I’m finally in my second trimester which means I have my energy back + can make it through the day without feeling nauseous (yay!) Today, I’m 2 days shy of 15 weeks pregnant. While every pregnancy is different, I thought I’d share what has/is working for me + what I used throughout the first trimester.
Moisture, Moisture, Moisture
As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I purchased Hatch Belly Oil asap. I’ve heard nothing but good things about Hatch + so far so good. I rub it ALL over at least 2x a day to keep my skin moisturized to prevent stretch marks. I love it because it’s non-scented + fast drying so it doesn’t transfer onto my clothes + doesn’t leave a greasy feeling afterwards.
If you notice your breasts start to get chapped (it is, what it is) get nipple cream. You’ll need more moisture than oil + it’s great for dry skin. Earth Mama organics is 100% organic + non sticky. You can also try Hatch nipple + lip cream +/or Honest co. that is moisturizing + safe for baby too.
Dresses + Leggings
If you’re like me + a little confused about maternity wear or are avoiding the whole maternity section as a whole for right now ( I don’t blame you. I kicked + screamed all the way to Pea in A Pod) here’s a tip I learned: when ordering maternity clothes you should be ordering whatever size you were prior to being pregnant. I thought I had to order bigger because clearly I’ll grow throughout the pregnancy, but I was wrong. I was advised to order my pre-pregnancy size, so just a heads up. I’ve been sticking by that even with non-maternity clothes because let’s be honest, I haven’t bitten the bullet yet + thrown on maternity anything.
Depending on how big you get if it’s just bloat or if you start to show early, you might notice you’re unbuttoning your jeans + pants halfway through dinner. For an easy outfit that you don’t have to think about, go with dresses. I bought dresses for easy wear that keeps my bump free + me comfortable. I like a mix of tight dresses that will accentuate my bump or boho. Some of my favorite stores to shop are Free People, Nordstrom + I found a few great ones at A + F.
When it comes to leggings, every pregnant woman swears by these from Blanqi! They are supposed to be great throughout all stages of pregnancy because they grow with your bump. They are officially in my shopping cart because at this point I have no pants to wear comfortably. I’m mid-way between I can’t fit into my old jeans + not big enough for a maternity waist-band on maternity jeans. I think these Blanqi leggings will be my best friend throughout my second trimester.
Bras
If your breasts are growing at an obscene rate, then you are probably at the part where it’s uncomfortable to sleep. Between chafing, not being able to lay on your tummy, there’s a lot going on. I’ve found that sleeping in a comfortable bra has made the world of a difference. One – to prevent sagging + two- having extra material to just keep everything in place + prevent it from rubbing on your PJs helps. You’ll thank me later. Some comfortable bras you can sleep in are Thermal Bralette + Nursing Sleeping Bra.
Apps
Believe it or not, I haven’t read one pregnancy book. I will eventually, but I love the convenience of an app + there is so much information already on the internet. There are so many books out there telling us how to parent + how to get prepared + what to do, so it’s very overwhelming to even choose one to listen to. I feel like a lot of it is instinct, however, I’m not opposed to a guideline to refer to. I really only have one book on my list which is this one + this one for Dev to read.
At the end of the day, you’ll decide what’s best for you.
What To Expect App: I downloaded What To Expect When You’re Expecting as soon as I found out I was pregnant + then never read it because there’s an app for that. Literally. The What To Expect app is basically a condensed, better version of the book. I get a weekly play-by-play on baby + tips on diet, symptoms week to week + what tests to expect when. This app is great for the weekly video content of the growth + development of baby.
The Bump App: I downloaded The Bump App just to have something to compare the What To Expect App too in case it could provide me with any additional info. I actually like this app better for daily reads on relevant + important topics throughout the pregnancy.
Vitamins
I’m not a doctor, so I’m just going to tell you what prenatal I’m using that I got approved in case you are deciding on what to buy. I’ve been using One A Day Prenatal Multivitamins – the two pill formula. I take one everyday of each – the multivitamin + one pill for DHA. I know there are a lot on the market + people have been loving Ritual vitamins, but I don’t know enough about them to refer it. I’ve used One A Day vitamins before + the What To Expect App has it on their list for one of the best one’s out there. As long as you’re getting your recommended dose of Folic Acid everyday in your vitamin, you’re good.
Snacks
If you are nauseous like me in your first trimester, saltine crackers will save your life. I would wake up + immediately be nauseous so I slept with saltine crackers on my nightstand + had a pack in every purse I own. They really do help with the nausea + if you don’t have an appetite, eat them to hold you off until you do. I also always have salted almonds with me as a healthy snack to keep me from fainting.
Gingerale is also a lifesaver if you are suffering from headaches +/or nausea. Tea didn’t do much for me, but Gingerale did. Make sure you load up on snacks whenever you leave the house in case of emergency.
I hope this post was helpful for you + answered any questions you may have if you’re an expecting mama or are in your first trimester. It’s tough in the beginning, but hang in there, it gets better. You can read about my first 12 weeks here.
xo Raquel