The Pregnancy Guide - The Mom Guides

the guides

pregnancy

1st trimester

2nd trimester

3rd trimester

1st trimester

checklist

Make a doctor’s appointment as soon as you find out
Discuss with your doctor: medications your taking, genetic screens, non-invasive prenatal blood test, prenatal vitamins
Book a dentist appointment for a teeth cleaning (some say you shouldn't go to the dentist during 2nd and 3rd trimesters because of teeth sensitivity and gum bleeding — so just ask your OB)
Start your research (check out the media library) which lists the best books, websites / blogs, podcasts, documentaries, magazines and more
Consider downloading a pregnancy progress tracker app.
Consider a pelvic floor physical therapist. Origin is a women-owned wellness practice that specializes in pelvic floor therapy (in-person and virtually) — it basically helps you minimize pain in every trimester and prepare for delivery. Every Mother and The Vagina Whisperer are other notable options that provide virtual pelvic floor therapy.

Shopping list

sunscreen

Your skin is more sensitive to the sun while pregnant. If you don’t already apply daily, now’s the time to start. I like Nécessaire, Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Daily Defense or Supergoop!.

body lotion

Stick with unscented – you never know what could trigger nausea. Nécessaire: The Body Lotion is amazing.

all-natural deodorant

Make the switch to a non-aluminum deodorant if you haven’t already. I’ve tried a lot of brands and I’ve found that NATIVE is the most effective. Blume and Megababe are good too.

anti-nausea remedies

There’s a lot on the market right now and you have to just see what works for you. And honestly, don’t be surprised if nothing (but rest) works.

Saltine crackers and bone broth were my pregnant go-tos, but also recommend sea bands and nausea tea and/or candies like PINKSTORK morning sickness bundle, Preggie Pop Drops, Tummydrops, or Natalist Nausea Relief Tea.

My typical go-to for nausea and motion sickness is Dramamine, but I was advised not to take this during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using anything ingestible — your OB can also prescribe medication if it’s really bad.

all-in-one bundles

NATALIST PREGNANCY GIFT (belly oil, cooling cream, the Good Morning tea (20 tea sachets), and Vitamin D3 gummies)
HATCH MAMA MUST HAVES (belly oil, nipple + lip balm, and soothing lotion)
EVER-EDEN MAMA MUST HAVE DUO (belly oil and stretch mark lotion)
MAMA MIO PREGNANCY ESSENTIALS (travel-size tummy rub scrub, tummy butter, cooling gel, and boob cream)

shop self-care

2nd trimester

checklist

Start building your registry. My favorite sites to host your registry are Babylist or MyRegistry.com because they are universal, so they allow you to connect to any store and link to anything on the web. If you want to register for money and/or care services, check out Be Her Village.
Shop for maternity clothes. I was very hesitant to buy maternity clothes (I just wanted to wear oversized Free People clothing the whole way), but once I finally switched, I was so much more comfortable.
Prep for maternity leave (if you're a working mom-to-be!)
Get some R+R (by yourself or with a partner) before the baby comes. Your maternity leave does not count – it will not be relaxing! The best time to travel is during your 2nd trimester (before you get super uncomfortable).
Design the nursery. Keep in mind, your baby likely won’t spend a ton of time in the nursery for the first few months (they will be attached to you), so if it’s not completely done before they are born, don’t stress!

Shopping list

belly oil

Mountain Ocean Mother’s Special Blend is amazing to apply daily because it prevents stretch marks, relieves itching, and doesn’t stain. Other faves among moms are Golden Belly Serum by ever-eden and Belly Oil by Hatch.

cooling foot spray

I love this peppermint cooling spray for my feet after a long day of work or walking around.

body pillow

Once you have a bump, it starts to become very uncomfortable to sleep. I found that sleeping with a huge body pillow gave me a better night’s rest. The Pillow Bar makes a great side-sleeping pillow, and FridaMom has an adjustable cooling pillow. You can also try a full-body pillow like the Leachco.

shop self-care

resources

overwhelmed?

If you feel completely overwhelmed and just can’t be bothered, you’re not alone. There are experts (also known as baby planners or maternity concierges) that you can hire to help guide you through your pregnancy and beyond.

maternity clothes

shopping list

bras

I cannot recommend this enough: go get measured once you start feeling that your normal bras are getting tight. Avoid underwiring – once your belly gets big, it can dig into the top of your bump and be super uncomfortable. Also, note that nursing bras can be worn during pregnancy, but your boobs may grow even larger post-pregnancy so stick with ones that have room/stretch.

Recommended brands:

belly support band

Belly bands are used for two reasons: One is to prolong buying maternity pants (for early on in pregnancy when you just start to show), and the other is toward the end of pregnancy when you need extra support for your bump… I found I never needed one, but some moms swear by them. Check out Belly Bandit.

maternity jeans

Paige and 7 For All Mankind make great ones.

compression socks

Super important during your 3rd trimester for preventing blood clots, spider veins, DVT, swelling, etc. I love the Comrad socks.

shoes

Anything soft, wide, and cozy but has support. Once you get bigger, slip-on shoes are KEY… at some point, you won’t be able to bend down and reach your shoes to put them on. Slippers are also ideal for lounging around the house.

For sneaker lovers – check out Saysh. They have a Maternity Returns Policy, meaning for all of their customers that become pregnant, they’ll send you a free, fresh pair of Saysh One sneakers in your new size!

An expandable shoe horn will be your best friend for the last few months.

shop maternity

3rd trimester

checklist

Build a care team (also known as a birthing team), starting with a medical provider (your OB or midwife). You may also consider a doula, night nurse, and/or live-in nanny, physical (and mental health) therapists, spiritual guides, etc. In addition to word-of-mouth referrals, you can check online networks to find the experts you need.
Discuss with your doctor: Cord blood banking, placenta encapsulation, and birth plan options.
Take a few classes. I was recommended to take: First Aid / Infant CPR, Childbirth, Infant Care, and Breastfeeding. Click here for class provider recs.
Choose a pediatrician. Find someone local that makes you feel comfortable. You will be asking them a million questions once the baby is born, so you want to be sure it’s someone you trust.
Pack your birth bag (aka “go bag” or "hospital bag") at around 35 weeks so you’re ready to go if needed. If you're giving birth in a hospital, they'll provide basic self-care products for postpartum so you don't need to pack them. Baby Boldly offers pre-packed bags, but you can also make your own using the hospital bag shopping list below.
If you’re a generally anxious person, visit the hospital to tour the maternity wing. This way, you know exactly what to expect and where to go.
Add the baby to your insurance. If you or your partner have health insurance, start filling out the paperwork to add them before they are born.
Do the laundry! Sounds silly but it’s so helpful to do this beforehand. Wash all newborn clothes, sheets, and soft goods with unscented, gentle detergent so that it’s all ready when you get back from the hospital. You’ll also want to wash your maternity / postpartum clothes.
Make sure you have a first aid kit (you're a mom now).
If you’re into this sort of thing, this is the time to book your pregnancy photo shoot, and schedule your newborn photo shoot.
Order a breast pump. Unless you know that you are not able to breastfeed, you should order a pump through insurance. More on this here.
Prep for postpartum - click for guide.
Prep for newborn - click for guide.

resources

what's a doula?

A birth doula is a non-medical, trained birth worker that provides physical, emotional and informational support through the process of childbirth. A postpartum doula offers holistic care for the whole family in the 4th trimester. While doulas can provide support for the entire family (parents and children), night nurses are specifically for infant care. They feed, change, and comfort your baby overnight so that you can get a full night’s rest.

go bag

shopping list

nursing robe

I bought this to wear in the delivery room (LOL now I know firsthand that labor is a literal shit show; so just wear the disposable hospital gown). However, I was very glad I brought this in my hospital bag because I ended up wearing it throughout my hospital stay and beyond. It’s so comfortable and provided easy access for around-the-clock nursing. You can also bring a pajama set but I found a gown/robe style to be the easiest in every way. Don’t forget to throw it in the wash with newborn-friendly detergent before you bring it to the hospital!

nursing bra

You don’t need to pack more than 1. You will spend most of your time braless.

socks

You will likely rotate between compression socks and cozy socks. Both are musts for your hospital stay.

shoes

You’ll want slippers or a soft slip-on shoe to wear around like Allbirds wool loungers. And then a pair of flip-flops for the shower.

toiletries

Just bring the basics: shampoo, conditioner, body soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, body lotion, face lotion, hair ties, hair brush, chapstick, hand lotion… and of course, a toiletry bag to put it all in.

pillowcase

Totally optional, but for complete comfort, bring your favorite pillowcase. I love slip silk pillowcases… just don’t forget to bring it home when you leave!

phone charger

Get one that’s extra long so that you’re guaranteed it’ll reach from the bed to wherever the outlet is located in the room.

entertainment

You may have some down time where you are not sleeping – you’ll want a book or an ipad / headphones for streaming shows. Anything that allows you to zone out.

newborn outfit

Not a necessity because the hospital will provide a swaddle and hat, but I love these Lou Lou & Co newborn sets because they have beautiful colors and prints, and they’re SO soft. They’re perfect for those first few day photos. Don’t forget to throw it in the wash with newborn-friendly detergent before you bring it to the hospital!

going home outfit (for you)

Something you would fit into at 6 month preg. Can also be pajamas!

going home outfit (for baby)

Some type of crossover onesie, kimono, or layette set for easy changing. If you forget, the hospital will provide you with something. Don’t forget to throw it in the wash with newborn-friendly detergent before you bring it to the hospital!

compact travel mattress

Great for if you have a partner staying with you overnight.