In Bloom Doula Services

I’m rounding out the end of my second trimester now. In fact today marks 25 weeks and 5 days. I only have about a week left until I’m in the third trimester and it is the most surreal feeling ever. For my first pregnancy I thought “finally! I thought I’d never get here!” But this time around I am having a hard time keeping up with the pace that I’m progressing at. Time is flying by!

A few months ago I made a list of my first trimester must haves, all of which I’ve continued to use throughout the following weeks because they don’t just stop being necessary or useful at week 12. I will link it here: First Trimester Must Haves. I know the second trimester is supposed to be the “easiest” trimester, and I think for most it probably is; even so I still wouldn’t call it easy. I’ve compiled a list of a few things that I think make the “easy trimester” a little more comfortable and even easier, if possible.

Maternity Clothes

First and foremost you will need maternity clothing. I know many women can make their regular clothes work at the beginning of their pregnancy, especially with their first. But once I got to  about 20 weeks with my first, and about 6-8 weeks with my second, I could not comfortably fit into non maternity clothing. The downside is maternity clothes can be expensive, which is why I tried to limit my purchases to basics or staples, plus some fun or pretty pieces that I’d enjoy wearing during my pregnancy. It is important to be comfortable, but it is also important to feel good, and have clothes that help you feel that way.

(PinkBlush Maternity)

I’d recommend the following:

• Maternity jeans- I really like maternity jeans from Old Navy and Indigo Blue that I bought at Motherhood Maternity. The hair tie in the loop/around the button trick will only work for so long.
• Maternity tank tops (a black one and white one at least.) They go with everything and your regular tank tops just will not make it the full 40 weeks.
• Maternity underwear/bras- These from Motherhood Maternity are super comfy and bras that fit are a must!
• Leggings- My favorite throughout both of my pregnancies have been these really soft leggings from Destination Maternity
• Several maternity tops for various occasions whether that be for work or just casual wear. My shirts quickly got to the point where they would not meet my pants. Maternity tops are a must.
• Dresses- My go to place for maternity dresses has always been PinkBlush Maternity, and several months ago I hosted a give-away for a PinkBlush gift card. It is over now, but you can still check out some of the styles featured here, Maternity Clothes That Easily Transition to Nursing Clothes.

Pregnancy Pillow

Around week 23 sleeping got quite uncomfortable. I always sleep on my side, so I began to feel a tugging on my stomach and through my hips. What helped relieve the pressure was having a pregnancy pillow. The one I have is linked here: Comfort U Total Body Pillow

Of course you don’t have to have this particular pillow because it is slightly pricey. Regular pillows under your belly or between your legs will be helpful at alleviating pain or pressure too, but the shape of this pillow is much more convenient because you don’t have to continue to reposition the pillow throughout the night.

Belly Creams

I know stretch marks are genetic. You either will get them, or you won’t; and the creams aren’t exactly going to prevent what is bound to happen, but they can help with tightness and itchiness. I know that creams, oils, and body butters do little to prevent what genetics determine, but I am still set on using them.

I use a variety of different creams, and got three, tiny, very light and hardly noticeable stretch marks right above my belly button when pregnant with Holden. And let me tell you, I was HUGE. So for this pregnancy I’m keeping up my routine of shea butter and bio oil nightly to prevent them as much as possible. I’m told exercise, staying hydrated, and limiting excessive weight gain can also help reduce the severity of the stretch marks.

Here is a list of products I use:

• Cleopatras Raw Shea Butter
• Bio Oil
• Palmers Cocoa Butter
• Belli Elasticity Belly Oil
• Bobbies Belly&Body Balm (that I can’t find online to link)

Fetal Doppler

Lastly, one thing I love to have is my fetal doppler. I love being able to check in on my little guy since appointments with my midwife are a month apart at the point. It’s comforting to hear the heart beat, especially in the beginning when worries are high, unfortunately it is hard to detect a heartbeat before 10(ish) weeks, which is why I am including it in this list instead. I have this SonoLine B Baby Doppler. It works wonderfully, and I can always find the heartbeat, which is fun to check in on from home.

Hopefully some of these things will help you during your pregnancy. When I was a first time mom I wanted to know what did I really need, what was really helpful, and what would make my pregnancy as enjoyable as possible. Pregnancy can be really tough, but it can be fun and exciting too!

-Alexa