Pregnancy Favorites + A Few Thoughts (2nd & 3rd Trimesters)
I’d planned on doing separate posts for both my second and third trimesters, but at 36 weeks I figured it’s better to just get this written before our little babe makes her debut any day now.
The last 5 months have actually been fairly easy all things considered, which I know isn’t a given and I am so, so grateful to be able to type those words.
In my second trimester, I felt great and back to myself again after a tiring and nauseous first trimester. Even into my third, I’ve been active, (mostly) full of energy, sleeping well, and only really starting to feel “pregnant” as I enter this last month.
That being said, there have definitely been some ups/downs + figuring things out along the way — so I’m taking this opportunity to share what’s been working, answer a few Qs, and link the products/brands I’ve been loving.
Pregnancy Favs
For Moving My Body
I love being active and need to move my body daily for mental health in addition to all the physical benefits. It’s my release and a form of meditation.
Up until 28 weeks, I was able to do modified versions of my regular workout classes like kickboxing and dance cardio, just without jumping and lowering the weights I used. Since then, it’s been a lot of walking (usually 2-3 miles daily) and a 10-15 minute sculpt session several times a week.
As my belly grew, I started to feel my round ligaments pulling when I worked out — and even though it’s not the most fashionable thing in the world, this maternity belt has been my BFF for all things movement. Without it, I definitely wouldn’t be able to be as active.
I’ve also started stretching, practicing breathwork, and getting in a solid set of squats most days to prep and open my pelvis for labor. Lately, I’ve also been bouncing and sitting on this exercise ball to help engage and move baby girl into position.
Summer Travel
We took advantage of being able to travel this summer — seeing family in California, Indiana, and New York. Plus a babymoon in Savannah.
With all of those flights and extra walking, I wanted to be sure I was supporting my body + circulation. These compression socks were amazing on the plane and paired perfectly with my Birkenstocks — quite the statement.
I also tried to do legs up the wall, supported with a pillow, every night or between outings to move fluid out of my legs and back into circulation.
Supplements
In addition to my prenatal, DHA, and vitamin D supplements, I’ve added the following as pregnancy progressed based on my particular needs and doctor recommendations.
Women’s Pro-Flora
So I’ve never had a yeast infection but ended up with one at 14-weeks. Apparently, they’re very common during pregnancy as your vaginal pH changes. And while I had to use a cream to treat it initially, there was no way I wanted to get another one so I added in these probiotics daily which are specifically designed to promote women’s urogenital and vaginal health.
Iron Bysglycinate
We need stocked iron stores for postpartum tissue repair and. mental health — however the baby’s needs and blood loss from labor/delivery make anemia (low iron) incredibly common in late pregnancy and post-birth. Supplementation in addition to increasing iron-rich foods like red meat, chicken thighs, spinach, and lentils is often recommended when levels come back low on lab tests. Iron supplements are known to be constipating though, which is why I personally started to take this brand which is much easier to assimilate and hasn’t caused any issues so far.
Magnesium Citrate
Speaking of constipation, it’s bound to happen at some point and I’ve actually experienced some minor hemorrhoids too. Whenever I’m feeling a bit stopped up or uncomfortable, I add a few capsules of magnesium citrate to my bedtime routine. It helps pull water into the intestines and makes for an easier movement the next morning.
Digestive Enzymes
Again with digestion… I’m actually lucky that she’s carrying low and not pressing against my stomach causing the deaded heartburn and constantly full feeling — but it does happen, usually at dinnertime. So when I’m feeling like I need the extra support, I’ll add in these to help break down my meal more efficiently. They were also great during travel when we were eating later and enjoying heavier meals.
Sleeping
I’ve actually slept well so far — likely because my belly isn’t huge and she’s not giving me heartburn. Definitely up 3-4 times during the night to pee and occasionally dip into the peanut butter around 2am when I’m feeling low blood sugar, but other than that I can’t complain.
Because of this, I’ve actually not invested in a pregnancy pillow. Instead, opting to use the pillows from our guest bedroom to help support my belly and legs.
I did however order THIS PILLOW to support my back when sitting upright in bed. It’s been great when I want to rest during the day but still be on my computer to work and I think it will prove super helpful postpartum while nursing. In my mind, I think it will be more useful long-term than a pregnancy pillow that I’d only really use for 5-6 months.
A lot of my pregnant friends have experienced restless legs at night. This has happened to me a few times but hasn’t been awful. Whenever I feel that tingly feeling or need to unwind a bit more, I make sure to either take an Epsom salt bath if I have the time or I use this MAGNESIUM SPRAY for a similar effect. It’s also great for sore back muscles. I’ve been using it more and more these last few weeks.
Skincare
I’ve gotten so many messages about what I’m using to prevent stretch marks and to be honest I just didn’t see the point in buying a cream marketing specifically for this. Instead, I use my OSEA BODY OIL after I shower in the morning and then massage in this PRIMALLY PURE BODY BUTTER at night. They’re both super hydrating which is what you want.
Melasma can also be a problem during pregnancy due to fluctuating hormone levels so I’ve been super adamant about SUNSCREEN and wearing hats whenever I’m outside in the Florida sun. So far it’s been under control and I’ve seemed to avoid the discoloration. I also credit this SERUM and this CREAM to help keep my skin hydrated and calm.
(Non)Maternity Clothes
I always knew I didn’t want to go the traditional maternity clothes route — sure they’re useful for roughly 6-7 months when your bump is big enough to fit into them, but then you’re stuck with a closet full of items you’ll only wear again if another babe is in the plans.
A few pieces are definitely maternity-specific such as a pair or two of maternity jeans/shorts, leggings, and maybe a few longer tanks/tees/sweaters to grow with the bump. But in general, I’ve gone the route of adding quality pieces that aren’t specifically made for pregnancy but work really well for this season of life too. This way I can wear them for years to come either as-is or with a few minor alternations.
Brands I’ve been loving include:
Emerson Fry
Madewell
Mirth
Jenni Kayne
Apiece Apart
AYR
Everlane
Frank & Eileen
VARLEY
lululemon
*Most of these brands I was able to wear my normal size or one larger depending on the cut of the garment.
And for maternity-specific Items:
HATCH (dresses, leggings, tops, jumpsuits)
DL1961 (jean shorts)
Madewell (jeans)
JBrand (jeans)
Plus a few thoughts on…
My Changing Body
I was so excited for the first signs of a growing baby bump — something I’d been dreaming of for years.
Our little girl started making herself known around 12 weeks if I wore the right clothing and it was the best thing ever. But as my pregnancy progressed, I noticed other parts of my body changing in addition to my cute little belly — my hips were wider, breasts bigger, and the small patch of varicose veins in my left leg was spreading and getting more pronounced by the week. Now that we’re nearing the end, I’m also noticing more fluid retention and puffiness, especially at night.
As someone who’s previously suffered from eating disorders and body image issues, these changes (while completely normal, natural, and beautiful) have been challenging for me and something I’ve had to work through via journaling and talking with a few friends who know my history.
Most people comment that I look great, am “tiny”, or to be sure and eat a cookie because I’ve gained a minimal, though healthy, amount of weight.
At the end of the day, I truly do love my pregnant body and accept the changes as what’s needed to grow a human being from scratch (!). I also know I’ll miss this bump and feeling her kicks once she’s in my arms.
But a reminder that body insecurities in pregnancy hold true regardless of how big/small you’re carrying. Give yourself grace, feel it all, and trust your body is growing exactly as it needs to be for a healthy pregnancy.
Listening + Trusting
I’m so incredibly proud of my body for nourishing our baby girl these past nine months. And I’ve learned a lot about leaning into the ebbs + flows.
Surrendering to the fact that this body isn’t fully mine at the moment and trusting that I intuitively know what my body needs — honoring my instincts vs. pushing through with what I think I “should” be doing.
That may look like:
Skipping the salad and eating the peanut butter bagel.
Cutting a walk short when I feel it might be too much that day.
Adding in a short weight session when I’m feeling strong in my body that day.
Texting a client to see about rescheduling, knowing I can give more to her tomorrow.
Having this mindset has allowed me to release a lot of the guilt and trust the process — making challenging pregnancy moments a bit more manageable — and is something I’ll be leaning into even more postpartum.
