8 Maternity Must-Haves to Make Your 9 Months Amazing

Every woman has her essentials, a favorite perfume, mobile phone, maybe even a picture of her hubby; but when you’re pregnant these essentials change a little … sometimes a lot!

Of course every mom to be will still make sure to not leave the house without her iPhone, I mean pregnancy doesn’t make you crazy, but there are a few more must-haves that when you’re expecting, you’ll be shocked you had ever lived without!

#1 Camera

Although the time may seem to drag when you’re brewing your precious bump, this 9 months stage will seem to have flown by once your little one is here and you’re knee-deep in cuddles and diapers! You’ll only have this pregnancy once so it is definitely a time to get snap happy and document it all the way!

Even if you don’t feel too photogenic, what with swollen ankles and adult acne, pregnancy is beautiful and therefore so are you! Take monthly pictures of your bump as it grows; take them in a silhouette style, or with your partner and children kissing your bump. How about with your due date written on your belly that could be fab!

There are so many ways to get and as many women say that they miss having their bump once they’ve given birth, what a great way to treasure those precious 9 months and even share them with your little one when they’re older!

#2 Flat shoes

Couple With Pregnant Wife Crossing City Road

Sorry to say this muma but your dainty feet may not be so dainty for long. Lots of expecting moms suffer from swollen toes, feet and ankles making it very tricky to fit into your beloved stilettos! Not to mention you have a little added weight to carry around and a shifted center of gravity (yea that happens too!), which can make wearing high heels a little too wobbly for comfort.

It’s time to ditch the heels and get yourself some comfortable flat shoes with soft leather to allow for swelling. I found it great to keep a pair in my bag at all times to avoid being stuck with nasty blisters and sore tootsies!

#3 Water bottle

When you’re expecting a bambino you should be drinking 2-3 more cups of water than normal every day. There’s nothing worse than being caught out running errands without anything to drink, I personally feel guilty whenever I’m thirsty as I feel like bump must be thirsty too!

Keeping topped up with fluids helps to relieve swelling and prevent dehydration, hemorrhoids and bladder infection! It’s good to note that tea, coffee, juices and milk count towards your fluid intake however levels of caffeine and sugar should be limited.

Carrying a drinks bottle around with you in your bag means you’ll never be caught out, just make sure to top it up when you start to run low!

#4 Bellyband

If you feel like your belly is becoming a little bit heavy then a bellyband can provide you with great support. Not only does it lift your bump relieving that pulling feeling but it can also help to prevent stretchmark’s as there is less pressure on your skin!

Another fab use for these nifty little creations is this: If you can still fit into your favorite pair of jeans, but are struggling to do them up over your bump; simply leave the zipper or buttons undone and cover with the belly band. It will hold up your jeans and allow you to look fab without flashing any private parts!

#5 Body pillow

The pregnant woman sits

This is a must have for any mom to be. It allows you to find a comfortable sleeping position for when you get to that ‘I can’t sleep on my back, front or sides anymore’ kind of stage. It also provides your back with support when you’re sitting up and can assist in maintaining good posture too.

Body pillows aren’t just for pregnancy either. Once your bambino is here it’ll make a perfect nursing pillow, tool for tummy time and when hubby is away – something to cuddle!

#6 Diary/ blog

As well as documenting your pregnancy through pictures, it’s a great idea to take note of how you’re feeling. Many moms to be look back on their pregnancy and remember the main things like the scans and the sickness but not many remember how they felt emotionally when they felt that first kick, or what their main fears were for giving birth. It’s so important to cherish every memory and stage throughout pregnancy and as it’s a bit of an emotional rollercoaster with all those hormones, there are plenty of feelings to note down!

Buy yourself a cheap diary or even start an online blog. You could write daily or weekly entries, comment on the highs, the lows, the progressions and definitely your fears, expectations and what you’re looking forward to!

It’ll be lovely to read back on it once your baby has arrived and be able to cherish those moments of uncertainty and curiosity!

#7 Notebook

Pregnant woman and her husband writing the pregnancy diary on the sofa at home

When you’re expecting you may feel overwhelmed by the endless ‘to-do’s’ that you have to complete before the little bambino arrives. Every pregnancy app will tell you ‘today take time for yourself and get a massage’ but really when you have a nursery to decorate, a hospital bag to buy and a house to baby proof this can seem like just another chore to add to the pile.

As an avid organizer and someone who had to deal with moving countries, moving house and adjusting to a stepson all while getting ready for my first bambino, I became a list-maker.

Lists on your phone, lists on a notice board or lists on a pad of paper; it doesn’t matter how you make them but there is no greater feeling than ticking off a completed task and being one step closer to your little bubba’s arrival.

Break down your to-dos into manageable chunks. Allocate yourself time and don’t forget to reward yourself once you’ve cleared your list! There’s always room for that massage or facial on the list somewhere!

#8 Pinterest account

If you’re looking for nursery décor inspiration, ideas for pregnancy photos or simply tips on the best pregnancy yoga positions then get yourself a Pinterest account! There are millions of pins to help to inspire moms to be throughout their pregnancy and pretty much up until their bambino has flown the nest and brought back some grandchildren!

Make your pregnancy a time of getting creative and find yourself some inexpensive, simple and unique ideas to make your 9 months that extra bit special!

So there you have it, 8 maternity must-haves to make your 9 months that extra bit special and amazing! Get creative, get comfortable and get excited because these 9 months are going to be amazing!

About the author

Jessica T.

Jessica is a parenting and lifestyle blogger with a love for all things crafty, homemade and unique. She's worked around the world in the fields of special needs and TEFL and is currently a freelance writer based in her cosy little cottage in Hampshire, UK.

Add Comment

Click here to post a comment