Pregnancy Gear You Need To Have

February 13, 2021

Preparing for the birth of your child is a remarkable experience, full of joy and excitement. For all of you ladies who are currently pregnant or trying to conceive, you know that pregnancy can also be slightly stressful. Technology and research have come a long way, now offering some remarkable tools and resources to help you during your pregnancy. You're not alone, so check out these ten must-have items to ensure a happy, healthy pregnancy.

Pregnancy Body Pillow

There will be days when you just want to cuddle up and rest. You can purchasepregnancy body pillowsthat are designed to support numerous areas of the body at once. They are generally larger than your average body pillow, offering a unique shape to fit your changing body.

They also allow women to sleep more comfortably on their side, taking pressure off of their stomach and kidneys. In turn, many women experienced reduced swelling and a better rest overall.

Maternity Belt

Later in your pregnancy, your baby will essentially drop further into your birth canal. As your baby prepares for labor, this allows them to breathe easier. For you, you may experience increased pressure, as well as aches and pains. To counteract this, apregnancy belt is lightweight, yet provides the support you require. Many women swear by this handy support system.

Comfy Shoes

As your belly grows, you will experience more weight on your feet and ankles. Around week 22 to 27, approximately three-quarters of pregnant women experience swollen feet and ankles.

Although this is common, it does not make it any less uncomfortable. You want your blood and fluids flowing as freely as possible, so do not wear tight stockings or socks and source comfy shoes. If you experience pain, consider orthotic shoesand while at home, invest in a comfy pair of slippers.

A Good Old Fashioned Book

Depending on your current situation, you may have a little downtime. Why not use that time to expand your knowledge? The more you read and the more you learn, the better prepared you'll be.

Of course, every pregnancy is unique, however, knowing what's normal and what's abnormal may help you put your mind to rest. You can source all kinds of great, honest pregnancy books. From nutritional tips to breathing techniques, don't be shy to expand your pregnancy library.

All-Natural Moisturizer

Pregnant woman applying moisturizer on her belly

Due to hormonal changes, your skin may lose some of its elasticity and oil. In turn, many pregnant women begin to experience dry skin. Since many conventional moisturizers contain harsh chemicals, which find their way into your bloodstream, it's critical to source an effective, all-natural moisturizer.

Since dry skin can also lead to stretch marks, arnica oil is a great preventative solution. You should also ensure that you're properly hydrated at all times - both for your skin and the health of you and your baby.

A Journal

There's only once in your lifetime that you will be pregnant with this child and to make the event memorable, many women like to document their journey. What better way than a pregnancy journal?

Document how you feel, what you experience, the date your baby first kicked, and anything else that's important to you and your family. After they're born, you can continue to document your time together. Also, collect significant mementos that you'd like to tape or glue into your journal for a more memorable experience. Reflecting on these times in the future will be extremely sentimental.

Bellybuds

There has been some remarkable research conducted on pregnancy and music, as many women play therapeutic songs to their unborn baby. Although no one knows if babies can hear music within the womb or not, studies have shown that babies do react to music by moving.

Bellybuds allow you to attach small suction cups to your stomach, which play music to your baby. You may also benefit from listening to more calming tunes on a regular basis.

Fetal Heartbeat Monitor

You can source some pretty neatheartbeat monitors for later in your pregnancy. It's said that around the fifth month of your pregnancy, your baby's heart should be strong enough to be detected on these at-home monitors. With that being said, the position of your baby will have a lot to do with whether or not you can properly hear a heartbeat, as well as your weight.

There are more sophisticated versions, such as the Doppler monitor, which is comparable to the one in which your physician uses. With that being said, they are fairly costly. In most cases, these devices allow you to hear your baby's heartbeat somewhere around 10 to 14 weeks of pregnancy. Many women find this to be a highly rewarding experience while putting their mind to rest between appointments.

Prenatal Vitamins

Prenatal vitamins differ from regular vitamins in that they're created specifically for the needs of pregnant women. They contain more folic acid, calcium, iron, and other essential minerals. These prenatal vitamins are also important to take before you become pregnant, ensuring that your body has built up the nutrients it requires.

While you're pregnant, these vitamins not only help nourish you and your baby, but they can also reduce some of the most undesirable side-effects, such as nausea. Perhaps the most important reason to take these vitamins, however, is based on a reduced risk of birth defects. This is due to folic acid (also known as folate from food sources), which dramatically reduces neural tube defects in your unborn child.

Speak to your doctor about the best choices, considering a few key things. Early on in your pregnancy (the sooner the better), consume plenty of folate-rich foods, as well as a vitamin that yields at least 600 mcg of folic acid. Ensure that it also contains ample amounts of calcium (around 150 mg), iron, iodine, vitamin B6, and omega-3 fatty acids.

An Alkaline Food Chart

Food chart

Heartburn and acid reflux aren't strangers to an expecting mother. Instead of relying on medications or antacids, why not go straight to the source?

Acidic foods may be contributing to worsening symptoms, so understand which foods are alkaline and which are acidic. For the most part, alkaline foods are nutrient-dense, such as fruits, legumes, vegetables, and nuts.

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