Being pregnant for the first time can be scary — lonely, terrifying and just plain overwhelming. As a soon-to-be mom, I’ve been learning a ton throughout this entire experience — from friends, books, but most importantly, from listening to my body mixed with a whole lot of trial and error. And because I love sharing in an effort to relate with and help others, I wanted to offer up wealth of knowledge I’ve managed to gather from these last 36 weeks. My “pregnancy must haves” — across clothing, brands, products and overall tips to keep in your back pocket.

SHOP THE EDIT

FLORAL SHIRT DRESS | CORK SANDALS | BASKET BAG | SUNNIES | PEARL HOOPS

• 

• 

PREGNANCY MUST-HAVES // CLOTHING

COMFY LEGGINGS

Staying comfortable is key, especially when you’re at home or acting casual about town. I have been l-i-v-i-n-g in the “Align Legging” by Lululemon. So much I decided to get three pairs — black, olive and camo. The high waist is perfect for bump, you feel as if you’re wearing nothing while on AND the stretch goes back so you can rock post bump.

Preferred brand : Lululemon

COTTON MIDI DRESSES

If you follow me on Insta, I’ve been talking about this a lot lately — and for a good reason. I’ve been living in cotton midi dresses this entire third trimester across loose to fitted. They’re lightweight, offer breathability, can be paired under a blazer or lightweight jacket, and can show off your arms and legs to your desire — via a tank cut or slit up the side.

Preferred brands : H&M +Mango + Anthropologie

CASUAL BLAZERS

To pair with the assortment of dresses above, I suggest making sure you have a good selection of blazers that can offer some sort of tailored look to the (let’s be honest) off shape you’ll become. I love a good longer blazer with rolled sleeves. It can also help hide arms if they’re become large than normal.

Preferred brands : Aritzia + H&M + Mango

MATERNITY DENIM

Now I’ll be the first to tell you that going through a pregnancy without buying maternity clothing is completely possible. But if you’re really craving wearing denim, which I did back in the winter and early spring, it’s so worth it to invest in a pair or two of maternity denim.

Preferred brands : DL1961 + Paige + Madewell

MATERNITY PIECES

However, the flipside to that argument is that why not treat yourself to a maternity piece or two during this special time in your life? I only believed this to be true after learning about the female founded brand, HATCH. They create pieces to be worn before, during and after pregnancy — throughout all seasons of life — and the quality and design is certainly not compromised.

Preferred brand : HATCH

COMFORTABLE LOUNGEWEAR

You’re going to be hanging at home more than usual, especially as it gets closer to your due date and after you learn that listening to your body is best. So be sure you have several cozies lined up in the loungewear department vs your husband’s baggy t-shirt and sweats. Act pregnant, but keep it cute. Ya feel me?

Preferred brands : Nation LTD + As We Are Now + Lunya

COZY ROBE

I’ve always been a robe girl. I live in my “getting ready robe” post shower and during my getting ready process and then since being pregnant have lived in my cozy robe when I wake up and before going to bed. Well, except maybe now as we just hit 90 in Seattle. This I suggest just going naked ;).

Preferred brands : Natori + Ugg + Lunya + Papinelle

EASY PAJAMAS

Just what you’d envision under your robe and slipping on before bed — something loose, easy and comfortable. A few pieces to work with your expanding belly — because let’s be honest, you’ll want zero waistbands during the third trimester. Trust me.

Preferred brands : Natori + Papinelle + Honeydew Intimates

SLIPPERS

No matter what the weather, I’ve also been a slipper girl. I despise wearing shoes in my house because #germaphobe and a pillowy cushion to buffer my soft feet against the cold floor just feels right. Especially when you’re carrying that extra poundage!

Preferred brands : Ugg + Lou & Grey + Birdies

PREGNANCY MUST-HAVES // WELLNESS

SLEEP MASK

Because sleep… is important! And I admit at this point I could have used more of it. I haven’t really napped this entire time but what has helped me sleep as solid as possible throughout the night has been my super soft sleep mask. Blocking out all light is a must and I just love the way this feels during wear.

Preferred brand : Slip

JADE ROLLER

And if you don’t get enough sleep… which is going to happen… be sure you have a roller to refresh your face in the am. I love keeping mine in the freezer or at least putting cold water on it before application.

Preferred brand : Herbivore

SLEEPING PILLOW

Okay, I have a hate/love relationship with this thing — and so does my husband. For obvious reasons such as it adds basically two extra people in your bed. But when you need some assistance sleeping on your side, there’s really nothing better. Yes, using a king size pillow works great but having a dedicated pillow for preggo positions does wonders.

Preferred brand : Leachco

PRENATAL VITAMINS

Sooo important. And you should have already been taking these months before getting pregnant. Hell, I actually started taking them six months before we even started trying — because hair, skin and nails :). Getting into a routine so you don’t miss a day is key, and I looove Ritual for keeping it chic, lemony and fun every day.

Preferred brand : Ritual

WATER BOTTLE

Drink water like it’s your job. And if you do already, up the anty. You need to flush out all the toxins you can while staying hydrated and keeping things moving in your system. Yes, you’ll frequent the bathrooom but this is bound to happen anyways. So just do it — and get a water bottle you love and can carry with you everywhere to help you do it.

Preferred brand : Hydroflask + VitaJuwel + Swell

DIFFUSER + ESSENTIAL OILS

There’s really nothing better than falling asleep to a mist of soothing oils. I was just tossing lavender drops on my pillow before bed, but then I realized I could have a mist go as I fell asleep. Genius!

Preferred brand : Aera + Vitruvi + Serene House

MEDITATION APP

I’ve been practicing meditation for over a year now and it’s still a work in progress. I’ve tried a variety of methods across self-discipline, mantras and apps (Headspace, Oak, Inscape) and so far have been the most pleased with Calm. Starting off my day with a 5-10 minute meditation has really given me the peace from within as my mind races a million miles a minute on to do lists around what “needs” to get done before baby. #ProTip : Just breathe.

Preferred brand : Calm

DAILY JOURNAL

Pairing the above daily meditation with a daily journal session is the best. First you get to calm your mind, and then you get to reflect on what elements of positivity you have in your life. It’s truly the best way I’ve found to start

Preferred brand : Five Minute Journal

PREGNANCY LITERATURE

Preferred brand : Nurture

• 

• 

PREGNANCY MUST-HAVES // BEAUTY & SKINCARE

BODY OIL

This is a must apply on the daily, maybe even twice a day, to avoid those stretch marks!

Preferred brand : Eminence Organic Skincare

CLEANSER

Recommended from my med spa esthetician to help with wrinkles, pigmentation and acne during pregnancy while I have to ease up the treatments.

Preferred brand : Skinceuticals

FACE SERUM

Swear by this clean brand and serum — it’s such a quencher! Use morning and night.

Preferred brand : Mad Hippie

MOISTURIZER

On that clean beauty train — love how this helps fight blemishes as well.

Preferred brand : OSEA

EYE CREAM

Such a natural zing to those under-eye bags you’ll acquire from minimal sleep.

Preferred brand : Youth to the People

SPOT CREAM

Since salycic acid and retinol is pushed to the side, this zit attacker has worked wonders.

Preferred brand : Mario Badescu

FACE TONER

Have used this for years and love the gentle, yet effective toning.

Preferred brand : Pacifica

DEODORANT

I’ve tried sooo many and am sooo happy I’ve found the brand that works for me — and the scent!

Preferred brand : Native

PREGNANCY MUST-HAVES // TIPS

EXERCISE REGULARLY

Though I know feeling sluggish, nauseous and overall not well are very common feelings, but believe when I say a good sweat will do your body good. I don’t know what I’d do without my Peloton, Pure Barre studio nearby and just being able to go on walks. It’s kept me feeling as close to myself as before and it’s such good training for the labor — which I hear is compared to the hardest marathon of your life.

DRINK A TON OF WATER

Like, a lot. Hydration is key and plays an important role in the development of your baby. It helps to form the placenta, which is what the baby relies on for nutrients. Dehydration can lead to low amniotic fluid, inadequate breast milk production and even premature labor. So make sure you’re drinking water all day to flush out the toxins in your system and stay cool.

TAKE YOUR PRENATALS

Start doing this months before you start trying. Prenatal vitamins help replenish folic acid, iron, vitamin D, and calcium stored in the body, which can help keep you strong and prevent health complications. I swearrr by Ritual as highlighted above.

HAVE A SELF CARE ROUTINE

Ladies — this is essential. Establishing time within your day (I recommend the morning) to focus on you and what you need to fuel you is soo important during this crazy time. There are so many thoughts and emotions due to all the crazy hormonal activity going on, so make sure you put your sanity first. Peep my 7-step routine here for inspo.

STAY SOCIAL

It’s easy and natural to want to hibernate during these nine months, as you just feel a little off. I’ve done my fair share of staying in my house where it’s familiar and comforting to me, but that’s led to me feeling very helpless, unmotivated and overall sad. Set weekly dates with friends. If you work for yourself, set up shop at a cafe. Make dinner dates with the husband. Hell, go out and dance with friends. You still can! Bottom line: get out and remain social.

GET OUTSIDE

This goes with the above — always opt outside. Get some sun on that face and move while breathing in the fresh air. It truly does a body, soul and mind good. Walking helps to keep your blood pressure and sugar low, plus can help you with a speedy delivery.

EAT WELL

Yes, cravings happen. My sweet tooth is REAL these days. But making sure you’re staying balance throughout the day with what you put into your body is important. There are soo many amazing recipes that are great for women who are growing a baby. Focus on foods rich in Vitamin C, Folic Acid, Iron and Calcium. I love the recipes found in my favorite book Nurture — and these here.

LOOK INTO GETTING A DOULA

I went back on forth on whether getting a doula was the right choice for me, but after talking with friends about their experiences, doing the research on benefits and interviewing a handful, I was sold. Studies have shown that having a doula on your birth team can decrease the rate of a c-section by 50%, the length of labor by 25% and aids with post-partum. In addition, they’re your advocate and will help guide you along the labor-prep and birthing process. I have recs if you need any in Seattle!

FOAM ROLL

I’ve been living on my foam roller every night because, my god is my back aching like a mofo in this final month! Not only does foam rolling help alleviate any pains you might be having, it increases your blood flow circulation. I’ve been experiencing sciatic pain in the back of my legs lately and this definitely has helped.

GET ADJUSTED

Seeking chiropractic care can be such an added wellness benefit to your pregnancy. A chiropractor can help alleviate any back pains as well as prepare your pelvis for the best birthing position. Keeping the spine aligned and well helps to ensure your nervous system is communicating effectively to all parts of the body — especially your reproductive system.

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY

Last but certainly not least, listen to what your amazing body is telling you. Yes, it’s amazing. It’s doing soo much work behind the scenes to create a human being that you’ll soon be holding in your arms. So when it gives you a sign to slow down, take a sip of water, nourish it or kick your feet up — you best listen. You’ve only got nine months of being able to use the pregnancy card. I suggest you take advantage ;).

I hope this post has served you well — whether you’re a first-time mom-to-be like me, already a mom or planning to become one. Overall, I’ve learned everyone’s experience is very different. So if anything, be sure you’re really leaning into your intuition and doing what’s right for you. There’s a crazy amount of information available to mothers these days — which can be so helpful, but also so overwhelming. My advice would be to take it day by day, while taking in others’ advice as it feels right to you.

If there’s any must-haves and tips that worked for you that I may have missed — please share them in the comments below.

Wishing you a healthy and happy pregnancy —

// cb ????????