the guides

pregnancy

1st trimester

checklist

Shopping list

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!.

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

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.

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.

2nd trimester

checklist

Shopping list

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.

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

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.

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

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 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.

Paige and 7 For All Mankind make great ones.

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

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.

3rd trimester

checklist

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

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!

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

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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

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!

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

first-aid kit

shopping list

pregnancy resources
Dr. Sara Reardon

an expert in pelvic health and founder of The Vagina Whisperer

eema

nesting design studio

Gugu Guru

baby product reviews by real moms

Joy in Birthing

doula services for low-income families & single moms

Katie Montell

maternity concierge and parent coaching

Lantham Thomas

doula, ‘maternity lifestyle maven’ & founder of Mama Glow

Lindsey Bliss

co-founder of Carriage House Birth, full-spectrum doula, twins expert and birth educator

Loom

maternal wellness symptom checker