Pregnancy Gear We Love
Pregnancy symptoms change each trimester, and the right gear can make each stage more comfortable. From first-trimester nausea to third-trimester carpal tunnel, these are the products our nurses recommend the most. Every pregnancy is different, so consider this list a starting point. Supplements and over-the-counter medications on this list are generally considered safe in pregnancy, but we always recommend checking with your doctor or midwife before starting them.
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First Trimester-The first trimester often brings nausea, headaches, fatigue, and a slower digestive system as hormone levels rise. Some tips re recommend are:
Prenatal Vitamin with DHA. A quality prenatal fills nutritional gaps, and DHA supports the baby's brain and eye development. If your vitamin worsens nausea, don’t take it first think in the morning. Taking it at bedtime or with food often helps.
Water Bottle with a Straw. Hydration helps with the headaches, constipation, and lightheadedness that can frequent the first trimester. Especially if you are experiencing nausea and food eversions- focus on hydrating over eating large meals! A water bottle with a straw makes steady sipping sipping and will continue to be important through pregnancy, labor and into postpartum!
Electrolyte Packets. When nausea, vomiting, or heat make hydration difficult, electrolytes help the body retain fluids. Choose caffeine-free options and review sugar content, particularly with a gestational diabetes diagnosis. Frequent reliance on them because you cannot keep fluids down is worth raising with your provider.
Nausea
Ginger Chews. Ginger is one of the most well-studied natural remedies for pregnancy nausea. Individually wrapped chews are easy to keep on hand for sudden waves of queasiness.
Ginger Tea. Tea delivers the same benefit in a form that also supports hydration. Sipping slowly, either warm or iced, tends to work best.
Sour Candy. Sour flavors can cut through nausea and the metallic taste some people notice in early pregnancy. Lozenges or hard candies also help with dry mouth.
Sea-Bands. These wristbands apply steady pressure to the P6 acupressure point on the inner wrist, which many people find reduces nausea. They are drug-free, reusable, and comfortable enough to wear overnight.
Vitamin B6. B6 is often a first-line recommendation for pregnancy nausea, sometimes paired with an over-the-counter sleep aid called doxylamine.
Headaches
Magnesium Glycinate. Headaches are common in the first trimester, driven by hormonal shifts, increased blood volume, and sometimes changes in caffeine intake. Magnesium may help reduce how often they occur. As a bonus, adding a magnesium supplement can help support sleep, decrease leg cramps, and decrease constipation. The glycinate form is typically gentle on the stomach.
Constipation
Rising progesterone slows digestion, and the iron in prenatal vitamins can add to the problem. Increasing fluids, getting enough fiber in your diet, and getting daily movement are essential. When that doesn’t do the trick however, these tips can help:
Chia seads
Kiwi- keep the skin on!
Colace (docusate sodium). A stool softener that makes bowel movements easier to pass.
MiraLAX. An osmotic laxative that gently draws water into the bowel.
Breast Tenderness
Wire-Free Bra. Breast tenderness and growth often begin early. A soft, supportive wire-free bra (or a sleep bra for nighttime) improves comfort now and can often double as a nursing bra later.
Second and Third Trimester- As your belly grows, you may notice growing discomfort in your low back, hips and pelvis.
Back and Pelvic Pain
Pregnancy Support Belt. A support band lifts some of the belly's weight off the back and pelvis, easing round ligament pain, low back pain, and pubic bone discomfort. It is especially helpful on days spent standing or walking.
Birth Ball. Sitting on an exercise ball instead of a couch or chair relieves pressure on the low back and encourages an open, forward-leaning posture. Gentle hip circles on the ball can ease pelvic discomfort, and the same ball is useful during labor.
Sleep
Pregnancy Pillow. Side-lying becomes the most comfortable and recommended sleep position later in pregnancy. A full-length or U-shaped pillow supports the belly, back, and knees at once.
Wedge Pillow. A wedge elevates the upper body to reduce nighttime heartburn and shortness of breath, or can be tucked under the belly for extra support while side-lying.
Heartburn
Tums (calcium carbonate). A fast-acting antacid for occasional heartburn. If you also take iron, space the two at least two hours apart, since calcium reduces iron absorption. Check with your provider before use.
Skin
Belly Butter. Stretching skin often becomes dry and itchy. A rich butter or oil keeps skin moisturized and comfortable; stretch marks are largely genetic, so this is best viewed as comfort care rather than prevention. Intense itching, particularly on the palms or soles of the feet, can signal a liver condition called cholestasis and should be reported to your provider.
Swelling
Compression Socks. Increased blood volume and pressure on the leg veins can cause swelling, aching, and varicose veins. Compression socks improve circulation and are valuable for long workdays and travel. Sudden swelling of the face or hands, a severe headache, or vision changes can be signs of preeclampsia and warrant a call to your provider right away.
Hand Numbess and Tingling
Carpal Tunnel Wrist Splints. Fluid retention can compress the nerve in the wrist, causing numbness, tingling, or pain that is often worse at night. Wearing splints while sleeping keeps the wrists in a neutral position and frequently brings significant relief.
Hemorrhoids
Witch Hazel Pads. Pressure from the growing uterus can lead to hemorrhoids. Cooling witch hazel pads soothe itching and swelling, and they remain a staple during postpartum recovery.
Low iron/ anemia
Ferrous Bisglycinate. Iron needs increase substantially during pregnancy, and low iron often shows up as exhaustion. This form of iron tends to cause less constipation and stomach upset than others, and taking it with vitamin C improves absorption. Check with your provider before use, ideally after reviewing your bloodwork.
There is no need to purchase everything at once. Start with what addresses your current symptoms and add items as your pregnancy progresses. For personalized guidance, our nurses and doulas are glad to help you determine what will work best for you. This post is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your doctor or midwife about your individual health needs and before starting any supplement or medication during pregnancy.