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So you’ve been pregnant for some time now and want to know what the best second trimester pregnancy essentials are, right?
Look no further, here’s a round up of 10 of the most important lifesaver items I had that helped me and so many other moms survive second trimester. While for many moms, second trimester of pregnancy is the easiest of the three, it can also come with some challenges if you aren’t prepared or equipped.
These are items you’ll probably want to have on hand BEFORE you arrive to second trimester and find yourself without one of them. These are tried and true second trimester pregnancy essentials that will make your life easier and much more comfortable.
BEST SECOND TRIMESTER PREGNANCY ESSENTIALS:
1. Maternity Clothes
Maternity clothes are one of the first and foremost second trimester pregnancy essentials. They’re completely necessary because this is the trimester when you’ll probably start to really pop. You’ll likely start gaining weight and just feel a bit bloated and like all your clothes are getting too tight.
I highly recommend these affordable leggings from Amazon. I wear them pretty much every day and just love the quality. Also, I love how high the belly band comes up, it feels like a nice hug around my belly all day.
Investing in some maternity sweatpants is a great idea as well. I ordered these affordable maternity sweatpants on Amazon because they’re nice and thin so you won’t get too hot or feel claustrophobic in them. They also have a nice, tall belly band which is great during this trimester when baby really starts to make an appearance. These will also be great for a few weeks postpartum as your belly goes down and you need something loose and thin to wear around the house while you recover.
In addition to these bottoms, I highly recommend getting some soft, oversized, comfy sweatshirts. They just feel so cozy and will be great during second, third and fourth trimester or postpartum. When you’re feeling large and just not great, sometimes throwing on a pair of comfy leggings and a big sweatshirt is just the fix you need. I absolutely LOVE this pink sweatshirt from Pink Lily because it’s great quality, so bright and happy and says “mama,” which makes me feel very official. Amazon, Abercrombie and Aerie also have great options.
2. Body Oil
Body oil is another top second trimester pregnancy essential item because as your belly grows and pops throughout this stage, you might get some stretch marks. Stretch marks might be inevitable, since you are growing a huge freakin watermelon underneath your skin, however there are things you can do to help at least reduce them.
Staying hydrated all day is a big one to keep your body nourished and your skin hydrated. Also though, using oil like HATCH Belly Oil, will help to deeply hydrate your skin. On the Think Dirty App, this product has a very low toxicity score, so it is pregnancy safe.
This pregnancy body oil contains calendula, sweet almond oil, and grapefruit oil, which help soothe irritation, promote stronger skin, and provide antioxidants. It’s also fragrance free, vegan and plant based, so it’s perfect for those with sensitive skin. I like using this stuff every night before bed. I slather it all over my belly, back, hips and breasts for some ultra-deep moisture action. It’s also a nice addition to your nightly self-care ritual and rubbing your belly is always good bonding for you and baby during pregnancy. 🙂
RELATED POST: First Trimester Pregnancy Essentials: 10 Essentials You Must Have
3. Comfy Socks
Comfy socks might seem a little random to be on a list of second trimester pregnancy essentials, but honestly just get them. These socks are so cute, great quality and it’s just good self care to get some fresh, clean, soft new socks when you’re feeling swollen and enlarged. These are cute to wear around the house, or out under a cute pair of sneakers. These socks are great too because they will last throughout the years far after second trimester is over. Just get them, they’re so good and so cute.
4. Belly Butter
Along with hydrated your belly with oil, I highly recommend also using a body butter like this one by Burt’s Bees. This brand is pregnancy safe and non-toxic, and contains Shea Butter and Vitamin E, which are both also great for hydrating the skin and providing nutrition. I like using the body oil at night since I don’t mind it getting on my pajamas. I like using this Burt’s Bees Belly Butter during the day since it’s not as greasy and won’t get on my clothes. Both are great, and you can also mix the two if you’re feeling super eager to moisturize!
5. Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins are on this list of second trimester pregnancy essentials because, obviously they’re essential to take throughout the whole pregnancy and even afterwards, actually! I love these Mama Bird Prenatal Vitamins by Best Nest Wellness because they are whole-foods based, made from natural ingredients and free of soy, yeast, fish/shellfish, sugar, preservatives, artificial colors and flavors, nuts, GMOs, and dairy/lactose. They are made in the USA, and are vegan as well. They never made me feel nauseous and you only need to take one a day which is amazing!
6. Water Jug
You really should be drinking 2-3 L of water every single day throughout your pregnancy. Dehydration during pregnancy can lead to serious pregnancy complications, including neural tube defects, low amniotic fluid, inadequate breast milk production, and even premature labor. These risks, in turn, can lead to birth defects due to lack of water and nutritional support for your baby.
I highly recommend investing in a large, cute water tumbler that you can take around with you everywhere you go and just start making it a habit to sip on this puppy all day every day for the next few….honestly just forever. You should be drinking more water everyday from this point forward, not just during pregnancy.
These Stanley 40 oz. tumblers are so cute, have a nice handy straw and handle and also are great because with how large they are, they still fit in your cup holder in your car!
7. Aquaphor
Throughout pregnancy, you’re probably going to notice your skin and lips feeling very dry at times. I keep Aquaphor around the house, in my purse, in my car and just about everywhere you can imagine. It’s so hydrating for lips, dry patches on the skin, dry feet, and even under the eyes!
Aquaphor is a great, mild intense moisturizer for super dry skin that literally works wonders and heals your issues in the blink of an eye. I’d highly recommend keeping some of this stuff on hand at all times!
8. Cera Ve Body Cream
This Cera Ve Body Cream is a great thing to have on time during pregnancy as well as afterwards! It’s ultra-hydrating and creamy without being greasy or sticky at all! I use this during the winter time as my primary skin moisturizer on my arms, legs, and even my face! It’s so mild and great for sensitive skin, and is highly recommended by dermatologists.
9. Maternity/Nursing Bras
Throughout this trimester as your body gets larger, so will your breasts, if they haven’t already! If your bras are starting not to fit, I highly recommend just ordering a few maternity nursing bras like these to get ahead of the game. You’re going to need nursing bras once baby comes, so you might as well get them now so you don’t have to waste getting larger bras with not a lot of function.
In all honesty, I tried the cute nursing bras like these Momanda ones, but I couldn’t figure out the right size and the bra straps squeaked which I found very annoying. So like, I tried to be cute and fun, but honestly, I found that the ugly bras just work the best. It just is what it is. I’d recommend at least trying the cute ones and deciding for yourself, but if those aren’t for you, then these not-as-cute ones worked like a charm and were very affordable.
10. Hair Clips
Your prenatal vitamins and hormones are likely making your hair, skin and nails grow like crazy! Embrace this phase while it lasts, it’s SO nice! I found these hair clips to really come in handy as my hair got longer and my energy decreased. They’re super cute to just throw your hair up and go about your day. They’re a great thing to have on hand for days you don’t feel like doing your hair or just want something cute and quick.
I hope this post helps you to feel more prepared for what’s to come throughout your second trimester of pregnancy. What an exciting time! You’re growing a whole human. don’t forget to slow down, smell the roses and soak in all the magic of this miracle of life that you get to partake in.
