All My Pregnancy & Maternity Favorites

What I bought, used, and loved.

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Okay, products! It’s unclear how much shopping content I’ll share in this newsletter, but this list has been much requested. I’m sharing the things that have helped me throughout this time (and one thing that I hated….).

My philosophy towards shopping for pregnancy-related items has generally been twofold: 1) keep it simple, 2) don’t buy too many “nice” maternity clothes that I’ll only wear for a few months, and 3) related to the second point, purchase non-maternity wear that I can also enjoy postpartum.

P.S. - If you’d like to browse these in one convenient and visual spot, here’s my ShopMy link.

Body Care

• Mustela Stretch Marks Cream: Of everything on this list, THIS is my favorite thing. I don’t use it to prevent stretch marks (because you can’t), but I use it after the shower to feel deeply hydrated. The texture is luxuriously thick but absorbs well, and it smells great even without synthetic fragrances added. Plus, it is French, which makes me feel fancy.

• Compression socks: A third trimester MVP. Whew. The swelling! No one warned me about the swelling. These help my ham legs feel somewhat normal throughout the sweltering day.

• Tea tree oil foot soak: I use this a few times a week, at night before bed. It’s my quick, 5-minute self-care ritual before bed for tired, swollen, and aching, feet. Plus, there’s something kind of nice about slipping into bed with clean feet.

• Belly and back support band: Another third-trimester staple. I got mine for free through my insurance via Aeroflow (which is also where I got my free breast pump). This helps reduce strain on my back and just…strain overall.

• Honorable mentions:

  • HATCH Belly Oil: It’s pricey, and I don’t think this is a must-have, but they sure have their Instagram ad targeting set on “aggressive,” so I bought the mini version. It’s lasted me all three trimesters with occasional use. I’m adding it here because the small size did come in handy while traveling.

  • Nécessaire the Deodorant Gel: Does what it says on the tin. Smells good! Again, feels fancy—I’m a believer in spending a little more on things you’ll use daily, like handsoap or deodorant (especially when you’re likely not feeling your physical best).

Clothing, Loungewear, & Shoes

• H&M’s MAMA line for all the cheap basics: It’s been surprising to find that not many retailers carry maternity lines, but H&M’s comes out on top. I have biker shorts, big t-shirts, one dress, two tank tops, and a pair of maternity jeans from them. I’ve heard good things about HATCH and Storq for maternity wear, but honestly, I haven’t felt like spending a lot of money on maternity clothing.

• Birkenstocks: I’ve had to loosen up the straps twice now to accommodate my swollen feet. I have the suede ones and just bought the waterproof ones, which will also be my “hospital shower shoes.” (I’ve also heard good things about Freedom Moses sandals which are more or less the same thing.)

• Beyond Yoga maternity leggings: This brand deserves a medal for making THE softest maternity items, and all my pregnant peers seem to agree. I bought one pair of leggings that have lasted me throughout the whole pregnancy.

Lake Pajamas wrap-front robe: SOFT, leaves room for the belly.

• Lake Pajamas Robe: So. Soft! It’s a bit more spendy, but when I started feeling blah in the third trimester, having very nice PJ’s helped me feel more like myself. The wrap-front design will come in handy for nursing. I loved the material so much that I also bought this nightgown secondhand on Poshmark."

• Other notables:

  • Nursing bras from Old Navy/Gap: Cheap, reliable, does the job as my sizing grew. I’m also loving this one from Quince; the material is slightly better and smoother.