Tuesday, 31 May 2011

pregnancy essentials

As promised I thought I would do a roundup of my top ten essentials for the second trimester ... here goes!

2nd trimester

(Clockwise from top left)

1. Gaviscon
Or any other suitable heartburn remedy! I've been getting heartburn quite regularly and during the second trimester as your bump develops and expands it does wierd and wonderful things on the inside resulting in many women getting heartburn. I've heard some old wives tales that heartburn is an indication of the baby developing hair, the amount I get I may gve birth to a wolf baby, the truth of this remains to be seen!

2. Bump Bands
These really are fantastic, especially for that in betweeen stage where you don't quite need to wear maternity clothes but are a little self conscious about wearing your usual tops for fear of bump flashing. I also find they are great for a little bit of extra support around the bump as you get bigger. A friend of mine also recommends them as a tummy cover up for breast feeding. You can pick them up at most maternity sections and are well worth the small outlay!

3. Dream Genii
I know I've mentioned my love for the dream genii before ... but I'm going to mention it again. I think it's a fantastic product, and if like me you suffer from SPD a must have. I use mine every night and even take it away with me whenever I'm away from home. You can also use it as a breasfeeding pillow when the baby arrives so I'll certainly have had my moneys worth by then!

4. Carmex
I'm a bit obsessed with lip balm and always have to have some in close proximity. Carmex is my favourite (in the little pot), shortly followed by the little vaseline tins ... pots are more satisfying than tubes! I've used loads during the second trimester as my lips seem to get really dry ... along with the rest of my skin which brings me to.

5. Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream
Gosh! I've used loads of this ... the smell can be a little off putting but it really works on dry skin. I've used it on my hands, elbows and knees and anywhere I get a patch of dry skin. It helps to releive any itching when the skin tightens because of dryness too. I also like to pop some on my eyelids to give a light sheen to them some days ... makes me look like I've had more sleep than I have!

6. Bump Support Belt
I was given one of these by the physio after I was referred because of SPD. I try not to use it all the time but can really feel the difference when I do. I usually put it on after we have been for a long walk or more recently after long DIY sessions! You can buy them online and from specialist shops, I've seen that places like jojo maman bebe also stock things like support pants and tights which I think I'll be giving a go in the next few weeks!

7. Leggings
They are everywhere still, and thankfully pregnancy friendly! I haven't felt the need to buy specific pregnancy leggings, I just bought some one size up and they are doing the job great! I tend to wear them with longer tops or tunics and what is really great is they can be dressed up or down.

8. Accessories
OK it is very general but hear me out! I made the decision early on, rather than spend a fortune on trendy maternity clothing I would buy some really good basics in plain colours and accessorize them. I've been embracing the world of oversized scarves, colourful tribal jewellery and patterned flat shoes. It's a great way to keep your 'look' up to date without spending a fortune!

And some that aren't in the picture ...

9. Forums
Online forums, such as babycentre, are a great place to chat to people who are going through the same things you are. And, as I've found out, you can ask people anything and they always get back to you! Many also have really useful tools such as pregnancy trackers so you can see where you are up to and the development stages. I've even been linked up with a bump buddy who lives in the same area and is due around the same time as me, we have been emailing each other updates and may even meet up for tea and cake sometime!

10. A journal
I've been using this blog as my journal of sorts, its a great way for me to jot down my thoughts and current obsessions. It will also be great to look back on at the end of my pregnancy and see what a long way I've come, the changes I've gone through ... and probably laugh at my obsessions! Pregnancy is such a special time I think we should all take the time to record our experiences, both good and bad.

So that's it from me! I'd be really interested to see what your essentials are/were!

Cx

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