LJ’s due in one week. Full-term baby! No seriously…this is a full term baby.
This pregnancy has FLOWN by. It might be due to the busy-ness of life or just the fact that two littles are demanding my attention or it could just be pregnancy brain…but I just realized that any day now we could have another Bower boy in the house. I mean…I remember that I am pregnant (most of the time) and I know that usually means a baby will join us but it’s so easy to forget how fast the time goes by.
Speaking of time, there isn’t a whole lot left in this pregnancy so I figure I better share what are some of the things that have gotten me through the last nine months. Granted, each pregnancy has been different for me and I am learning that some things work for #1 that didn’t work for #2 and then #3 is completely different too (different symptoms mean different solutions) but a lot of these items have been tried and true through all three so I feel comfortable saying that this is my MUST-HAVE list.
- Embellished Tunic Tanks – it doesn’t matter if I am pregnant during the summer or winter, I need some super long embellished tanks. I like ones that look like tunics (aka cover the back end) because they go well with leggings and jeans. I love the fact that I can layer them with a cardigan or wear them alone. And the extra-long is absolutely necessary because let’s face it, my underbelly isn’t the most attractive part of my body.
- Gummy Prenatal Vitamins – These gummies are one of the few vitamins that I have ever remembered to take. These are the ONLY vitamins that I have actually enjoyed. I guess I am just a kid at heart. I need sugar coating. I still have to take an iron supplement but in general, these vitamins are my go to for a healthier pregnancy.
- Bra Extenders – Every part of my body expands when I am pregnant…rib cage included. These bra extenders allow me to wear my normal bras without feeling pinched. Plus, they are way more affordable than buying new stuff from Victorias 🙂
- Tums Smoothies – I have had heartburn to varying degrees with all three of my pregnancies and these Smoothies are my saving grace. I don’t mind the taste (can’t stand regular Tums after these) and have containers of them stashed everywhere!
- Fruit of the Loom Cotton Stretch Panties – Maternity underwear is like the best thing ever. Think rainbow pot of gold in the fountain of youth. These are not maternity underwear but should be. That’s how good they are. The waistband is EXACTLY what every pregnant girl needs….COMFORT.
- Fuzzy Throw – Some folks use a pregnancy pillow, some use a whole collection of different pillows…I use a king size fuzzy throw. This blanket can be gathered up for support under the belly, behind the back, warm up chilly toes or all three.
- Target Maternity Jeggings – I have bought a lot of leggings during the last four years…and these jean-lookalike-leggings are amazing. They have enough substance to them to be worn just like jeans but are super stretchy just like leggings. I feel like this is one pair of pants that don’t really fall into either category (my leggings-are-not-pants rule does not apply here…they even have back pockets!).
- Spanx Assests – Ever feel like your bump is sharing the spotlight with other bulges? (nods head emphatically). Well, these super tight shorts are great for smoothing it all out and putting the emphasis back on that beautiful baby. I wear them all the time to church to feel secure and seamless under dresses.
- Organic Lip Balm – I constantly reach for lip balm when I am pregnant. And when I’m not. This little ball reminds me of a belly and makes me happy 🙂
- Juice Freezer Pops – Your glow will only be magnified when you are properly hydrated. I drink tons of water but sometimes I need a little sweet something. Juice pops are my favorite go-to snack when I really wanna pig out like a kid in Willy Wonka’s candy garden.
What’s on your pregnancy must-have list? Anything you absolutely can’t live without? Pickle flavored ice cream?
p.s. I blogged about my post pregnancy must-have list and my #2 baby gear wishlist already!
I totally concur on the Tums Smoothies! So much better than the other ones. I also couldn’t live without my sleep bras and pineapple for my morning sickness. Although with my second pregnancy, nothing helped with the morning sickness. But with the first one, the pineapple helped me so much.
I’ll have to check out those vitamins the next time I’m pregnant. That kinda sounds like I’m making a coffee date at Starbucks. Anyways, I HATE prenatal vitamins. I ended up just eating 2 Flintstones vitamins a day with both of my pregnancies because I could.not.handle.it. But the gummies I might actually be able to do. And I’m with ya on the Tums. I think I kept Tums in business during my first pregnancy. I had heartburn 24/7. And guess what? She had NO hair. Go figure. Good luck in the coming days! I remember the last week, such anticipation!
Yes yes yes! I’m only on my first pregnancy right now, but I’ll add a water bottle to your list, since I am thirsty all. the. time.
Also, a really good lotion for putting on before bed– that’s been helping with my itchy, stretching skin.
That spanx picture through me off at first, thought you were going for the Kim k butt while sporting the baby bump just even things out a bit 🙂 lol glad I got that cleared when I read what it was
McDonalds hot fudge sundae was a must-have in my book.
I didn’t buy much maternity stuff, but my go-to shirts were maternity V necks from Target that didn’t have the little scrunchy elastic on the side, so I still wear them post-pregnancy.
I’m so glad you mentioned the gummy prenatals! I just discovered the exact same ones and this is the first time I have consistently taken a vitamin (I am also on my third pregnancy). I’m feeling a little less guilty about the other two knowing I’m not the only nut that constantly forgets/just doesn’t feel like taking one!
I have to admit I stared at the Spanx picture entirely too long because I thought the belly was actually the derriere! lol I was like, “wow, talk about junk in the trunk and how in the world does she stick it out like that”. Then it dawned on me. I felt like an idiot, but I thought you would enjoy the laugh.
Enjoy these last few days and prayers your way for healthy baby and smooth delivery.
Bigger bras. That is the best thing I’ve done for myself during this (my first!) pregnancy. Not only did my ribcage expand, but my cup size increased significantly. Also must have lots and lots of food. I’m hungry all.the.time.
You are not alone! I actually had to stare at the spanx for a few minutes before it dawned on me that that was the belly!
The vitamins are delicious, however I noticed when I was taking them that they don’t contain Iron and since I don’t eat meat that’s important. It also contains fish (tuna) which you’re suppose to refrain from eating so I switched brands.
^^^Exactly what I thought!
Katie,
This offtopic , but do you have a post about you weaned Will from his pacifier? My 16mnth old only gets it during nap or night time ,but offlate i noticed he was asking for it even in during time.The last week we have decided to call it quits. He is actually been doing extremely well without it except sometimes like last night when he was whining away and was not able to fall asleep. Add to it , that dang molar teething. I felt so bad for taking that comfort away from him , but in my mind I know am doing the right thing. My hub things I am crazy to try to wean him off while he is teething..but you gotta do it some point , right? And I feel sooner the better. I would love to hear your thoughts and how u guys made through it.
Hi Katie – I just love your blog! I’ve been following it for a while at it really is my fave 🙂 I just wanted to let you know that I posted a link to your blog & made a little comment today on my blog. Here’s a link to it — http://www.lifeaswegoit.com/2014/03/i-love-blogs.html. I wanted to share it with my followers. If you have any issues with it, please let me know. Happy blogging 🙂 And good luck with baby #3!
Tums Smoothies and those gummy prenatals were a life saver. I still buy gummy multi vitamins now because I look forward everyday to my daily vitamin 🙂 Never did I thought about Spanx while pregnant, but if we have a second I definitely will.
I’ll have to try the blanket thing instead of pillows because those are not working. Second on the vitamins. Everyone must love them because my hubby had to go to 3 stores to find them for me. And Vaseline spray lotion. It’s super fast and my skin feels greta.
Haha! Now that’s all I can see when I look at the Spanx pic!
I am 16 weeks pregnant and just learned of the greatness that is tum smoothies. I hate tums with a passion but these aren’t bad. Much more tolerable than regular ones which I will never consume again. Also, damn heartburn to hell and back. BRA EXTENDERS?! Um, I could really just kiss you right now. You great problem solving woman. I did NOT wanna have to go back and buy new bras right away because my straps needed lengthening. Placed an order on amazon for ones that should work. 😉 Thanks dear!
I had those jeggings while pregnant and absolutely hated them! I am glad you love them though. I threw them away as soon as I gave birth!
not even kidding, I totally thought the belly in the spanx photo was a butt…I was like…HOW is that supposed to bring attention to the baby? hahaha
I love them but maybe my body is weird!
xo – kb
Yeah…the iron thing is a bummer but I know that it’s hard on some people’s stomachs so that is probably why they don’t include it 🙁 And I don’t know 100% but I hear that omega-3 fish oil is good for you…maybe we should double check on that one…
xo – kb
We didn’t do anything groundbreaking…our pediatrician told us that he might need the paci for comfort up till the age of two (I guess that is when the need to suck diminishes). We didn’t offer it but didn’t refuse it either till then. When he turned two we just went cold turkey (bought him a stuffed animal instead) and if he asked for the paci, we just said “it’s gone. Here is zebbah.” We never mentioned it by ‘name’ and always offered other comfort items. Hope this helps!
xo – kb
Thanks for the heads up about the spanx. I’m 22 weeks and just feel like a whale under dresses so hoping this helps! I just bought them off the spanx site. Today only is 10% off and free shipping – woot!
I’m due in 7 weeks with my 2nd. My pregger must haves – chewy vitamins as well, tums, spaghetti o’s, black cotton leggings (I alternate 4 pairs!), my Be Band belly band (from Target), a pillow to straddle when sleeping, Belli brand belly oil & the darn Cadbury Marshmallow & Caramel eggs you find everywhere because Easter’s on its way!
I literally just took the positive test for #3. Perfect timing.
WAHOO! Yay! Congratulations!
xo – kb
Ok so here are my prego must-haves!!
1. Turkey Hill All Natural Ice Cream (it only has five ingredients and every flavor is so good! I have a small coffee cup filled with this goodness every evening for my sweet cravings!)
2. Numi Organic Tea – Roobois (caffeine free)…all Numi teas are yummy but it is one of the few brands that does not have any pesticides sprayed on their tea leaves and the tea bags also don’t leach any weird chemicals into your cup – safe for you and baby!
3. Pellegrino sparkling water (with a fresh slice of lime!)…I’m so sick of drinking water but don’t want the sugar from soft drinks, so this alternative is the ultimate ‘fake out’ that makes me feel a little fancy and kicks the boring taste of H2O!
4. Post-it notes and an old-fashioned planner that fits into my purse. Prego brain is REAL and I literally have about a 5-min window before new information is lost in my brain! Physically writing things down (as opposed to sticking them in my phone somewhere) has been helpful and I keep my notes with me at all times!
5. COCONUT OIL IS MAGICAL. If you are not already slathering this all over your body then you are missing out on nature’s miracle product!! Seriously – it is the ONLY moisturizer I use and it takes away all itch, all irritation and can be used on EVERY body part if ya know what I mean. It has antifungal and antimicrobial properties, it takes away acne, can be used on your baby for cradle cap, can be used as a makeup remover, used for stretch marks, etc etc. I buy mine at HomeGoods or Trader Joes (or really any grocery store) and it melts in your hand as you use it since it is hard at room temp. You may smell like a pina colada for about 5 min after applying it but as long as you can resist the urge to lick yourself or actually indulge in a real pina colada then you’re good to go!
Can’t believe LJ will be here so soon…our little girl will only be about 4 weeks behind him! *Praying for you guys* xo
You should check with your doctor about the vitamins. I was taking over the counter pre-natal vitamins, but they were sometimes making my stomach upset (due to the omega-3 fish oil). When I went in for my first appointment she prescribed me a presciption vitamin (vitafol-one) without knowing that the over the counter ones were bothering me. It turns out these contain the same amount (if not more) of all the nutrients/vitamins as the over the counter vitamins, but the omega-3 is from “algal” and not fish oil so it doesn’t upset my stomach.
I will! I have an appointment today so I’ll definitely ask. These don’t upset my stomach so I’m curious why that happens.
xo kb
That is so funny that pineapple helped you! I was in Sri Lanka on vacation when my morning sickness finally struck and they absolutely refused to let me eat pineapple. The old wive’s tale there is that pineapple can induce early labor!
Aww thank you Erin. That is really so sweet of you. I am so flattered.
xo – kb
I literally spent about $100 testing out different lip balms back in October when I was towards the end of my first trimester. I finally grabbed that little EOS sphere for $2.99 at a checkout line and it works WONDERS (much better than my $22 Aveda stuff, various other ones recommended from Whole Foods, etc. etc.). Hooray!
They make gummy pre natal vitamins!!! I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited about knowledge I’ve learned from the internet. Seriously I would be doing the seal (jumping and clapping) if my husband wasn’t asleep next to me. I thought you were great before but now I love you! Hugs!
I LOVE the jeggings from Target! I actually bought a second pair so I didn’t have to go without on laundry day 🙂 Due in May with our second, and have officially ventured into beached whale territory. It’s comical watching me try to get out of bed. Can’t wait to see pics of baby LJ, I was up nursing my son and stalking your posts on Instagram with Weston.
I used the Target brand prenatal gummy vitamins when I was pregnant with my daughter. I seriously looked forward to taking those every day 🙂 Leggings were also a must!
I think it will be super helpful for me. Because my wife is also pregnant and this list is essential for us. After read this article i know many thing about pregnancy also what should to do that time and what we should must have that time. I will share it to others. Thanks for the sharing such a helpful article.