WHW {#86}: My Pregnancy Essentials

Happy last Wednesday of March, and another round of What's Hap-"Pinning" Wednesday!
Before I get started with some of my pregnancy essentials, can you all take a minute and let us know if you still like the link up? We are getting less and less interest as the weeks pass by and are just wondering if it's still worth it for Jessi and I to host this link up weekly?
The best thing that I realized after writing this all out is that you can get it all on Amazon!

Belly Bands
this isn't the exact kind that I got, but it gives you an idea of what they look like
These are what helped me extend the life of my non-maternity jeans during the first trimester. They helped to keep the ever-widening gap between the two flaps of my jeans (that were less and less easy to button and/or zip), flat so that it wasn't obvious to the whole world that my pants weren't closed up. After getting some great maternity jeans (motherhood maternity Indigo Blue brand are my faves!), I've just been living in those from second trimester on.
Link to the ones I got on Amazon: 2 pack for $15.69

The Spoiled Mama Tummy Butter:
 I heard about this one from Owen, and then saw it a few more places. It is pricey, but it goes a LONG way (I've been using it since early in the first trimester and am just getting to the end of the jar now). So far, no stretch marks (even though I know that's more hereditary than anything). I like that it goes on and dries pretty quickly so it doesn't feel oily or sticky for a long time. It's perfect to rub on after the shower and give my growing bump some love.

Baby Bargains book (they have an updated version as of April 2017)
{via}
This book was the perfect supplement to all of the amazing mama recommendations I had from friends. The hard part about getting so many recommendations is that a lot of them are different and you're stuck right back where you were before. This book goes through the pros and cons of all things baby (cribs, carriers, strollers, bath supplies...etc etc) It really helped me narrow down even further from the recommendations I got from friends, in addition to the cost of it all. It definitely helped me figure out my registry.

Hiccapop Wedge
{via}
My SIL got this for me around Christmas when I was just getting into my 2nd trimester. It helps as a wedge for your back (to keep you from rolling onto your back), or under your belly for some extra support. I've used this later in my pregnancy for between my legs since my most painful situation is when I've been laying on my sides all night and my hips hurt. I didn't find the need for the huge pregnancy body pillow, but some people might. This was definitely a nice solution for me. Added bonus: it has a soft side and a harder side, so you can flip back and forth depending on your needs.

Baby Center App (not available on Amazon)
This one is still being used because it has good information for every day of your pregnancy. Plus the weekly updates about how big your baby is, and how your baby is growing and developing are great--it's part of our weekend routine to read about what's going on with Baby G for the week ahead. Added bonus? It's Free!!
Another good one is What to Expect, however I found the app to be a little overwhelming with information about pregnancy and after pregnancy stuff. Baby Center kept it nice and simple for me.

These were some of the staples for me-- hopefully they help any newly pregnant friends out there!

Now it's your turn to  link up with Jessi and I and share what's hap-"pinning" with you!





20 comments:

  1. I don't use the link up because my blog is a different in that it's not a lifestyle blog. But I do like it. I really enjoy Katie's Thankful Thursday's and included them on the blog despite it being a different topic than my routine posts

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  2. Definitely going to be saving this post for the future - amazon for the win with everything!! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston

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  3. I never heard of that book before, it sounds awesome! I also had that belly band but felt like it was never staying put good enough so I just used a rubberband to hold my jeans together (at the button part) and that lasted me through to maternity jeans haha

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  4. Anything and everything to help you sleep better at night near the end is a game changer! And yayyyy for no stretch marks! Staying hydrated, applying natural creams, and staying active go a long way in preventing them from popping up. You're so close gurlie, so exciting <3
    Green Fashionista

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  5. So glad you liked the tummy butter! I am still using it because I feel like my postpartum belly is dry and yuck!

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  6. Yup, agree with all of these and it actually makes me miss being preggo! I will definitely look into that wedge thing for the next pregnancy though - that looks amazing!

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  7. all great tips and suggestions! those belly bands i hear are just lifesavers and anything to support the back/legs/tummy too :) happy wednesday!!

    xoxo cheshire kat

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  8. It's the first time I have linked up with y'all. Normally, I don't post on Wednesdays (not sure why), but I can handle once a month. :)

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  9. So many great things here!! I've seen that wedge thing around and it looks amazing!

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  10. I loved my belly band, it was a lifesaver. I used it for quite a while after my daughter was born too.

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  11. I think I used the MammaBaby app but I say whatever you like go with it! I used the app until Bowen was about 12 months old because it let me document his feedings/diaper changes and once we got beyond 12 months I had it figured out really. I don't do the link up but do enjoy reading it.

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  12. I love the baby center app. I still use it. It gives me weekly updates on my girls even know they are toddlers. I loved my pregnancy pillow. Those are a must. And I still miss my maternity jeans. They were soooo comfy. The band itched my belly, but I would wear it even after pregnancy while I was losing the baby weight. God send.

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  13. I link up even though I am not a lifestyle blog, hope it's okay to bring my food to the party? These all look like lifesavers for an expectant momma!

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  14. I used a little side pillow like that too while I was pregnant. I LOVED it and didn't want the big bulk of those giant ones people use. Babycenter app was awesome too! :)

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  15. My pregnancy wedge was the best thing I ever bought! I STILL sleep with it every single night between my knees. I've gotten to where I can't sleep without it! I forgot to bring it to ATL with us this past weekend and I had trouble getting comfy.

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  16. This was so fun to read! I think belly bands are such a great invention!
    Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts

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  17. I've heard those belly bands are essential so you can still wear jeans and work pants and the tummy pillow looks so comfy too. I'm sure it will get good use and help you sleep much better. Go you for having good genetics and no stretch marks! I know that can play a huge toll on new moms but sometimes it happens beyond your control.

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  18. I just found your linkup! Is is like a favorites post where you share what you'd been loving for the week? I think its fun!

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  19. i'm sorry about your link up, i hope you keep it going as it's fun to read. i don't think i have ever participated but only because i rarely post on wednesdays anymore :) that Baby Bargains book sounds great!

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I LOVE hearing your thoughts and comments--so, make my day and leave me some lovin'!