It’s hard to believe that I am already almost 6 month’s pregnant! The second trimester really flew by and I have learned a couple tricks and tools along the way that have really helped my pregnant body. The things that I mentioned in my video are listed below. Click on any of the pictures to get your own! Coconut Oil-I have been a huge fan of this oil since before I was even pregnant because it has so many uses. For pregnancy, I use it mainly on my skin. I melt it in my hands and use it on my belly and hips to help any stretch marks that are inevitable for me. I know I will get some so this just helps with any unnecessary over-stretched skin. It will not prevent stretch marks if you are prone to them, however. I also eat it! Just a spoonful a day keeps skin moisturized from the inside out. You can get it at most grocery stores. Look for virgin, unrefined.
Pure Lanolin- This is another little skin-saver. I developed a little bit of eczema during this pregnancy and so I have been using it on that. But even if you don’t have eczema, lanolin is great on any other dry areas you may have. We’re talking cracked heels, elbows, knees and even when nursing comes around for poor little chapped nipples. It can be sticky so make sure you are not wearing anything that could get oil-stained like blouses, unless you wear a tank top under. I have found it washes out though.
Axia 3 Heartburn relief– Heartburn may start to creep up on you during the second trimester so when it does, have these tablets ready. They are free from artificial flavors, colors, and corn syrup. Very similar to Tums in that they provide instant relief. They aren’t to be eaten like candy though, too much calcium is not good for you or the baby. Just remember that they won’t make your heartburn disappear for the remainder of your pregnancy but it’s a symptom that won’t last too long so these will help while you do have it.
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Paige Maternity Jeans– These are not your average maternity jeans! These are so great because they act like your regular jeans, belt loops included! They only have stretch on the sides of the hips, making it very hard to distinguish them as “maternity.” I love that you will be able to wear them after you deliver because they are in your pre-pregnancy size. They sit under the belly but offer a comfortable stretch while you grow. They also come in a selection of styles. I just like the “skyline skinny”
Bringing Up Bebe book– If you are looking for a well-written, laugh-out-loud, practical application to parenting book then this one is for you! I love the perspective that the author gives on how the French parent their children. She gives tips on how she learned how to make her daughter sleep through the night, not throw tantrums, and love green veggies. It’s a great read and I just love how it’s very real and shows the mistakes she made along the way. Parenting is hard work, but Pamela Druckerman gives us the viewpoint from the French that it can be a calm experience.
Pregnancy Pillow– As you get bigger, you will notice that the extra weight can cause extra painful spots on areas while you sleep. If you wake up sore in your hips or knees, or if you wake in the middle of the night with limbs that have fallen asleep, a pillow may really help you out. This pillow is great because it rests under your belly, giving support there and also in between your legs to help keep your spine neutral. Putting a pillow between your legs also reduces extra pressure in your hips when you’re pregnant, which reduces pain.
Amazon Prime– My husband and I have been prime members for a couple of years now and it helps so much! It’s about $80 a year to be a member but you get free two-day shipping (sometimes 1 day), it arrives at your door (which is great for heavy items), and for a pregnant woman-you don’t have to lose that much-needed energy in going shopping. Because, lets face it, you will be shopping much more than normal. Amazon in general is also a great place to make your registry, especially if you have family members who don’t live close. I can tell you that I use my membership at least a couple days a week! We get anything from toilet paper to bed sheets delivered in any given week. I’m looking forward to putting diapers and other essential baby items on the “subscribe and save” list in the very near future! *Side note- as a member, you get access to tons of movies and tv shows as well* You can at least try it out for a month and see how much you like it first here
Snacks– I have become extra hungry this trimester, especially for things that are not very good for me, like sugar. So it’s good to have regular healthy snacks on hand for when you are starving in between meals or on the go.
Some snack ideas include:
–Cheese and crackers –Olives-healthy fats and omega-3’s. My favorite are castelvetrano olives. They are much milder in flavor than your typical green olive and don’t have that bitter flavor. They are known for their bright lime green color.
–Nut butters-try to find low sugar nut butters. Hazelnut butter is very good for you, but not Nutella! It should have 6 grams of sugar or less per serving.
–Avocados– these are a great way to get some fast nourishment. Full of antioxidants and healthy fats for baby’s brain, this snack is great sliced in half, pit removed. Season with salt and pepper, some olive oil and a squirt of lemon juice and eat with a spoon straight out of the skin!
Related: Third trimester essentials
