I know there are people who love being pregnant and those that don’t particularly enjoy it, and I always figured I’d fall somewhere in between. This is turning out to be true, but it has certainly been tougher than I was expecting. Even on my good days, I still don’t feel like my pre-pregnancy self - there’s always some new aches and pains or a new symptom to adapt to. But I’m still overall enjoying this time, acknowledging how special it is and how grateful I am, and taking it day by day - I think it’s become easier to roll with the harder moments because it’s always made better by feeling him moving around in there. Now that I’m over halfway through my pregnancy (which is absolutely mind-blowing), I have a few things that have really made this time more comfortable.
Isabel Maternity at Target Straight Leg Jeans - The first thing I was worried about once my waistline outgrew my normal jeans was that the only maternity jeans I could find anywhere were skinny jeans. I haven’t really been a skinny jean person for years now, so I was searching high and low for something more my style that wouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. I found these straight leg maternity jeans in Target from their Ingrid & Isabel Maternity line, and they’re all I’ve been wearing to work/any time I go out. I have one pair with rips at the knees and two pairs of the plain ones (because I wear these to work). They go over the belly, which I prefer to the side-panel pants I’ve tried on. Some of the reviews say the belly panel is too tight, so I’m a little worried they won’t fit by the end of my pregnancy, but for now they’re really comfortable, and besides not being able to tuck things into a high waist like I used to, they look mostly like what I would wear pre-pregnancy.
PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow - I started feeling pretty uncomfortable while sleeping early on, but I was so afraid of buying anything pregnancy-related before I was out of the first trimester that I held out on ordering a pregnancy pillow. I really regret that, because this pillow is probably the best new thing I’ve bought so far. I’ve been telling people that if you’re a side sleeper, pregnant or not, you need one of these. I thought a C-shaped pillow would be best for me, but they also make U-shaped pillows, too. I like that I can have the pillow between my knees so my hips and back don’t ache during the night, and I have the closed side of the C against my back as I sleep for support. I used to toss and turn and change sleeping positions all night, but now I stay on my left side the whole time.
Born ‘Bandy’ Clogs - This is not a pregnancy-specific favorite obviously, but any time I go out these are the only shoes I want to wear. They’re super comfortable, and I feel like they put me in my best alignment when standing and walking. I’ve been more comfortable on my feet in these for long periods of time than I have been with supportive running shoes.
Lululemon Align Pocket Leggings - I’ve always heard that Lululemon leggings were worth the splurge, but I never tried them until I got pregnant, specifically because I had heard their Align line was great and adaptable for a pregnant person’s growing body. I got what I think my usual pre-pregnancy size would be based on their size chart, and so far they still fit perfectly. It doesn’t feel like the waistband will be too stretched out by the end, either. They’re so soft and comfortable, but they’re not a totally “naked-feel” legging, which I appreciate. I’m really considering getting a second pair, because right now I’m wearing my one pair as soon as they’re clean, and none of my other leggings compare.
CeraVe Eczema Relief Creamy Oil - I had heard that pregnancy can trigger extra sensitive skin or skin conditions in some people, so I was expecting the eczema I’ve battled with on my eyelids on and off to come back. But I wasn’t expecting how bad it would be - some days my eyelids were so swollen, itchy, and uncomfortable that I couldn’t even open my eyes all the way. Luckily my obstetrician said it was ok to still use the steroid cream I had been prescribed pre-pregnancy for the flareups every once in awhile, but even then I would use it for a few days in a row at most, the rash would clear up, and then it would return a few days later. I was using Avene Cicalfate cream and Aquaphor on it in between, but I was hoping I would find something else that would actually keep the eczema at bay, and I could only reach for the prescription for bad flareups instead of weekly maintenance. I happened to pop into CVS to pick up a few things, saw this single bottle of CeraVe Eczema Relief Creamy Oil sitting in the otherwise totally cleared out CeraVe section, and decided to try it. So far, it’s been working really well for me! I’ve only been using it for about a week, but I’ve already stretched about four or five extra days without any itchiness, redness, or scaliness returning after the last time I used my prescription cream. I’m impressed! It’s a thicker lotion consistency, and I use a tiny bit on both eyelids every morning and night as part of my skincare routine, and sometimes a couple more times throughout the day as needed.
Biossance 100% Squalane Oil - I know stretch marks are mostly genetic and not preventable with creams and oils, but the beauty lover in me was still excited to add a “belly oil” into my routine. I haven’t had any stretch marks yet, but my skin has started feeling a little itchy sometimes as it stretches. I actually went the responsible route here and started using a bottle of the Biossance Squalane Oil I already had instead of buying something new, and it just reminded me how much I love it. I use it all over after I shower now, and my skin just drinks it up. I like that it’s lightweight, so it doesn’t leave a greasy film on my skin or stain my clothes, but it’s still incredibly moisturizing. It’s really been easing any itchiness I’ve been getting and helps my skin feel less tight. I’m almost out of the bottle I had and already have their big bottle as a backup!
Aerie Anytime Fave Flannel Shirts - I may change my mind as I get bigger, but right now I’m hoping to not have to buy many strictly maternity clothes and instead get strategic with my outfits so I can get more use out of the clothes I do buy. I’m thinking my go-to fall/winter look is going to be the jeans mentioned above with a fitted tank (I like the Isabel Maternity ones from Target, but their A New Day ribbed tanks have been working well for me right now, too) and an open button-down shirt or cardigan. I’ve got a few tank tops in neutral colors that will go with anything, and then I can still re-wear the shirts and cardigans when I’m not pregnant, too. My favorite shirts to throw on have been these Aerie Flannels - they’re super comfortable and oversized while still being cute. I bought my normal size and I can still button it up for now if I want to.
Cuyana Small Structured Tote - I got this bag at the beginning of the year, and after a few weeks of having it I was afraid I wouldn’t get much use out of it because I kept grabbing my smaller everyday bags whenever I went out. But now that I’m pregnant I’ve been going on little day trips to visit my family more often, and I’ve been using it a lot! It fits a lot of stuff, but it isn’t overwhelming or heavy like a large tote bag. I find I need to bring more stuff with me now wherever I go, like extra snacks, water, mints for nausea, and my eczema cream, and this fits all of that without being overstuffed. I also have their Organization Insert, which fits perfectly and adds lots of pockets to help keep organized.
Do you see any of your favorites here? If you have been/are currently pregnant, what were your favorite things?
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