31 Pregnancy Essentials for Every Trimester

Pregnancy is a roller coaster. My two pregnancies were very different, even though, both times I was pregnant with a girl. With one baby, I felt nauseous, but never actually needed to run to the toilet bowl. She was also late, like more than a week late. I gained 30 pounds, and held onto most of them for a loooong time. With my second girl, I was nauseous (and vomiting) a few times a day. She was early, and I left the hospital zippered comfortably into my pre-pregnancy jeans. Yeah, not stretchy leggings, friends. Jeans.

So, there go all of those gender-based wives’ tails. And, no matter how many babies you have or how different each pregnancy is, there are a few predictable obstacles you’ll face. Here, I’m sharing a few must-haves that will help you navigate through each trimester. With both of my pregnancies, I found myself starving, hot, cold, nauseous, exhausted, energized, schlumpy, and sometimes, surprisingly chic. Basically, everything could change at a moment’s notice in a way that you’re just not prepared for pre-pregnancy. So, grab a pen (or a Pinterest button), and take note. Here is everything you need to keep your skin moist, your nausea under control, and your nights full of restful slumber. I’ve even included some books to get you through all the time you’ll spend waiting in the OB’s office for all of those appointments.

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31 Pregnancy Must-Haves for Every Trimester

PsiBands Acupressure Anti-Nausea Wrist Bands

Reduce your risk of all-day, earth-spinning nausea with these colorful, low-profile anti-nausea wrist bands. Choose one design, or mix it up everyday. One on each wrist is all you need to minimize typical morning sickness.

When it's Essential: First Trimester (*and if, god forbid, the morning sickness comes back)

Find it here: PsiBands
KLOUD City Bra Extenders

Before you invest in a bunch of larger bras to support your growing boobs, invest in these uber-affordable bra extenders to give your current lingerie a longer shelf life throughout your pregnancy. These first months are bound to make your breasts extra senstiive, and the last thing you need is a bra strap digging into your skin.

When it's Essential: First Trimester

Find them on KLOUD City
Books: Bringing Up Bèbè & The Baby Owner's Manual

You'll probably be gifted a copy of traditional pregnancy books, but these two options should definitely be added to your must-read list. Whether you want to delve into how the French raise such poised, tiny little ones or if you want a funny, tongue-in-cheek look at babies to ease your mommy worry, this two books will be good additions to your library. (Check out more pregnancy books we love!)

When it's Essential: First Trimester

Find them here: Bringing Up Bèbè & The Baby Owner's Manual
Olly Essential Prenatal Multi & Omega-3 Vitamins

Make sure you're getting all the nutrients you and your baby need. These Olly prenatal and Omega-3 vitamins deliver exactly what your body is craving, especially at a time when you may be too queasy to keep down real food.

When it's Essential: First Trimester

Find them on Olly
Bobble Bottle and Filters

You'll need water non-stop during these early months. Constant thirst, and bathroom trips, are going to become your new normal. These Bobble bottles have a filter so you can fill up from even the sketchiest public water fountains without worrying about microbes.

When it's Essential: First Trimester

Find them here: Bobble bottles and filters
Tracy Anderson: The Pregnancy Project

Staying active is vitally important throughout your pregnancy. Not only will it lift your mood and keep your weight gain in a healthy range, it will also help you avoid the dreaded constipation that plagues most women. This Tracy Anderson workout set includes nine different workouts tailored to help you stay motivated each month of your pregnancy.

When it's Essential: First Trimester

Find it here: Tracy Anderson
Tazo Organic Spicy Ginger Tea

Sometimes, the nausea just takes control. Stay on top of the urge to purge by keeping this ginger tea on hand. It's organic, and better yet, caffeine-free. So you don't have to worry about harming baby or keeping yourself up all night if you chug some before bedtime.

When it's Essential: First Trimester

Find it here: Tazo
Simply Balanced Snacks

As soon as the nausea starts to pass, you'll be hit with pangs of ravenous hunger at the most random times. Having healthy snacks, like these organic Simply Balanced treats, close by will make it easier to make start choices.

When it's Essential: First Trimester

Find it here: Simply Balanced
IKEA Ormhassel Throw

The first month of pregnancy is all about sleep. You'll find yourself exhausted by 8 p.m., and you'll pass out on the couch more often than not. Be ready with a snuggly, warm throw blanket so you can turn your couch into your bed away from the bedroom. Because, let's face it, no one wants to trudge upstairs at 2 a.m. to get in bed.

When it's Essential: First Trimester

Find it here: IKEA
Nicole by OPI Nail Polish

Vanity shouldn't take a back seat just because you're about to go into mommy-mode. But, it's important to play it safe. These Nicole by OPI nail polishes are free of harmful chemicals that most polishes contain.

When it's Essential: First Trimester

Find it here: Nicole by OPI
Bump Nest Pregnancy Pillow

After you wake from the hibernation phase of the first trimester, you'll find that your burgeoning belly makes getting comfortable nearly impossible. Forget about wedging various pillows under your knees and around your belly to get a good night's sleep. The Bump Nest pregnancy pillow is the answer to your groggy, sleep-deprived prayers.

When it's Essential: Second Trimester

Find it here: Bump Nest
bkr Water Bottle

Yup, you're still chugging water like crazy in the second trimester. Get a second bottle, like this pretty bkr one to keep in the car or at the office.

When it's Essential: Second Trimester

Find it here: bkr
Gap Moccasin Slippers

Temperatures changes happen at the drop of a hat during pregnancy. Welcome to your first hot flash! A comfy pair of slippers makes it easy to kick off this extra layer quickly as your fluctuate from chilly to sweating.

When it's Essential: Second Trimester

Find them here: Gap
H&M Maternity Jeans

Style and comfort go hand-in-hand when you work a pair of trendy jeans with an elastic belly panel. This H&M pair is affordable, stylish, and easy on the waistline. What more could you ask for?

When it's Essential: Second Trimester

Find them here: H&M
H&M Maternity Dress

Sometimes, you'll have to don something a little more pulled together than your daily denim. This H&M maternity dress is so flattering that I wish they made it in a non-prego style.

When it's Essential: Second Trimester

Find it here: H&M
BLANQI Support Tank

As your belly gets heavier, it really starts to weigh on you. Literally. This BLANQI support tank allows you to wear your own bras, while it lifts and supports your growing belly. Buh-bye, back pain!

When it's Essential: Second Trimester

Find it here: BLANQI
Honest Co. Organic Lip Balm

The hormones and changes in your body affect more than your baby. Your skin will freak out in a variety of ways. One of them is dryness. Keep flaky, cracked lips at bay with this Honest & Co. organic lip balm. The scents are so fresh and fruity.

When it's Essential: Second Trimester

Find it here: Honest Co.
Bath & Body Works 'Sleep' Aromatherapy

for some women, sleep becomes more and more elusive as the pregnancy goes on. Whether you're getting up to pee or just struggling to turn your brain off, it can be a challenge to snooze. Bath & Body Works' "Sleep" aromatherapy line is a gentle way to ease into a peaceful slumber.

When it's Essential: Second Trimester

Find it here: Bath & Body Works
LOVARTI Eyelash Sleep Mask

Heaven forbid you get to sleep only to have the sun's blaring rays wake you. This LOVARTI eyelash sleep mask is super chic, so it will last you long beyond the pregnancy.

When it's Essential: Second Trimester

Find it here: LOVARTI eyelash sleep mask
Victoria's Secret Constellation Pajamas

A cozy, comfy pair of pjs is another must-have for any preggo. The button-front top makes it easy to find extra room for your tummy to hang out. Simply slip a lightweight tank underneath and unbutton at will.

When it's Essential: Second Trimester

Find them here: Victoria's Secret
Ingrid and Isabel Cozy Wrap

You're finally getting pretty big, but your fashion still shouldn't suffer. This flow-y, comfy Ingrid and Isabel wrap is exactly what you need to feel stylish without squeezing into anything restrictive.

When it's Essential: Third Trimester

Find it here: Ingrid and Isabel
ASOS Suedette Maternity Leggings

And nothing goes better with an oversized top than super skinny leggings. These H&M suedette maternity leggings are the epitome of high-style without the high price.

When it's Essential: Third Trimester

Find it here: ASOS
Coconut Oil

By now, we all know that coconut oil is practically a miracle in a jar, and its awesomeness applies to pregnancy, too. Ditch nausea and constipation with a good 'ole dose of this subtly-flavored oil. Add it to smoothies, or just take a spoonful solo. (Of course, check with your doctor first!)

When it's Essential: Third Trimester

Find it here: Coconut Oil
Crane Drop Humidifiers

Combat dry skin during your pregnancy with these sleek Crane "Drop" humidifiers. They come in many colors, and are so modern looking.

When it's Essential: Third Trimester

Find them here: Crane
Sam & Libby Ashland Studded Sandal

The dreaded bloat! Forget trying to wedge your foot into strappy, too-tight sandals; try these beauties instead. They're super stylish, while also being wide enough to give your footsies extra room to breathe.

When it's Essential: Third Trimester

Find them here: Sam & Libby
Fit Spirit Exercise/Balance Ball

Sit on this Fit Spirt exercise ball to ease tension and pain in your hips. Try it right before bedtime to make it easier to get comfortable and have a good night.

When it's Essential: Third Trimester

Find it here: Fit Spirit ball
A Beautiful Mess Oatmeal Recipes

A filing breakfast is a pregnancy must. By the third trimester, hunger is one of your dominant feelings. Choose steel cut oats, and try out these oatmeal recipes from a blogger we love.

When it's Essential: Third Trimester

Find them here: A Beautiful Mess
Greatist Trail Mix Recipes

For snacks on the go, whip up your own delicious trail mixes. Nuts, fruit, and flavorful seasonings make it your possibilities endless. Get inspired with these great ideas.

When it's Essential: Third Trimester

Find them here: Greatist
Gillian O'Malley Microfleece Robe

Cover up without the binding waistbands. These super soft, affordable robes are essential for the home stretch of pregnancy.

When it's Essential: Third Trimester

Find it here: Gillian O'Malley
Burt's Bees Facial Towelettes

During those last few weeks, you'll be hard-pressed to find the motivation to wash your face, moisturize, and do an entire beauty routine before bed. Cut to the chase. Keep these Burt's Bees facial towelettes on the nightstand for a quick cleanup.

When it's Essential: Third Trimester

Find them here: Burt's Bees
Aden + Anais Skin Care

Embrace a new paraben-free, gentle skincare routine during your pregnancy. This entire collection is so pure it will work well for you and baby.

When it's Essential: Third Trimester

Find it here: Aden + Anais