Pregnancy Essentials
The supplements, comfort items, and survival gear that actually matters during pregnancy.
Supplements
Ritual Prenatal Vitamin
Clean ingredients, no nausea, subscription delivery. Capsule design means you can see exactly what's inside. The one I stuck with.
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Pink Stork Total Pregnancy Vitamin
Budget alternative to Ritual. Works well, more affordable. Good if subscription model doesn't work for you.
DoComfort Items
U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow
Giant, ridiculous, absolutely essential. Supports your back, belly, and legs. Your hips will thank you in the third trimester.
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Belly Band
For when your pants stop buttoning but you're not ready for maternity clothes. Extends the life of your regular wardrobe.
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Burt's Bees Belly Butter
Prevents/soothes stretch marks. Smells nice. No guarantees on preventing stretch marks (genetics matter more), but keeps skin moisturized.
DoSymptom Relief
Tums
For the inevitable acid reflux. Stock up. It gets worse in the third trimester. Keep some by your bed.
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Ginger Chews
For morning sickness (which can happen any time of day). Gin Gins or similar. Keep them everywhere.
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Sea-Band Wristbands
Acupressure wristbands for nausea. Drug-free option. Worked for some friends, didn't for me, but worth trying.
Worth trying
Unisom + B6
OB-approved combo for severe morning sickness. Check with your doctor first. This combination saved my first trimester.
DoApps
Flo App (Pregnancy Mode)
Transforms from period tracker to pregnancy tracker. Daily articles, symptom logging, countdown to due date.
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Babylist
Best way to set up your registry. Universal registry - add items from anywhere. Also tracks who gave what for thank you notes.
DoBooks
Expecting Better by Emily Oster
Essential reading. Breaks down the actual data on pregnancy decisions. Cuts through the noise of internet opinions.
DoNot gospel
Every pregnancy is different. Always check with your OB before starting new supplements. This is what worked for me - your needs may vary.