My Pregnancy Must Haves: Top Things to Get for First Time Moms

Congratulations! If you are reading this, you are probably expecting a little one. The first trimester (weeks 0-12) is a great time to start learning all you can about pregnancy and babies. I knew nothing! Other than that, there is not much to do other than try to feel your best. This trimester could be a breeze for you, but for most people, you will experience nausea, exhaustion and food aversions at some point. I’m sharing all the things I have been loving the last several weeks as a first time mom! Read on for my pregnancy must haves and a few things to do once you find out you’re expecting.

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Pregnancy can be an exciting and overwhelming time, especially if it’s your first child. To make the journey a little easier, there are some pregnancy must have items that can help you feel more comfortable and prepared. From maternity clothes to pregnancy pillows, here are my top pregnancy must haves.

1. Pregnancy & Parenting Books

This is the time to learn as much as you can! There are so many great books on the market and you’ll likely be gifted a few once you tell people. My favorite book has been Expecting Better – it uses real science and data to explain common pregnancy myths and things you should or should not avoid! Very practical and my husband loved it too!

I bought Bumpin’ and found it very helpful for a broad overview of what to expect the next 9 months and in postpartum. It was a short and lighthearted read.

I also was gifted the classic What to Expect When You’re Expecting. It’s great to have for reference as you move through each trimester. Lastly, I received Moms on Call and am saving that to read in my third trimester so it’s fresh on my mind!

Other recs from expert mamas and my doctors that are on my list: Bringing up Bebe, Nurture, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, Cribsheet.

*click any image to shop*

2. Pregnancy Tracking Apps

You will want to go ahead and get a pregnancy tracking app! They show you how big your baby is, what fruit size they are, and shed light on what to you may expect each week. I got two, so recommend trying out a few to see what you like.

I went with both of these and love checking both each week:

• What to Expect
• The Bump

You’ll enter your due date which is calculated based on the first day of your last cycle or ovulation date if you know that!

3. Prenatal Vitamins & Vitamin D Supplement

I started a prenatal when I got off birth control, but most doctors recommend to begin one 3 months before you start trying! Who knew?

I am using Ritual and have been for a year – I saw it everywhere and tried it and liked it. It has all of the things you need like choline and folic acid, plus a vegan DHA. I will say, it had a very fishy taste at first from the algea oil – it DOES go away, but recommend taking it on a full stomach. This is my link for $15 off your first purchase.

Pregnant women are often deficient in Vitamin D – I was even with the prenatal vitamins. I learned after my first blood draw and began taking this Nordic Naturals gummy. Go ahead and get one before they tell you that you are deficient.

Another good prenatal is Natalist and you can get them in individual daily packets or gummies! My husband took their men’s vitamins and I took their COQ10 before getting pregnant! They also carry tests, ovulation strips and everything you need when trying to conceive.

4. Pregnancy Safe Beauty Products

You will want to swap out all of your toxic beauty products for safe options. Here is a good resource to check things out whether pregnant or not.

Sadly, retinols are off limits. Unfortunately, nothing is as good, but I am using Biossance Lactic Acid Night Serum right now and am liking it. I also use Herbivore’s Moon Fruit and absolutely swear by it!! It is working better than Boissance for me!

I also started using Ilia Skin Tint and love it! I’m shade Kai ST6.5 with cool undertones and light-medium skin tone.

For shampoo/conditioner, I have switched to DAE and it smells incredible!

And if you aren’t using natural deodorant, now is good time to make the switch. I like Native especially the eucalyptus and mint!

5. Stretch Mark Prevention Oils and Creams

I was worried about stretch marks and started trying to prevent them right away. This was the first thing I did when I found out I was pregnant. I already had a couple marks on my hips and was using Palmer’s for those. I have been using it at night and Hatch Belly Oil in the morning. Now that I’m really showing and out of Palmer’s, I’m trying Fearless Mama Butter!

Hatch is definitely pricey, but stretch marks are forever! It is totally worth the cost in my opinion to try to prevent them. One bottle of the belly oil will easily last my whole pregnancy so it’s not that bad when you think in that way. I also LOVE the travel size roll-on as I’ve had many work trips in the first part of my pregnancy. It’s been so convenient.

A Post Pregnancy Update – I’m now a year postpartum and do not have any stretch marks. I continued to use these items for several weeks after as my body adjusted to its pre-pregnancy size.

MY #1 Pregnancy Must Haves:

6. Reduce Pregnancy Face Puffiness

Most of your pregnancy weight gain is from extra fluids and blood that your body retains. It can make your face feel and look puffy. I’ve been using my ice roller, jade roller, and under eye patches to help keep it to a minimum. Plus, the ice roller just feels amazing when you are hot!

7. Pregnancy Pillows

These are a pregnancy essential and really helped since I had such bad sciatica pain early on. My sister in law gave me hers and they were a game changer. Go ahead and get a few for when you need them.

8. Ginger Tummy Drops, Ginger Teas, Tums, etc.

Your stomach and gut will not be quite the same while you are pregnant. Ginger teas and drops help with nausea and you’ll want to have Tums on standby for when the heartburn/reflux begins. Definitely a pregnancy must have that you’ll want stocked BEFORE you need it.

9. Hydration Tablets

I have been SO thirsty especially in the beginning. I needed extra help to survive and love these Nuun Tablets. Liquid IV is great, but I sometimes find it too sugary. These are great for travel too since they come in tablet form and make less of a mess!

10. Pain Management – Heating Pad

You will probably want a heating pad at some point. I have been surviving by mine! It is safe to use on your back for short periods of time, but always consult your doctor. I’ve also been getting a lot of use out of our massage pillow – here’s what we have:

11. Pregnancy Journal

You may like to write down some thoughts, advice you receive, etc as you go. I have a blank journal, but there are all kinds with pregnancy related prompts. I have the below journal in their travel format so would highly suggest them for a pregnancy one!

12. Clothing Rental like Nuuly

My clothes started getting a little tight around week 16 and by 20 my jeans definitely don’t fit anymore. Thankfully, I wear a lot of flowy dresses so I haven’t bought maternity clothes yet. I have tried Nuuly and plan to continue through the summer. They carry many bump friendly styles and actual maternity pieces! Or it’s a great way to buy normal clothes and just size up without committing to a purchase! Such a great idea so you don’t have to buy a whole new wardrobe and can look cute styling the bump! This is my referral code link for a $10 discount on your first rental. You get 6 items per month for $88!

Leisurely Tip: Definitely use a clothing rental for your babymoon so you have resort ready items even if it’s winter during your pregnancy!

13. Buy Something Cute for Baby!

Lastly, buy something cute for your baby! I’m sure you are dying to start shopping for all the precious baby clothing. Get something special for your little guy or gal. Some cute kid stores:

• Pehr
• Baby Gap
• H&M
• Maisonette
• Lake Pajamas
• Holy City Bows
• Angel Dear
• Rylee & Cru

14. Plan Your Babymoon

Okay, one more for your to do list because you deserve the babymoon of your dreams and this is a travel blog afterall! You are growing a human and should treat yourself whether somewhere far away or a fun staycation! Now is the time to start planning since you’ll ideally want to travel in your second trimester if going international. Stay tuned to see where I’m heading and check out my favorite babymoon destinations for inspiration!

Those are all of my pregnancy must have for first time mom’s. I’ll of course add to this list as I move through my thirds (and fourth) trimesters!