Yes, pregnancy is as beautiful and magical as they tell you: You’ll get that coveted pregnancy glow, feel like a goddess warrior queen and your hair will grow like Rapunzel! Not to mention the fact that you’re actually growing a human.
But being pregnant is not for the faint of heart. You won’t sleep well for months, your feet and ankles will hurt despite only having been to the fridge and back and none of your clothes will fit (no, not even the “flowy” ones). So, if ever there is a time to treat yo’ self, it’s when you’re pregnant.
Some of these pregnancy splurges are spendier than others, but all of them will make a huge difference:
Pregnancy body pillow
Getting good sleep is crucial when you’re pregnant — and also nearly impossible. I waited way too long to get one of these, and then went through a couple of less expensive ones before splurging on this one, which doubles as a breastfeeding pillow (making the cost a little easier to justify).
Going to the chiropractor
Regular chiropractic adjustments throughout your pregnancy can help minimize the aches and pains that come with it, but did you know it also makes labor easier? Find a chiro that specializes in maternity and be sure to check if your insurance covers it!
Frequent date nights
If you have a partner with whom you're raising your child, spending quality time with them will help you cope with the emotional experience of being pregnant and foster the deep connection you need to become parents together. Squeeze in extra date nights or set aside time each week to check in with each other, even if it’s just for a walk around the block. After baby arrives, you’ll cherish the extra time you spent as a couple.
Cute maternity clothes
For a lot of women, one of the more challenging parts of being pregnant is coming to terms with our changing bodies. Don’t make it harder by forcing yourself into clothes that no longer fit — especially when there are so many fashion-forward and affordable options available. Rock that pregnancy body confidently in maternity clothes from ASOS, Old Navy and H&M.
Large, good quality water bottle
Water plays an important role in your baby’s development and minimizes nausea, constipation and many other less than delightful side affects of creating a new life. When my husband brought home a 32 oz. Hydro Flask water bottle for me, I balked at the price tag, but I quickly realized this thing was a lifesaver. It keeps water ice cold, which makes a difference in how much of it you’ll drink, and comes in a bunch of cute colors. Get the extra lid with the straw spout so you can use it during labor and nursing when one-handed sipping will be key.
Hiring a doula
Lucky for me, my sister-in-law is a doula so I had built-in pregnancy support. But I don’t know how anyone survives without one. Doulas are professionally trained to provide physical and emotional support and education during and after pregnancy. Their knowledge is priceless — and objective — which helps break through the noise of everyone and their mother’s pregnancy advice.
Comfortable bras and underwear
The undergarment struggle is real. All that strappy stuff becomes irrelevant and uncomfortable during pregnancy, and even though your body will continue to change — and your boobs will take on a life of their own toward the end — it’s worth it to get a few super comfy bras and panties that don’t cut off your circulation. I love the bralettes and underwear from Calvin Klein, which have thicker bands than usual.
Hot/cold foot roller
Hate to break it to you, sis, but as soon as you start putting on baby weight, your feet are going to hurt. It’s nice if you have a partner who will rub them at your beck and call (mine was a good sport about it 75 percent of the time), but you might get tired of nagging. This little device doesn’t look like much, but it is EVERYTHING.
Pregnant belly cast
I’m one of those “woo-woo” hippie-witch types, so making a belly cast just seemed like the right thing to do, but even if you’re not usually into that sort of thing, I can’t recommend it enough. Think of it as a tribute to the incredible feat your body is accomplishing. Plus, it’s not as hard as it looks to create one with the help of one of these kits, and the end result makes a special edition to your nursery décor.
A pretty journal
Taking a few moments every day to reflect on how you’re feeling physically and emotionally helps you stay present and connected to yourself. It also gives you something to look back on for reassurance next time around. I found that upgrading from my plain Moleskine to a pretty journal made the ritual feel more special and encouraged me to write just a little bit more.
