Navigating pregnancy is a struggle no matter how many times you’ve been through it. But it can be especially daunting when it’s your first pregnancy and you’re not sure what to expect.
This is my first pregnancy, and each trimester has thrown something different at me. Aside from the essential pregnancy vitamins, here are the things that helped me feel more comfortable during every trimester, from the cooling pregnancy pillow to the leggings I live in, stretch mark saviours and the postpartum wellness retreat designed to give you confidence in the – often forgotten for mothers – fourth trimester.
A pregnancy pillow is an absolute essential during your second and third trimester. Designed with adjustable firmness, the BBHUGME has five point body support with microbeads that support your back, belly, pelvis, knees, and ankles when side-sleeping. It also has a cooling feature so if you're pregnant during the summer months, or having hot flushes, you'll feel much cooler. The stylish design means it doesn't look out of place at home too – plus it will be useful with breast feeding support post delivery.
Like most pregnant women, the first trimester can be a rough time. I had an aversion to pretty much eveything, and often the dreaded morning sickness can be overwhelming. Ice cold water quickly became my go-to, so this Larq bottle saved me, as it keeps water cool for 24 hours. A true summer holiday saviour too, I travelled with it everywhere.
It's not just your belly that expands, but your boobs too. I quickly learnt that my usual bras weren't going to cut it, and comfort is definitely key during pregnancy. I’ve been wearing the Seamless Maternity Bra and it hasn't let me down. The brand was developed by two mums who met at the school gates and bonded over a gap in the market for comfortable, functional bras for every stage of motherhood.
Snacking became a regular habit during my first trimester was rough when eating whole meals was difficult. Ensuring I had snacks at hand was a sure fire way to make sure I was eating regularly and never letting my stomach go empty. The Deliciouslly Ella Oat Bars were a staple in those hard weeks.
The third trimester is a great time to think about post-natal preparation and if you require any support when the baby arrives outside of your immediate network. London-based service The Fourth offers a variety of services, with one being a post-partum doula to offer support in the early days, who can help with everything from breastfeeding advice to changing of dressings, baby massage to identifying your baby’s needs to taking care of your baby so you can sleep, shower or just to take a moment for yourself. They can help find you exactly what you need to take care of you and not feel overwhelmed in that crucial month 10 and onwards.
I really suffered with my skin during my first trimester, and had to totally change my skincare routine. Dr Sam's flawless cleanser significantly helped my hormonal outbreaks on my chin and kept my skin calm – I've used in religiously morning and night the last few months. It's gentle, non-comedogenic and fragrance-free.
By my second trimester I was spending more time at home and less time socialising and getting dressed up. Denim becomes harder to embrace and leggings often become a go-to. Commando's buttery soft maternity leggings are a seriously good investment. The over-bump band is incredibly soft and comfortable on a growing bump with unmatched quality – I can see myself wearing them post babies too.
Having trouble sleeping during pregnancy is common, particularly the later stages. It was recommended to me to try magnesium butter or oil, and I have been applying this to my skin each night in the hope of a (slightly!) better night's sleep. It's no miracle cure but it smells delicious and is definitely calming, allowing for somewhat of a more restful night.
As your bumps get heavier in the third trimester and starts to drop, a belly support belt is a good way to elevate weight and alleviate pressure on your back and pelvis. This support belt can be worn as early as the first trimester as well as post partum, however, they are particularly helpful if you need to ease the discomfort of carrying one (or two) babies.
Nesting is very common during the last few weeks of pregnancy. Feeling as relaxed as possible and ensuring your home is ready. I have spent a lot of time at home, and in my most comfortable pyjamas. This stretchy rayon pair from The Nap Co are the perfect comfort companion. They have seen me through all trimesters and I've even got another pair that I'm packing in my hospital bag post birth.
I've been religious with applying stretch mark oil and cream before I go to bed, and this duo from Mama Mio smells divine and is a great addition to my routine. They're super lightweight and intensely nourishing to dry, stretching skin.
Birthing balls (or birth balls) can help you stay active, ease labour pain and reduce the pain of contractions. A useful addition during my last trimester, often sitting on a birthing call has eased pain and pressure in my back, pelvic area and tailbone and has even make daily chores easier (read:unloading the washing machine without bending down). You can use this for labour too so its worth deflating and taking along with you to the hospital to have someone blow it up and kept in your room.
The lead up to the birth can be all consuming as we prepare for our baby's arrival, we often forget about the all important fourth trimester too. The Tenth is London's first luxury postpartum wellness retreat that gives mothers the support required after birth, with the principles of rest and recovery taking centre stage. Launching in January 2025 and led by a curated group of London-based doctors and practitioners, the retreat will take place at the London's Mandarin Oriental Hotel. You can go here straight from the hospital for seven days post-birth, easing women into motherhood more gently and providing everything a new family may need to gain confidence at such an important time.
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Photo credit: HUNZA G
