Pregnancy may only last for nine months, but it is a tough period in any woman’s life. Your body changes to accommodate a tiny baby and some of those changes can be challenging. And it’s not just the physical changes you have to look forward to! Thanks to hormones, your emotions will be all over the place and you may end up crying for no good reason.
One way to mitigate some of the effects of pregnancy is to make sure you are prepared and have everything you need. Read on for a list of essential items every pregnant woman needs.
Pregnancy Multivitamins
Pregnancy exacts a huge toll on your body, so it’s important to maximise your nutritional intake. In an ideal world, we’d all have a personal chef cooking healthy meals, but chances are you are feeling too sick to cook or are just too tired.
To ensure your vitamin levels remain optimal and you don’t end up depleted, start taking a pregnancy supplement immediately. In fact, if you are really organised, pick up some pre-conception supplements before you start trying for a baby! This online chemist has a good selection.
Comfy Clothes
Invest in some seriously comfortable clothes to lounge around in at home. Sure, you will need smart office wear but at home, stretchy pants and loose-fitting oversized tee shirts are the way forward. This is the only time in your life when it doesn’t matter how big your waistline is, so make the most of it.
A Pregnancy Body Pillow
Sleep is difficult in the latter stages of pregnancy and a supportive body pillow can make a real difference. Look for a pregnancy body pillow that supports your baby bump and keeps you comfortable when sleeping on your side. The best body pillows hold their shape.
Stretch Mark Lotion
Not all women get stretch marks – there is a genetic component involved – and you might be comfortable about the idea of earning your tiger stripes, but if you’d prefer to lessen your chances of developing stretch marks, invest in some soothing lotion to keep your skin moist and flexible. Natural products work just as well as expensive lotions. Coconut oil and cocoa butter smell divine and can be used to massage into your bump. Let your partner do this for you – it’s a nice way for him to bond with your baby bump.
Ginger Tea
Nausea is usually a problem in the first trimester, but some unfortunate women experience morning sickness morning, noon, and night, for nine long months. Ginger is a natural remedy for nausea and sipping ginger tea can be helpful if your tummy is churning. Keep a box of ginger tea bags handy, just in case.
Ginger is safe during pregnancy, but women with a history of miscarriage should avoid it.
A Shoulder to Cry On
Finally, whether you are going it alone or you have a supportive partner holding your hand, you will need a shoulder to cry on, someone to share your worries and help keep your spirits high on difficult days. Whether it’s a close friend or your partner, let them be your support system before and after the birth.
