Essential Pregnancy Products
Being pregnant is like being on the rollercoaster of life. Along with the highs and lows come the cravings, the tiredness, and all those odd feelings. Besides your cherished pillow, there are a few magic items that might just be your best pals during this extraordinary time.
Prenatal Vitamins and Supplements
Prenatal vitamins are your sidekick for keeping you and your baby in tip-top shape. They fill in those pesky nutritional gaps and make sure you’re getting what you need.
| Vitamin/Supplement | Daily Dose | Why It’s Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Folic Acid | 400-600 µg | Keeps neural tube defects at bay |
| Iron | 27 mg | Keeps up with blood volume demands |
| Calcium | 1000 mg | Builds strong baby bones |
| Vitamin D | 600 IU | Helps calcium do its job and boosts immunity |
Folic acid is a superstar, packing its punch even before you know you’re eating for two. The March of Dimes swears by a multivitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid every day.
Iron is another big player, helping your body manage that uptick in blood volume. And don’t skip out on calcium — it’s all about strong baby bones. Vitamin D? It’s the little helper that makes sure calcium gets absorbed and keeps the immune system humming.
Always have a chinwag with your doctor to find the right mix of prenatal vitamins, and see if you need to toss in some extras like DHA or iodine. For a deeper dive into nutritional needs while pregnant, check out our health and nutrition during pregnancy section.
Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Products
Hormones love to party during pregnancy, and they tend to use your skin as their dance floor. Picking the right skincare products is a big deal to keep you and baby safe.
| Skin Woe | Can Use These | Avoid These |
|---|---|---|
| Stretch Marks | Shea Butter, Vitamin E | Retinoids, Salicylic Acid |
| Dry Skin | Hyaluronic Acid, Coconut Oil | Parabens, Phthalates |
| Acne | Benzoyl Peroxide (small doses), Glycolic Acid | Stay away from Accutane, Tetracycline |
Stretch marks can be a right pain, but shea butter and vitamin E have your back with their moisturizing magic to keep skin stretchy.
Dryness gets the boot with hydrating heroes like hyaluronic acid and coconut oil. Give parabens and phthalates a miss due to their dubious reputation.
Hormone-driven acne attacks? A dab of benzoyl peroxide or glycolic acid does wonders, but steer clear of heavy hitters like Accutane and tetracycline.
For more scoop on pregnancy-safe skincare, Boppy has some solid picks for mums-to-be. Consider our story on comparing pregnancy pillow brands: what sets mumbi apart? to check out other essentials.
Picking the right vitamins and skincare will seriously up your pregnancy game, just like that snug hug from your favourite pillow. For more insider tips, visit our guides on best pregnancy pillows for different sleeping positions and the ultimate pregnancy pillow buying guide (2024 edition).
Maternity Wardrobe Essentials
Expecting a baby? Your wardrobe’s about to become a whole new ball game. Those everyday clothes now have a new job: to keep you comfy and supported. Among the top 10 must-have pregnancy products besides a pillow, comfy shoes and maternity wear steal the spotlight.
Comfortable Shoes and Clothing
While you’re busy growing a tiny human, your body goes through a lot, and the right shoes and clothes can be lifesavers. Comfy shoes are more than just nice—they’re necessary to keep you steady on your feet and avoid any risky falls.
Easy slip-on shoes are a godsend for swollen feet, offering ease and support as you stride through this exciting phase (Boppy). Look for shoes with roomy toe areas and breezy materials to keep things comfy.
| Shoe Type | Perks | Top Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Slide-on Shoes | Swelling-friendly, easy on | Birkenstock, Skechers |
| Sneakers | Supportive, airy | Nike, Adidas |
| Flats | Cozy, chic | Tory Burch, Clarks |
High heels? Save them for a night out in the future. Right now, you’ll want flats or low heels to keep mishaps at bay (March of Dimes).
Maternity Leggings and Jeans
Maternity leggings and jeans aren’t just wardrobe extras—they’re game-changers for moms-to-be. They give you the stretch and comfort you’ll need as your body transforms.
Maternity leggings are like a cozy hug for your belly. Made to stretch with you, they feature special panels that cradle your growing bump. Perfect with tunics, long tops, and dresses—they’re as versatile as they come.
Maternity jeans bring style and comfort together. Whether you’re into under-bump or over-bump styles, these jeans mimic your regular denim but with a snug fit made for your new shape.
| Clothing Type | Features | Favourite Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Maternity Leggings | Stretchy, belly-hugging panel | Lululemon, H&M Mama |
| Maternity Jeans | Under-bump or over-bump designs | Seraphine, Motherhood |
Fill up your closet with these maternity must-haves to stay stylish and snug as your little one grows. Want to dig deeper? Check out our articles on best pregnancy pillows for every sleeping position and what makes Mumbi stand out in pregnancy pillows.
Health and Nutrition During Pregnancy
Taking care of what you eat during pregnancy is crucial for both you and your baby. Here, you’ll learn about must-have nutrients like choline and calcium and why they’re important right now.
Nutrient Requirements in Pregnancy
Your appetite might grow along with your baby bump! Starting in the second trimester, you should be munching an extra 340 calories every day—picture that as a glass of skim milk and half a sandwich .
| Nutrient | Daily Need | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Iron | 27 mg | Dig into lean red meat, poultry, fish, beans, iron-fortified cereals |
| Folic Acid | 600 mcg | Prenatal vitamins, munch on leafy greens, or citrusy treats |
| Calcium (age 19+) | 1,000 mg | Reach for dairy goods, fortified plant milks, leafy greens |
| Calcium (age 18 or younger) | 1,300 mg | Same goodies as above, just more of them |
Iron’s a big deal because it helps make all that extra blood you need while expecting. Aim for 27 milligrams of iron daily, which is a serious step up from the usual 18 milligrams when not pregnant. Then there’s folic acid, which is a champ at stopping major brain and spine defects in your baby, needing about 600 micrograms each day, often found in prenatal vitamins.
Importance of Choline and Calcium
When you’re pregnant, choline and calcium become your buddies. Choline is all about brain and spinal development for your little one and stops those tricky neural tube defects.
Calcium, on the other hand, helps build sturdy bones and teeth for your baby. If you’re under 19, snag 1,300 milligrams a day, while those over 19 need 1,000 milligrams. You can find it in dairy, fortified plant milks, and some greens.
| Nutrient | Daily Need | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Choline | 450 mg | Go for eggs, poultry, fish, dairy products |
| Calcium (age 19+) | 1,000 mg | Dairy delights, leafy greens, fortified plant milks |
| Calcium (age 18 or younger) | 1,300 mg | More of the dairy, leafy greens, fortified plant milks |
Iron stands out again—it’s vital during pregnancy. It boosts hemoglobin, so your blood can carry oxygen around. Your need for iron is twice as high now, so feast on iron-rich foods and vitamin C boosters to help absorb it (March of Dimes). Skip the calcium, coffee, tea, and soybeans when you’ve got an iron-rich plate since they play hard to get with iron absorption.
Want more scoop on eating during pregnancy or to find great products to help you along? Check out our articles on the ultimate pregnancy pillow buying guide (2024 edition) and best pregnancy pillows for different sleeping positions.
