I thought it would be fun to do a Favorite Things post all about things that I've loved during my pregnancy. For me, it's been really helpful reading about the things that other moms-to-be have found helpful during this time. So, I thought I'd share the things that have made my pregnancy even that much more enjoyable! :)
Vitafusion Prenatal Gummy Vitamins
Oh my goodness...these things were near life-changing for me when I discovered them! They are tasty, and they have all the nutrients that baby and I need (including DHA!).
I've always had difficulty swallowing pills. I actually couldn't swallow pills until I was 15 years old, and even now it's not something I'm very good at. So when I had to start taking prenatal vitamins--that were the size of horse pills--this proved to be quite the challenge for me. My first prenatal vitamins also tasted like rotten fish (because of the DHA)...so that, along with my difficulty swallowing pills...made my morning sickness even that much more challenging.
Needless to say, when I found these I was incredibly happy!
Loved by Heidi Klum Maternity Jeans
Once I entered my 2nd trimester, my normal jeans were getting snug around the waist and were not comfortable to wear at all. I was very wary of purchasing maternity jeans, but knew that it was something I had to do. I did lots of research online, trying to find some that would be the best for me, and that's when I discovered these!
These are the most comfortable jeans I've ever owned, and they are so cute too! You really can't tell that they are maternity jeans either. I've read from other bloggers that they work well all throughout pregnancy too. I'm certainly a fan!
I bought mine on Amazon, but you can also find them in Motherhood Maternity if you want to try them on before purchasing.
Preggle Pillow
When I had to start sleeping on my side, it was a real adjustment for me. I've always been a back sleeper, and when I transitioned to sleeping on my side, I started having a lot of hip and back pain. I would toss and turn all night trying to find a comfortable position, but it only proved to be frustrating.
Palmer's Cocoa Butter
A while ago I heard that Palmer's Cocoa Butter is amazing to use during pregnancy. When I heard that, I tucked that info away for when I needed it...and then when I found out we were expecting, I researched it more.
I've read from several mom bloggers that they used this cocoa butter and didn't get any stretch marks. I also read from a couple of them that they used it during their first pregnancy (and didn't have stretch marks), but then didn't use it their second pregnancy and ended up with stretch marks.
I started using it from the very beginning, and so far so good! We'll see how things go, but in the meantime, I am loving this cream! During my first trimester, almost all smells of perfume sent me into a spell of nausea. Because of this, I had to stop using many of the products and lotions that I was so used to using. This cocoa butter was one of the only things that I could use for lotion without getting sick.
It makes my skin so soft, that I think I'll continue using it even after the baby is born!
You can find this at Target in a smaller size, or buy this value size on Amazon.
Prenatal Pilates
I've always tried to make exercise a part of my regular routine, but since I was so sick during my first trimester, it was hard for me to continue as normal. Because of this, I went on lots of walks and made that my main form of exercise during those first few months (mainly because it was the only exercise that wouldn't make me sick).
Now that I'm past my morning sickness phase (thank God!), I'm trying to step up my exercise some in order to be in good condition for labor and delivery...and so that the baby is healthy! I've been using the 10 Minute Solution: Prenatal Pilates DVD for a couple weeks now, and I really enjoy it. It's split up into several 10 minute sections, so you can pick and choose which areas you want to focus on. I normally shoot for at least 20-30 minutes in the morning, and then also go on evening walks with Jonathan and Maxo. The gentle stretching of pilates has also been a welcome relief to my sore changing body, and has helped with relaxation.
Tomatoes
If there is one thing that I have consistently craved throughout my entire pregnancy, it has been tomatoes! During my first trimester, I ate homemade tomato soup almost every day (husband became a pro at making it too!)...it was one of the only "real" foods that I could eat without getting sick at times.
And now that I'm into my 2nd trimester, I have still been craving tomatoes on a regular basis! I still make homemade tomato soup (although not as often as I was), and have been finding lots of ways to incorporate it into meals. Sometimes I'll just slice one up and eat it as a snack. I've also made caprese salad and baked tomatoes in the past couple weeks.
Tomatoes = YUM!
So, there you have it...those are a few of my favorite things during this pregnancy. If you're a mom or a mom-to-be, what have been some of your favorite things while you've been expecting?
Love and blessings,
-Tiffany
