered a size up than I normally wear to ensure a great fit. Not only do the RejuvaHealth leggings have health benefits, they also act like “Spanx” under clothes to create a slimming look. You can find these leggings for $59.99 at www.RejuvaHealth.com.
15. Shiatsu Foot Massager (Splurge)
If you battle with foot pain during pregnancy, you’ve got to check out this amazing foot massager. Check out my full review here: UComfy Shiatsu Foot Massager with Heat. You can find this product at Bed Bath and Beyond for around $150.
