Second Trimester Pregnancy MUST HAVES

I can’t believe the end of my second trimester is here. LITERALLY WHERE IS THE TIME GOING?!

Babymoon in La Jolla, Ca. Dress is ASOS.

This trimester has been a BREEZE (comparatively of course!). Although I did find out I was anemic during pregnancy and I did have trouble accommodating not sleeping on my back, I really fell in love with being pregnant and feeling the little baby kicks this trimester. I am also so so thankful to my husband for taking me on an amazing babymoon to California. We had the best time and were able to bond before our little girl enters the world! I highly recommend taking a vacation with your significant other prior to the baby’s arrival!

Onto the SECOND TRIMESTER LIST! I included 11 things that I LOVED this trimester. And of course if you have any to add to the list, comment below please!

1. PREGNANCY PILLOW: There are a ton of pregnancy pillows out there but I opted for the organic cotton SNOOGLE. Why do you need a $100 pillow you ask? Well according to Parents.com,”When you lie belly-up, the weight of your uterus can compress a major blood vessel, called the vena cava, disrupting blood flow to your baby and leaving you nauseated, dizzy, and short of breath. The best way to sleep during the second half of pregnancy is on your side.” Since you have to sleep on your side, the snoogle helps you get comfortable, wrap you leg or wrap part of the pillow around your back for support, etc. I didn’t realize I needed it until I was on vacation and didn’t have it. From a former back sleeper, do yourself a favor and splurge on it!

Babymoon in Laguna, CA

2. BABYMOON Doctors Note: If you plan on traveling for your babymoon, whether it is by car or plane, make sure you have a note from your doctor indicating it safe to travel. Some airlines require this and others don’t. But you NEVER know when you will need to catch another flight, you get delayed, or you need to get home quicker than anticipated. It is better to be safe then sorry.

3. Compression socks: At first I purchased these solely for the 6 hour plane ride to California. But I have actually started sleeping with them most nights now. What happens is – during pregnancy leg and foot swelling are common – especially during air travel. Per sigvaris.com, “Wearing compression stockings during pregnancy prevents blood from pooling in the veins and reduces elevated heart rate in both mother and child. Additionally,compression stockings may reduce the risk of varicose veins, phlebitis, andthrombosis.” My feet have started to swell in late second trimester from sitting at a desk all day so I aim to walk around once an hour but also I wear my compression socks at night or just around the house.

4. ASOS Maternity 4 pack: OBSESSED. This Asos maternity pack is 5 items for $56 (plus they always have a sale) and its a STAPLE for your closet. I WISH they had it in more colors. It has a tank top, dress, leggings and a skirt. If you are looking to be a minimalist when it comes to maternity clothes, this is your go to!

5. Liquid IV: I have been finding it SO HARD to stay hydrated. I drink water all day and I just can’t keep up. I found Liquid IV, non-GMO electrolyte drink, particularly helpful while we were on vacation because I could just pour it into a water bottle and it delivers hydration to your bloodstream faster and more efficiently than water alone. It actually can provide the same hydration as drinking 2-3 bottles of water. So if you are struggling like I did, I would definitely give it a shot!

6. IRON supplements: I actually found out that I was anemic during this pregnancy so I have been taking SPATONE liquid iron twice a day (on top of eating lots of spinach!) to get my iron levels up. I was recommended this particular brand by a friend because most iron supplements are hard on your stomach and this one seems to be easy on my stomach so far!

Picture via Pottery Barn

7. Registry shopping: I registered at Pottery Barn Kids and Buy Buy Baby. I was so fortunate to have my husband’s cousin take me shopping – she is a momma of 3 and was SO helpful in determining what was actually useful and what was extra AF. Pro tip: Take a RECENT momma with you to do your registry shopping!

8. Start your baby book collection: For father’s day I got Bryan a baby book in german because he wants to teach our little babe a second language. Our good friend, Nikki Psar of Speak at Home Tonight, also purchased our little babe a few german baby books for our billingual babe. And of course I also put a few books on our registry – no better gift then the gift of learning.

9. Appointment for Childcare class: Our local hospital has both child birth and child care weekend classes that my husband and I have signed up for. Being new parents sounds SO DAUNTING so any professional advice, especially tips when it comes to babies being sick and what to watch out for, was important to us. I suggest booking it in your second trimester when you are somewhat comfortable because I hear third trimester is SUPER UNCOMFORTABLE and not always full of the best sleep.

Picture via PinkBlush Maternity

10. Baby Shower Dress: #TreatYoSelf Mama! Not going to lie, I waited for the MDW sale but I splurged on an adorable baby shower dress because why not? You feel large, uncomfortable and not the prettiest during pregnancy sometimes – so why not make sure your baby shower day you feel your best! I love PinkBlush Maternity because they have some comfortable and adorable styles.

11. Renegade Mama: The closer I get to labor, the more and more yoga I practice. Along with meditation and some #selfcare me time. While, I don’t think you can actually fully prepare for labor, what I can do is practice my mindset. These renegade mama affirmation cards focus on pregnancy + labor and are truly encouraging. You can find them on amazon or you can find them on their website. If you use the code, KOMBUCHA15, you save a little bit too (not a paid AD, just a sweet discount!).

What am I missing from the list? Let me know! xo Erica

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