Pregnancy Essentials: 6 Must Haves During Your Pregnancy
A pregnancy journey comes with its own set of highs and lows, but it doesn’t mean it’s not a rewarding or fulfilling one. For a first-time mother, this can be an exciting and stressful process.
Before shopping for your newborn, it’s important to take notes and get everything you need for your pregnancy. Let’s take a look at some of the must-haves for expecting mums below.
1. Pregnancy Pillow
As your body experience changes throughout your pregnancy, daily activities such as sleeping or lying will not be as easy as it was before. Getting a pregnancy pillow is a much-needed essential for all pregnant mothers.
Thoughtfully designed to contour to the shape of your body, its ergonomic structure makes lying on your side so much more comfortable as it supports the extra weight from your growing baby.
Get a more restful and comfortable sleep with a classic favourite - Doomoo Buddy: Organic Cotton Multi-functional Cushion. This 3-in-1 pregnancy pillow is great for sleeping, nursing, and lounging, making it last even beyond your pregnancy stages. Made with organic cotton, it’s soft yet firm, providing exceptional comfort all day.
2. Maternity Wardrobe
You’re bound to outgrow not only your clothes but your footwear as well! A typical and practical maternity wardrobe includes dresses that are wide around the torso, maternity pants with a thick and elastic waistband, and maternity bras to accommodate a growing size.
It’s only natural for your feet to get bigger during pregnancy as they need to support a heavier and growing weight. It’s critical to invest in a flat pair with good arch support that you can easily put on. Your feet may even continue to grow until the end of your pregnancy, so it’s best to invest in footwear one to two sizes bigger.
Pregnancy will also give you hip and back aches, especially in your second and third trimesters. Consider getting maternity belts to provide better support for your back as your baby gets bigger and heavier.
3. Childbirth or Pre-natal Classes
If you are a first-time mum, you may not know what to expect during labour. To physically and mentally prepare yourself better, you can consider attending childbirth or pre-natal classes, or reading up on relevant books or online resources.
Pre-natal classes also called antenatal classes, help you and your partner to get ready for labour, birth, breastfeeding, and caring for your newborn baby. It teaches you how to prepare for labour. Many parents believe it helps them feel more confident as birth approaches.
Much of your pregnancy experience is based on your emotions. Hence, managing your expectations and being aware of what to expect and prepare for will make this experience easier when the day comes.
4. Itch Lotion / Shea Butter
Your belly expands faster than your skin can regenerate when you’re pregnant, causing stretch marks, itchiness, and tightness, especially during your second trimester. This is completely natural. However, the itchiness may be quite uncomfortable or unbearable for some expecting mums!
Hence, it’s important to be prepared with a soothing lotion, as well as shea butter, to help moisturise the area. Opt for organic products or ingredients that are recommended by your doctor, as your skin is more sensitive during this period.
5. Medicine for Pregnancy-related Discomforts
Pregnancy is an emotional roller coaster ride and may also come with discomforts such as morning sickness, nausea, constipation, and heartburn.
Pregnant women may experience these in varying degrees, also depending on the stage of pregnancy. It’s best to prepare a pouch for all your “emergency” needs (and even snacks) just in case you need it!
Keep in mind that you should consult your doctors directly on any medicine or vitamins that you should be taking to help alleviate the pregnancy woes that you are experiencing.
6. Apps for Pregnancy Tracking
There are various pregnancy tracker apps available out there, including Ovia or Pregnancy Tracker: Baby Bump. This is particularly helpful for first-time mothers who want to keep tabs on their weekly pregnancy updates.
These apps show illustrations of your baby growing, their sizes when compared to fruits, or even movements you can expect to feel from your little one! Some apps may also recommend food and beverages you can include in your diet.
Keep in mind that you should still get advice from your doctor on what’s best for you and your baby! But the app sure does provide a good (and fun!) way to keep track of your baby’s growth.
Finding Reliable Baby Products
If you’re an expecting mum, ensure that you’re getting your baby nursery essentials from a certified baby store to ensure they meet the required safety requirements.
Hatchery Cribs has a widely curated range of essentials for both you and your baby past your pregnancy stage, including pregnancy pillows, nursing chairs, bedside bassinets, and wearable breast pumps. Browse our website or drop by our showroom to view our products in person this weekend!
