My Favorite Things During Pregnancy
In today’s post I am sharing some of my favorite things during pregnancy, including health and beauty products, books/resources, certain meals/snacks/drinks and more! I hope it is helpful for any other expecting moms out there who are looking for some ideas!
PS: I am updating this now during my second pregnancy in spring of 2023 to reflect items I have loved this time around!
In case you missed them the first time around, here are some other pregnancy-related posts you might enjoy or find helpful:
- Pregnancy Announcement post — info on our journey TTC and pregnancy after loss
- 35+ Baby Registry Must-Haves
- Gender Reveal Party Info
- First Trimester Recap
- Second Trimester Recap
- What to Expect When You’re Expecting Baby #2
Be sure to check out my podcast, The Wellness For The Win Podcast, for tons of episodes on pregnancy, postpartum and all things motherhood.
Here are just a few to get you started!
- Episode #40: Pelvic Floor Health Before, During & After Pregnancy with Dr. Lizzie Kieffer, PT, DPT
- Episode #8: Optimizing Nutrition Before, During and After Pregnancy with Ayla Barmmer, MS, RD
Disclosure: this post does contain affiliate/commissionable links. Thanks for supporting my small business and using my links!
books / resources on pregnancy
Real Food For Pregnancy
This book is written by a Registered Dietitian and it is FULL of incredible information about nutritional needs during pregnancy (and more)! It is very evidence-based and really gets into the nitty-gritty details. I’m not sure if I just love it because I’m also an RD and find it all so fascinating, lol. But it is a very popular, reputable resource and I recommend it to everyone!
CLICK HERE TO SHOP REAL FOOD FOR PREGNANCY
Real Food For Gestational Diabetes
Lily Nichols, the author of Real Food for Pregnancy above, also has a book specifically for anyone with Gestational Diabetes. I have gotten several questions from other pregnant mamas on IG about recommendations for GD and I also suggest this book. If that is you, check it out! I would also suggest meeting with a dietitian one-on-one if you can so you can get some individualized guidance and have more support during your pregnancy.
Drinking For Two: Nutritious Mocktails For The Mom-To-Be
This book is super cute and would make a great gift for any expecting mom in your life! Or if you are pregnant and craving some fun drinks, check it out!
WORKOUT OPTIONS
My number one, go-to form of movement throughout my first pregnancy was walking. I think that was partially because we were in the thick of the pandemic and our gym closed and walking / getting outside became very therapeutic during quarantine. But it also continued to be a form of movement that just made me feel GOOD both physically and mentally throughout pregnancy.
Getting some fresh air, listening to good music or a podcast, and walking for around 30 minutes per day was my absolute favorite during my pregnancy with Rhett. Since he was born in January and I got pregnant in May, I had good weather for the majority of my pregnancy and could get outside and walk super frequently, and I was thankful to be able to do it leading up to delivery.
During this second pregnancy, I have continued to really enjoy walking. I found out I was pregnant in September, however, so I’ve had a lot more of this pregnancy during the cold winter months and it has been a little bit harder to get outside, but I make it happen whenever I can! I still absolutely love to walk for movement while I listen to a good podcast.
Expecting and Empowered Workout Guides
If you follow me on IG, you have likely seen me share about @expectingandempowered several times. Two sisters, Amy and Krystle, created these workout guides specifically for mamas during pregnancy and postpartum.
Amy has a Bachelor’s in Exercise Science, a background in personal training, and a Bachelor’s in Nursing, and Krystle has a Bachelor’s In Exercise Science, then went on to become a Physical Therapist. These ladies know their stuff about what is safe during pregnancy and optimal exercises to help with labor/delivery AND recovery after baby arrives.
They also share TONS of helpful content on their Instagram at @expectingandempowered, and they now have their own podcast! They even have several online courses you can checkout.
I’ve gotten so many questions about how to modify workouts during pregnancy and I always refer people to their program, because they are the experts on this!
You can use my affiliate code WELLNESSFORTHEWIN to save on your subscription to their app and get access to the workouts for all of pregnancy and postpartum. They even have an “elevated and empowered” program, which includes workouts that are more advanced when you’re beyond that early postpartum period. The app also includes yoga, core workouts and running! They have it all, and I have absolutely loved using the app throughout my second pregnancy.
For whatever reason, I’ve been able to stay way more consistent with strength workouts during my second pregnancy than I was with the first. Maybe because the colder weather has forced me inside more often, but I think I’m just in a season where it feels easier for whatever reason. I committed to doing the workouts every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and made it happen! They are also programmed to last around 30 minutes, which feels super doable and not overwhelming.
The pregnancy workouts include flexibility, pelvic floor and lots of strength exercises and there is an upper body, lower body and then full body day.
Let me know if you have any other questions on the app or the workouts!
You can learn more HERE and use my affiliate code WELLNESSFORTHEWIN to save!!
MYX Fitness Bike
We were gifted the @myx.fitness bike during my first pregnancy, and I loved it and used it often.
There are TONS of class options available on the bike, including workouts both on AND off the bike. You can also get a package that comes with a huge workout mat, set of dumbbells and a kettlebell to do the strength workouts, which I would definitely recommend.
To be honest, I haven’t done the bike workouts a ton during my pregnancy because 1) if it’s nice enough to go outside, I prefer to walk and get some fresh air, and 2) sitting on a bike isn’t that comfortable when you have a big ol’ belly, haha. I’ve also kinda lacked motivation to do much other than walking during pregnancy, even though I always feel so good when I do muster up the motivation to do a strength workout.
Update during my second pregnancy:
Unfortunately I have not used this bike in quite a while. They were bought out by Beach Body and everything changed, and I had some really frustrating issues with the technology after that, then we moved, and I didn’t attempt to get it set back up. Maybe eventually I will set it up again and see if I can find some workouts and things I like, but I was definitely disappointed by the changes. : (
Favorite Meals, Snacks and Beverages
Favorite Breakfast:
First pregnancy: Two scrambled eggs with spinach mixed in + cheese on top has been my GO-TO. Like, almost every day of pregnancy. It helps me start the day off with a good dose of protein, and provides lots of choline + folate (both important nutrients in pregnancy!), and best of all, it tastes freakin’ delicious. : ) I usually pair with a piece of whole grain toast with nut butter and my homemade chia jam OR a homemade baked good, like my healthy banana bread or carrot pumpkin muffins.
Second pregnancy: I still love scrambled eggs with spinach and cheese, and I will pair them with any of the above, or homemade baked oatmeal with @offbeatbutters on top (affiliate code wellnessforthewin to save). I also love pairing my eggs with whole grain avocado toast, like this breakfast sandwich here! However, I’ve also been LOVING smoothies during this pregnancy and doing those often! As well as overnight oats – a super easy, nutrient-dense breakfast that is super clutch during postpartum as well.
Favorite Beverage
First pregnancy: BODYARMOR LYTE drinks have become my new favorite. They taste SO good and during pregnancy your drink options are obviously limited, lol. Sometimes you just want some FLAVOR. I love the Peach Mango and Blueberry Pomegranate the most, but they have tons of delicious options.
I get the “Lyte” ones because they don’t have any added sugars, like the regular ones, which are similar to Gatorade. The Lyte ones do have sugar alcohols (erythritol) not artificial sweeteners, which appear to be a better option during pregnancy. Of course, do what you feel comfortable with! Note that some people do have digestive discomfort with sugar alcohols, so if you are sensitive to them, that’s something to be aware of. Thankfully I don’t have any issues with these.
People also say that the BODYARMOR drinks help with milk supply while breastfeeding, which is probably just due to better hydration status, as milk supply is really all about supply & demand, but if you feel like it helps, obviously go for it!!
To learn more about all things breastfeeding, pumping and more, you have to check out these podcast episodes with my favorite lactation consultant, Summer Friedmann of Done Naturally.
- Episode #47: All Things Breastfeeding & Pumping with IBCLC Summer Friedmann AKA Done Naturally
- Episode #48: Breastfeeding Part 2: Busting Myths, Pumping, Weaning and More with Summer Friedmann, IBCLC
You can find Body Armor at most grocery stores, but you can also get them a little cheaper in a pack on Amazon.
Favorite Snacks
First pregnancy: Peanut butter. By the spoonful, no joke. Lol. Especially before bed I find myself feeling really hungry and not wanting to go to bed on an empty stomach, so a spoonful of PB usually hits the spot! I’ve been loving the Kirkland’s brand PB from Costco, or Trader Joe’s salted crunchy PB, or ALDI organic peanut butter with just peanuts and salt. All delicious options!!!
This still rings true during my second pregnancy. : ) I’ve also been loving milk, and drinking a glass of whole milk before bed a lot of nights.
Also loving any kind of cheese for an easy, yummy snack, paired with whole grain crackers and/or mixed nuts. Unsweetened dried fruit. Honey crisp apples with peanut butter. Plain Greek yogurt with my homemade berry jam and @offbeatbutters mixed in. Peanut butter filled pretzels.
I don’t have a lot of “cravings” during pregnancy, but one thing that always sounds good to me: HARVEST CHEDDAR SUN CHIPS. So good.
For more snack ideas, check out this blog post!
supplements
Prenatal Vitamins
Another major FAQ — “what prenatal are you taking?”
I have been taking FullWell supplements (formerly Full Circle Prenatal) since before I got pregnant the very first time and I highly recommend them. They are a little pricier than other options out there, but developed by a Registered Dietitian and mother based on the best evidence available.
Full disclosure: I am an affiliate for FullWell, but genuinely love and believe in the product, use them myself and have spent lots of my own money on them!
HOWEVER, please don’t be discouraged if this price point is not accessible to you. There are plenty of amazing prenatals out there that will provide great nutrients for you and your baby. ALSO, we should not fully rely on supplements to give us the nutrients we need during pregnancy either; you can get SO many benefits from a healthy, balanced diet as well. Give yourself all the grace, mamas.
Check out this episode I recorded with Ayla Barmmer, the founder of FullWell, to learn about important nutrients we need during pregnancy and what to look for in your prenatal, whether that is FullWell, or something else! Listen here.
You can find the creator @aylabarmmer_rd on IG as well as the @fullwellfertility account. She shares tons of helpful info there on nutrition in pregnancy! FullWell delivers optimal forms and evidence-based doses of nutrients in an easy-to-tolerate formula. I never feel nauseous from taking these. One time I ran out and had to take something else for a few weeks and I felt like crap in comparison, haha.
The nutrients in Full Well supplements are delivered in forms that provide the best absorption and support the female body before, during and after pregnancy. Even if you’re not trying to get pregnant, you can benefit from the nutrients in these supplements. In addition, they go through extensive testing to ensure they are free from harmful contaminants including heavy metals and chemicals.
Serving size: You do have to take 8 pills a day, in divided doses — this is how they were designed for optimal absorption. She recommends taking 2 doses of 4 pills with food. I usually take 4 with breakfast & 4 with lunch, depending on the day. Whatever is easiest for you to remember!
I recommend reading through the FAQs on the website to answer any other questions you have about the prenatals. Note: they do not contain DHA or iron, because she doesn’t feel that fish oil is stable when mixed with other nutrients, and iron needs are so individual. FullWell now has their own fish oil product, so I take that in addition to the prenatals.
Iron supplements are not always well-tolerated – they often cause GI issues and constipation, which many pregnant women already struggle with. I have personally made a conscious effort to include more iron-rich foods in my diet and so far my iron levels have been okay. Of course, have your levels checked and talk to you doctor about your individual needs.
You can click here for info about other supplements that I personally have taken throughout my pregnancy. This does not mean that YOU need them; just sharing what I do. Always talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.
beauty products
As far as hair & skincare during pregnancy, I haven’t made an enormous amount of changes. For my skincare, I see my esthetician @rnmskincare every few months and I use products that she recommends specifically for my skin. They are all pregnancy safe. I did stop using retinol during pregnancy.
You can checkout my skincare favorites in this post: click here.
Deodorant
I did switch to natural deodorant a while back and it has actually worked well for me. First I tried Primally Pure deodorant and really liked it, but after a few months, for some reason I started having sensitivity to it. I switched to the brand Native (sensitive version) and haven’t had any issues!
With that said, I had to switch to men’s Old Spice deodorant when I was early postpartum last time because the pp BO is REAL. #iykyk — eventually I was able to switch back, haha!
Primally Pure Products
A couple of Primally Pure products that I have used and loved throughout my pregnancy include their dry shampoo and the body butter. The dry shampoo is a powder vs. a spray and they have one for blonde hair and one for dark hair. Obviously, I use the blonde one, and really like it! It works well on grease, adds a little volume and all of their products are non-toxic.
I’ve been using the Almond + Vanilla body butter on my belly and first of all, it smells like vanilla cookie frosting. YUM. But it also feels so nice on your skin! I’m not stressing myself out over preventing stretch marks, because to an extent they are unavoidable, largely genetic, and will fade with time if I do get them. It does feel good to keep your belly moisturized when your skin is stretching so much and can help reduce any itch, too. I really love this stuff and just ordered more.
Shave Cream
I absolutely love the Billie Shave Cream and body wash and it is also non-toxic. If you don’t already use their razors, you need. With pregnancy and/or mom brain, no one can remember to buy razors, lol. These show up at your doorstep as often as you want them to and they are super affordable. More info on Billie products here.
wellness/Sleep
As you all probably know, sleep during pregnancy can be a reeeeeal struggle. Which is why it is EXTRA ANNOYING when people say “sleep while you can before baby comes!” LOL, yeah, right. We would if we could, people!!!!!!!
Anyway, a few things that I found helpful for sleep.
Headspace App
First pregnancy: I absolutely love the Headspace app for guided meditations, especially before bed. If you have trouble falling asleep, or with any anxiety, highly recommend! Honestly, it can be so beneficial even if you don’t have those things! Meditation and mindfulness is good for the soul! They even have some pregnancy specific meditations.
Pregnancy Pillow
First pregnancy: If you follow my stories on IG, you know that I have had a love/hate relationship with this thing during my pregnancy, haha. I tried using it pretty early on, mostly to get myself to transition to sleeping on my side vs. my stomach. It kinda did help with that, but I did not find it comfortable at all.
I tried using it again around 32-33 weeks and actually like it now! I guess now that I’m bigger, the support feels nice, even though my belly doesn’t rest on the actual pillow or anything. It has tons of amazing reviews, so I know a ton of people love it throughout their whole pregnancy, but everyone is different! I had a lot of people recommend using a wedge pillow under the belly, or basically building yourself a pillow fort every night lolol. Whatever works for you, mama!
For most of my pregnancy I just used my normal pillows under my head and nothing else, but I’m thinking the pregnancy pillow may stick with me to the end now!
Second pregnancy: I didn’t whip out my pregnancy pillow until much later this time around. I probably pulled it out around 29-30 weeks and interestingly, I felt like it was causing me to hike up my leg more, and causing hip pain, so now at 32/33 weeks, I’m going without it and just trying to sleep with a normal pillow between my legs.
Honestly, still trying to figure out what feels best, but second pregnancy is SO different. You are so much bigger so much earlier, and sleep becomes a challenge earlier on. I may experiment with the pregnancy pillow again at some point, but for now I’m going without! So strange how every pregnancy is so different!
IG accounts to follow
Here are some Instagram accounts that either post helpful info about pregnancy, breastfeeding or a variety of other baby-related things!
- @prenatalnutritionist — pregnancy nutrition
- @fullwellfertility — pregnancy nutrition
- @safeintheseat — all things car seat safety
- @feedinglittles — all things feeding for babies/toddlers and baby-led weaning
- @kids.eat.in.color — same as above
- @nutrition.for.littles — tips on feeding kids/picky eaters
- @nutrition.for.mamas – pregnancy / postpartum nutrition
- @themamawell – the ladies from the two above accounts – both RDs, intuitive eating approach, body kindness for mamas
- @heysleepybaby
- @wellrestedweeones — baby sleep and more
- @biglittlefeelings
- @expectingandempowered — workouts / pelvic floor, etc.
- @themovementmama – pediatric PT (we did a great podcast together!)
- @thecounselingco – therapists in KC
- @wildhopekc — local to KC, therapy for women
- @doclizziedpt — pelvic floor health (check out our podcast episode on this)
- @empower.your.pelvis — pelvic floor info
- @lucieslist — I signed up for her email list and it has been nice for some helpful reminders throughout pregnancy
- @drsterlingobgyn — pregnancy, postpartum and parenthood
- @kidfriendly.meals — BLW and toddler meals
- @psychedmommy — mental health for moms
- @herselfpodcast – love ALL of their podcast episodes, tons of relatable content for moms
- @karrie_locher — postpartum, infant care, motherhood, breastfeeding tips
- @donenaturally – especially check out her YouTube channel with tons of BF videos, and our podcast episodes we did together! Episode #47 and 48 on WFTW podcast.
Check out this list of podcasts for mamas.
That’s all I can think of for now, but I’ll add to this if needed!
maternity clothes
Amazon Favorites:
I work from home, so 90% of the time (especially during pregnancy) I am living in athleisure / lounge wear, haha.
The pregnancy leggings I talk about CONSTANTLY are linked below. They are buttery soft, so incredibly comfortable, NOT compressive on the belly (which is very important to me, especially during my second pregnancy), and just the best. I have probably 7-8 pairs, no exaggeration. So many mamas in my community love them now, too!
Favorite Full-Length Maternity Leggings — true to size (I get my normal, pre-pregnancy size small). Get the black 2-pack and thank me later:
Maternity joggers — also super comfy, true to size. Wear these all the time in black:
Ruched T-Shirt Tops 3-pack — these are super comfortable and I love them. I liked having at least one black top and the others in this pack are cute too. Several color variations:
Sports bras — these are not specifically maternity but they are super comfortable and supportive and I have worn them a ton during pregnancy because my old sports bras don’t currently fit, lol. I just sized up one in these.
Nursing bras — I also transitioned to these as my “regular” bras once my pre-pregnancy ones stopped fitting me. Since they are nursing bras, I can obviously continue to wear them after while breastfeeding! They are super comfortable; I would recommend! Beware: they are NOT sexy, lol! I sized up in these also, anticipating the boobs getting REAL large once milk comes in. I normally wear a D/DD and I got an XL in these.
Maternity biker shorts — I really liked these for walks and workouts when it was warmer out! They also have pockets, which is always a win. I have them in black.
Black long-sleeved maternity dress — if you do need something a little dressier, this dress is a nice basic! You can accessorize with fun jewelry or a scarf, booties, etc. I’m only 5’2″ so it’s definitely a “midi” length on me.
Baby Shower Dress linked here.
Other Workout Favorites:
Best workout tank — these are from Athleta and stretch so well. I always size down in Athleta — I have an XS in both and they fit me all throughout pregnancy. So comfy; highly recommend.
Click here to shop the tank pictured above!
Click here for one pictured below — also Athleta, very similar fit.
Second pregnancy:
I recently became an affiliate for Senita after finding them through a few of my friends @nomastayinkc and @doclizziedpt. They have a ton of non-maternity clothing, but also lots of great maternity wear, like leggings, nursing bras and more!
I tried their Lux Maternity Leggings during this pregnancy and they are awesome. They have pockets and they are a great material for workouts + walks. They are fairly compressive – I sized up to a medium. If you like that good belly support, you will love them! Since I am really sensitive to tightness on my belly this second pregnancy, I primarily wear them for workouts or part of the day, but can’t wear them all day long! I will switch to my loose, cozy, cheap Amazon leggings for optimal comfort and breathing room lol.
I’m going to check out some of their nursing sports bras and will definitely report back!!
Check out Senita products here and use my affiliate code WELLNESSFORTHEWIN to save 15%!
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Mama Sweatshirt — I got this as a gift at one of my showers from a friend and absolutely love it. It’s so cozy and I wear it constantly. I am 5’2″ and have a large, which fits oversized and I like the fit!
Click here for mama sweatshirt
PINK BLUSH MATERNITY (AFFILIATE)
Maternity Jeans:
I had quite a journey finding maternity jeans during my second pregnancy. During my first pregnancy, I wore one pair the whole time – they were borrowed from my cousin and were from H&M. I wasn’t obsessed with them but they did the trick. During my second pregnancy, I could not find them anywhere, so I needed a different pair.
After trying on and returning what felt like 100 pairs of maternity jeans, I finally landed on this pair that I genuinely LOVE. I wanted to cry happy tears when I tried them on and they fit so well, because I was feeling so discouraged and just wanted at least ONE pair of jeans I could feel confident in. Sometimes it’s hard to feel beautiful in pregnancy when nothing is fitting right, so it’s so important to find at least a few staple items that help with that!
I know everyone is so different, but I’ve heard from others with different body types that they love these maternity jeans, too – I hope they will also work for you!
They are linked here: CLICK TO SHOP — you can use my affiliate code WELLNESSFORTHEWIN25 to get 25% off your purchase! If there is a greater discount than that going on, I still get credit if you shop through my link. : )
Other Pink Blush Maternity items I have loved!
This Blue Midi Dress – click to shop
Oversized Button Down Blouse – click to shop
Tons of cute maternity dresses to choose from, most of which are post-bump friendly! Click to shop
Plaid button up shirt – click to shop
Side slit sweater – would honestly be cute non-maternity, too! Comes in a ton of colors
services
Journey Chiropractic
I starting seeing @drjessbohlke at @journeychirokc early in both pregnancies and I cannot say enough good things about her. She is certified in prenatal care and I always feel better after I go!
If you’re in the KC area, highly recommend, even if you’re not pregnant! But she is amazing for mamas and also sees babies/kids. If you’re not local, make sure you see someone who is certified in prenatal chiropractic care.
3D/4D Ultrasound
First pregnancy: We got a 3D ultrasound at a place called Kansas 4D Bears & Babies in Olathe and had a great experience. The people there are so sweet and you go home with tons of pictures AND a file of the whole video. It was really cool to see his face and more of his features as opposed to a normal ultrasound. It was also great because Ethan was able to come, since he has only been able to come to one appointment (my anatomy scan) this entire pregnancy due to COVID. If you’re thinking about getting a 3D ultrasound, I definitely recommend!
I did mine at 27 weeks, which is around the time they recommended due to my height and the fact that baby starts to get crammed later than that.
We did not plan on doing a 3D ultrasound during my second pregnancy. I had an ultrasound at 30 weeks this time around and they switched over to 3D for a portion of it, so that was fun! But for the second time around, didn’t really find it necessary to do a full blown experience, although we found it fun and exciting for first baby! 🙂
AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Classes
First pregnancy: Ethan and I did the 5-week childbirth class at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission and found it to be SO incredibly helpful and informative. If you are local, I definitely recommend looking into their classes. We just did the 5-week one, but they also have a breastfeeding class, class about introducing your new baby to your dogs, and lots more.
Also, if you missed my post with tips on choosing an OB/GYN, click here.
I think that is all I have to share for right now! Those are alllll of my favorite things during pregnancy — I hope you found this helpful! I’ll be sure to update if I think of anything else!
I hope you have a happy and healthy pregnancy!
XO,
Shanna
