Pregnancy Survival Kit

maxi dress // cute water cup // Eucerin lotion // Eucerin Body Wash Oil // bra extenders // Sanuk Sandals // massager // snacks // citrus everything

As I'm nearing the end of this pregnancy I thought I'd put together a list of a few things that made pregnant life much comfier this time around. I relied on a few of these during my first pregnancy as well (hello, maxi dresses and massager!) and the rest of them I wish I'd known about right from the beginning. 

1. I already talked about how much I rely on maxi dresses in my maternity style necessities post, but since flowy or stretchy dresses are literally all I've worn the last few weeks, it's worth mentioning again.

2. Lots and lots of ice cold, lemony water + a cute cup to put it in. Something about pregnancy makes me very very thirsty, and it also makes lukewarm water taste absolutely disgusting to me, so I've always got my refillable cup either next to me, or in the fridge. Also, I finally bought a lemon juicer, which means no more pesky lemon seeds in my water. Kinda silly, but I'm still pretty excited about that purchase.

3. I've mentioned many (many many) times in my bump updates that my skin itches like crazy when I'm pregnant. I've got a drug store worth of lotions in my bathroom, and the only ones (like seriously, the only ones) that work for me are the Eucerin brand. I know some people swear by bio oil, and I've tried that, but it actually made my skin itchier. In fact, a lot of lotions that people recommended and swear by made my skin itch more, so I know everyone's skin is different, but this is what personally works for me. And because their lotion worked so well, I got the body wash oil as well, which I use to shave my legs and wash my belly (the two itchiest parts) and I swear by them both.

4. I wish I'd known about bra extenders right at the beginning of my first pregnancy, because I cannot stand the feeling of anything touching my rib cage while pregnant. I don't care about shaping or lifting or boosting anything right now, I just want my bras (no underwire!) hanging loosely to provide a little extra coverup. Technically I'd rather be braless altogether, but that's not always feasible, so bra extenders are the next best thing. 

5. Toward the end of my last pregnancy and postpartum my feet were super puffy. Even normal flip flop straps dug into my feet, so when I saw these cushiony stretchy Sanuk sandals at DSW I had to have them. The sole is made of recycled yoga mats, so they're super comfy and have become my go-to everyday shoe.

6. Back pain and pregnancy go hand in hand. Sad but true. Both pregnancies I've had issues with my rib cage, and I think we stocked up on two or three different massagers which offer great (although temporary) relief. A heating pad also worked wonders.

7. Hangry is a real thing when you're pregnant (and personally, even when I'm not pregnant I tend to get hangry) so I try to never leave the house without food for Ez and I. I've got smushed up Clif Bars and Larabars in my purse, crackers in the car, and I tend to grab an apple as we're walking out the door, just for good measure. When it comes to pregnant ladies or toddlers you really can't have too much food within arm's reach at any given moment.

8. Citrus everything has been a major must-have this pregnancy. I'm sure this is a matter of personal preference, but I'm obsessed with citrus. I want to eat it, drink it, smell like it, and fill the house up with it...seriously obsessed. Scents are a big deal during pregnancy, and most scents are not pleasant at all, but citrus doesn't make me nauseous or give me headaches, so I may have gone a little overboard with my white citrus hand soap from Bath & Bodyworks, Paul Mitchell's lemon sage shampoo & conditioner, lemon mint candles...the list goes on and on. 

Tums would probably be good on this list too, except that they gross me out and make me nauseous, but there have definitely been a few nights where heartburn relief would've been nice. Besides that, what else am I forgetting? I've got one month to go, so please share any pregnancy comfort necessities that'll make this last month easier!