While often uncomfortable, the first trimester of pregnancy is an exciting time. It can be helpful to stock up on some products during your first few months of pregnancy.
Baby-related purchases should really be delayed until you’re past the halfway point in your pregnancy or unless you find an amazing deal on something you know your baby will need. It is also a good time to do your research on baby’s nutrition, especially if you plan to bottle-feed your lovely one with baby formula.
As the pregnancy progresses, you probably will get a lot of baby gifts – and realize you wasted money on the items. During your first trimester, you’re going to want to buy items that are going to be useful in taking care of you and your health!
Things to buy for your first trimester
Prenatal vitamins
When you are trying for a baby, experts recommend you take a prenatal vitamin containing 400 micrograms of folic acid. This can prevent birth defects affecting the baby’s brain and spinal cord.
Pregnancy journal
A pregnancy journal is a wonderful way to reflect back on the funny and crazy things you did while pregnant. Essentially, a pregnancy journal is similar to a diary – your own personal diary of your entire pregnancy journey, all the tears, laughs, sadness, shock, cravings … everything.
Skincare and beauty products that are safe
The majority of commonly used products are safe for pregnant women, but there are a few ingredients to avoid. Pregnant women should avoid retinoid products, such as Retin-A or Renova, as well as salicylates, which include products with salicylic acid (also known as beta-hydroxy acid). All of these can be harmful to your developing baby.
Safe cleaning products
Some cleaning supplies contain ingredients associated with an increased risk of congenital anomalies. The risk is especially high for heavy-duty cleaners like oven cleaners. Shop for non-toxic cleaning products. Yes, the prices tend to be higher, but they are usually worth it. This is especially necessary during the 9 months of pregnancy and the early months after giving birth.
Pregnancy pillow
Because of all the things going on in your body, you may have a hard time sleeping so you might as well be comfortable. You’ve probably seen these strangely shaped body pillows at maternity stores. Whether it’s a C shape, a U shape, or just a wedge, pregnancy pillows will help you feel comfortable enough to sleep.
Supportive bra
Your breasts will grow at least one cup size during pregnancy, and they will become heavy and sore, particularly in the first trimester. As your breasts will continue to grow throughout your pregnancy, you need a bra that is supportive, soft and adjustable.
Maternity clothing
You probably already know that you need to buy maternity clothes. During pregnancy, you will outgrow your regular clothes at some point. The item you will need the most is maternity pants, though you may be able to wear sweatpants or a waist expander until you need maternity pants. By the second trimester, you will need maternity shirts and pants to accommodate your growing belly, waist, ribcage, and breasts.
During pregnancy, a lot of time and effort goes into planning and research (which baby formula to choose etc.) what your baby will need – and buying tiny infant clothes, and accessories is a lot of fun, too. Nevertheless, expectant moms have their own needs and deserve their own pampering as well. Despite the fact that being pregnant is a blessing, it can also be very physically and emotionally challenging.
Some of the best gifts you can give yourself don’t even have price tags: a nap, a long bath, or the chance to sit back and relax. Keep it simple, but don’t cut corners. It’s your right to take whatever steps you need to make the next nine months as comfortable as possible for you.
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