I'm currently 36 weeks pregnant with my 2nd bubba, so being pregnant twice in a space of about 2 years, I can safely say which products/services were truely essentials. Now my essentials may differ to yours as with everything but its at-least it is something you can think about
Body Oil/ Moisturiser
I've used a variety of body oils during my pregnancies (BioOil, Nuxe Dry oil, Earth Mamma Belly Oil) and I'm currently using the Clarins Tonic Oil to help with the growing belly. I don't see much of difference between the oils in the result. Whether or not they truely help with stretch marks I'm not quite sure (I still firm believer it does truely comes down to genetics, but hey if it feels nice, and no harm done, why not?) I like to use them twice daily (sometimes more often) to help keep my itchiness at bay. You can use just lotion or oil, I tend to prefer oils as I find them to absorb quick and keep my skin hydrated for longer.
This time round I find my c-section scar also itches, like I can feel it pulling apart ( at times its a similar sensation to ant bites) and when I apply something moisturising like a body oil it instantly stops that (I even found my hand cream helps - had to use it in emergency when I was out, and my scar felt like it was on fire and all I had was hand cream). There are days where the itchiness is CRAZY and others when its not so bad.
Pre-natal vitamins
Pre-natal vitamins were recommended by my OBGYN, she provided me with the USANA brand which I used the first time round, but this time round I just bought what was easily accessible at the pharmacy - generally the Blackmore's Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Gold (I continue to use it post baby while i'm breastfeeding). I prefer the Blackmore's purely because they are capsule - easy to swallow, no funky taste or smell, and they are generally on sale for around about $35 for about 3 months woth.
In addition to a specific pre-natal vitamin, I also take:
Fish oil (benefits include: foetal brain and eye development, and possible reduction tin the chance of early labour - more research is needed thou). I would avoid cod live oil which also contains vitamin A (it can be teratogenic - I will discuss pregnancy skin care and vitamin A in a future Motherly Monday post)
Vitamin D - I take extra vitamin D (even thou it is in my prenatal vitamin) and the reason for this - prenatal vitamins generally only contains 400 IU (international units) of vitamin D and the recommendation during pregnancy is 4000 IU. Vitamin D is known to have a role in role in immune function, healthy cell division, and bone health.
Calcium and Magnesium - I started taking these when I began to cramp (mainly at the night and they started towards the end of my 2nd trimester. Since taking these, the cramps don't really occur, the calf muscles are still sore on some days but doesn't actually cramp.
Iron - I took these during my first pregnancy as my blood test showed a drop in my iron levels. I recommend the Maltofer brand as the iron complex is less constipating than the traditional ferrous sulfate complex. You can also take the iron with a vitamin C supplement or eat some oranges/drink organge juice (vitamin C helps with the absorption of iron). I've decided to started taking them this time round again now (without having any blood test, as I know I'm having a cesarean this time round and my previous emergency cesarean I did loose quite a of blood, (just shy of being classified of post-partum haemorrhage).
Coloxyl - I took this during my first pregnancy due to having constipation issues, straining and possible haemorrhoids . I don't seem to have too much of an issues this time round so haven't really been using them, but I have them on hand.
Maternity Clothes
I remember the first time round I delayed wearing maternity clothes for the longest time possible. This time round I couldn't get in them quick enough. To be honest, I popped out a lot earlier the 2nd time round, and I just found maternity clothes to be so much more comfortable. They don't have to be expensive. Kmart, Target, ASOS and Boohoo all have decent maternity clothing that is reasonably price.
I say the main thing about shopping for maternity clothes is keep it simple, and think about being able to use it post pregnancy (i.e. breastfeeding friendly options as well). Some people snapped back post pregnancy, I however did not, I had a lot of fluid post surgery they lingered for about a week after birth, and I was not one of those mums that lost the weight during breastfeeding ( I gained actually, and wasn't really able to shift the weight until I stopped pumping/breastfeeding).
Essential of maternity clothes are the maternity/nursing bras! Loose the the underwire (uncomfortable and can actually lead to clogged ducts and mastitis during breastfeeding stages). My favourite would be the Bonds Maternity Wirefree Crop - I wore them while I was pregnant and it has a clip down for when you are nursing your little one). It also worked well with my breast pump (the Elvie and the Cimilre handsfree breastshields so I didn't have to bring/use a seperate pumping bra)
Remedial Massage/Osteopath
I could not express my gratitude for my remedial therapist and my osteopath. I suffer from pelvic instability and 'lazy glutes'. I started seeing a remedial therapist at around 28 weeks with my first pregnancy but this time round I started earlier at around 15 weeks. I see her fortnightly up until around 30 weeks which then I changed to weekly. She tailors each massage dependent on what my areas of concerns were (generally my lower back and glutes) but would also cover the rest of the body - it was a bit of combination of remedial and relaxing massage.
My Osteopath is also fantastic. I didn't see one during my first pregnancy, but I did this time round as my remedial therapist recommended it. A session involves a mixture of adjustments and massage in the tight spots.
Both my remedial therapist and osteopath specialises in prenatal and post natal, and I feel more comfortable going to them knowing they have done the extra training and know the changes our body goes through during pregnancy and post. Post session I do feel a little sore in the areas they worked on for about 24 hours, but generally feel a lot better.
These sessions are not cheap, but if you have good extra cover for your health insurance its definitely worth having a look into seeing a therapist
FisioCrem
I was first introduced to this product by my remedial therapist. After completing my massage she would apply the Fisiocrem to the really sore muscles (it has been of late down the middle of my back along the spine and on my glutes). It provides temporary cooling relief to my achy muscles and perfectly safe during pregnancy. I don't use this everyday, only on days whereby I'm really sore - tends to be towards the end of pregnancy when I'm heavier and the strain on the back is more intense.
Belly Band Pregnancy and C-section 3 in 1
This belly band is the bomb and I got a lot of use from it both in my first and 2nd pregnancy. During my pregnancy this band helps provide lift and support for my back and glutes especially due to my pelvic instability. An alternative and similar way to provide relief and support is using kinesiology tape (the same product athletes use to tape and support their muscles). I notice a significant reduction in my back, hip and glute pain on the days I wear the belt.
Post birth, this band provided support around my Caesarean. Without it I would have to hold my tummy to walk - it felt like my whole insides wanted to fall out. If you didn't have a Caesarean you can also you this band for post-partum recovery, just to hold you in and provide that support.
It is quite a thick material (so not that comfortable on them hot summer days (fine if you're in aircon), and they also offer a small strip support if you don't need the full width.
Pregnancy Pillow
I use Dentons Pregnancy pillow (I managed to pick on up during my first pregnancy on sale for $10 as the package was sun damaged). I believe my remedial therapist sells them at the clinic for $40 or $50. But any wedge shape pillow will give a similar effect of supporting the belly (Target has some for about $10 from memory). At times I like to lie on my back but can't due to the pressure, so placing this wedge pillow on the back gives me the ability to semi sleep on my back without being completely flat on my back.
In addition to this I also place a pillow between my knees and this helps with my pelvic instability issues. Any regular pillow will do, but I personally use my Manduka Enlight rectangular bolster (its my home practice yoga bolster - its a lot lighter that traditional bolsters which makes it perfect). I would also use this to provide back support when I want to have both back support and belly support.
I had the whole body pillow ( one of those U shape ones) but this time round I didn't seem to enjoy that and felt it was too restrictive.
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