When I first became pregnant it felt similar to when I got engaged – cue the overload of targeted Facebook + Google Ads which were telling me everything I needed to buy. Sound familiar? As a marketer, I admire these companies but was also extremely overwhelmed with what I needed to get – with the addition of suggestions from friends, family, etc.
I live a very minimalist lifestyle, I hate having stuff around which doesn’t serve a consistent purpose. One of my biggest fears when becoming pregnant was accumulating all of this short-term use pregnancy “stuff” and baby item after baby item which will not have long-term use. I have spent hours researching what will have a long lifetime in our household and if it does not, we are going to do without.
See my top pregnancy purchase recommendations below!
Maternity Leggings
Very, very, crucial. I did not start needing these until about 20 weeks but they have been a game-changer. I still wear my normal leggings for a quick 30-minute workout but any longer and I get way too uncomfortable. I searched high + low for good maternity leggings and found that a lot of them slid down when I put them on or the waistband was in an awkward place. I found two pairs from Nordstrom which I have been living in. I bought multiple pairs of these Zella Maternity leggings because I was wearing them so much. Great for working out, lounging, really anything. This pair from Nom Maternity has been a lifesaver for nights out with friends, wearing to the office, etc. They are currently sold out but this pair looks like it could be a close second.
Prenatal Vitamins
This feels like a given but definitely an important one to be listed. I use Garden of Life for many things in life + supplements. Their prenatal vitamins continually appeared as a recommendation when I was searching for one without artificial ingredients + dyes and I have loved it. If you like to keep pill swallowing to a minimal as I do, you will love the gummy version. If you prefer pills, there is an option for that as well.
Nucifera Body Balm
Trust me when I say the Body Balm by Nucifera is complete pregnancy GOLD. Complete gold. I have been using this since the moment I found out I was pregnant and it has been the ultimate relief for itchy skin + keeping my skin hydrated. I do not have any stretch marks and believe this product has really helped. I apply the balm on the entire area from my collarbone to the bottom of my baby belly every morning + night and apply as needed when I am getting itchy. The jars also last forever – I use the 4 oz for everyday use and just ordered it for the 3rd time. I keep the 2 oz in my purse for on-the-go purposes and ordered a 2nd one a few weeks ago. Love, love this stuff.
On the Go Snack Options
One of the hardest parts of pregnancy for me has been constant nausea. From weeks 8 to 16 I felt like I was in survival mode 24 hours a day. Since 16 weeks my nausea has subsided throughout the day and only comes at night. I feel like I have been my most shameless self since becoming pregnant and having to deal with “morning (all day) sickness”. The one thing which helps me tremendously is always having snacks on hand. I use Stash bags and always have either rice cakes + mini sunflower butter packets or organic pumpkin seeds on hand.
Pregnancy Day by Day Book
I have a few pregnancy books and the Pregnancy Day by Day one has been my favorite! One of my mom friends sent it to me as a gift and I have loved it. It is pretty big + heavy, almost textbook size and filled with so much information in a non-overwhelming way. The book goes through every day of pregnancy so I read it once a week to cover the week ahead. I listened to What to Expect When You’re Expecting on audiobook and would recommend this one as well.
A Stretchy Dress Which Grows With You
The minimalist in me had a fear of accumulating a bunch of maternity clothes which would serve me no purpose until the next time I was pregnant. This is the only maternity item I have ordered besides maternity leggings and one other dress – and it has been a lifesaver! During the summer it was thin enough to keep me cool and now that colder weather has arrived, I layer it with cardigans and sweaters. Looks great with sandals or booties and comes in multiple colors. Highly recommend! I wear this at least twice a week.
I hope you found some of these suggestions helpful! Feel free to send me an email ( courtney@curatedbycourtney.com ) if you have any questions about any products or are looking for additional tips.
