21 Pregnancy Must-Haves That Moms Swear By

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Pregnancy is a wild ride—equal parts magical and exhausting. And while no product can make you magically sleep through the night or stop your baby from using your bladder as a trampoline, there are pregnancy must-haves that can make the journey a whole lot easier. So, I’ve rounded up 21 essential items for pregnancy that moms swear by—because you deserve all the comfort, support, and sanity-saving hacks you can get!

Please note: The views on this website are personal opinions only and do not represent the opinions or policies of any provider or institution that I am affiliated with. I am not giving medical advice. Information on this website is not intended to diagnose, or treat any form of any disease. This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only. I am only telling you what my experiences are. Please refer to my Disclaimer Page for more information.

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1. Full-Body Pregnancy Pillow

When sleeping feels like a competitive sport, the best pregnancy pillow is a total game-changer. It supports your bump, hips, knees, and back, helping you find that elusive comfortable position. It also helps keep you on your side so you can more easily stay off your back and belly while you sleep. Bonus: It's also great for postpartum recovery and late-night nursing sessions.

2. Organic Bamboo Sheets

Goodbye, night sweats! These breathable, moisture-wicking sheets are a pregnancy must-have that keeps you cool, comfy, and less likely to wake up feeling like you’ve run a marathon.

3. Compression Socks

Swollen ankles, begone! Compression socks. (get 15% off your order with the code HEATHER15) boost circulation, reduce swelling, and help prevent varicose veins—perfect for long days on your feet.

4. Maternity Leggings (With a High Belly Panel)

Because you deserve to feel comfy and cute. Look for pairs that are buttery soft, stretchy, and supportive—essential items for pregnancy that you’ll practically live in.

5. Essential Oils for Relaxation

A few drops of lavender or chamomile essential oils (use the code HEATHER40FREE to get a crazy discount) in a diffuser or peppermint in a roller can work wonders for calming your mind and body after a long day, curbing nausea, and easing muscle pain.

6. Belly Support Band

As your belly grows, a support band helps relieve pressure on your back, hips, and pelvis. If (when) you start feeling like you're literally falling apart and you're not quite sure your body can carry the weight or stand the pressure anymore, a really great belly support band will be your holy grail.

7. Prenatal Yoga Ball

Perfect for stretching, improving posture, and easing back pain. Plus, an exercise ball doubles as a labor prep tool to help open your pelvis and encourage baby into the right position.

8. Magnesium Lotion or Spray

Say goodbye to restless legs and nighttime cramps! Magnesium is one of the best pregnancy products for muscle relaxation and better sleep.

9. Bump Boxes

Who wouldn't want a box of goodies for each stage of pregnancy delivery each month to your doorstep as a monthly subscription? Bump Boxes is the #1 pregnancy subscription service for pregnant or new moms that delivers fun and healthy products every month that are tailored to your due date. You'll get what you need, exactly when you need it. They do all the work for you!

10. an at-home workout app for EXPECTING moms

When staying healthy and strong during pregnancy and as we prepare for birth (the marathon of a lifetime), it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what you should be doing and how you should be doing it. That's why you need an app that will meet you exactly where you are in your motherhood journey, designed to be completed with minimal equipment and can be done at home, where all you have to do is show-up and push play. This is the one I use – use the code ALIFEINLABOR.

11. NON-TOXIC Laundry Detergents

When you're growing a human inside of your body, you suddenly become painfully aware of all of the toxins around you – especially the ones you use regularly in your home. But making simple swaps out for more non-toxic items can be easy if you know where to look. Laundry detergent is a huge problem for pregnant mamas with ultra-sensitive, hormonal skin issues and for their new babies who have fresh, new skin that's never been exposed to…anything. So, making the swap in the laundry room should be the first place you start making change.

Related Read: The Best Products for a Healthier Family: My Go-To Picks for Every Stage

12. Stretch Mark Cream or Oil

While you can’t always completely prevent stretch marks, moisturizing with a rich cream or oil can help minimize itchiness and keep your skin feeling healthy and supple which will definitely help minimize them.

13. Prenatal Vitamins

An excellent prenatal vitamin is essential for pregnancy and baby’s development. The right one will protect baby's brain & spine, promote optimal egg quality, promote healthy bone density, maintain energy levels, help reduce nausea, and even support breastfeeding.

14. Maternity Belt Extenders

For when your favorite jeans still kind of fit. These little lifesavers add a few extra inches so you can rock your pre-pregnancy clothes longer.

15. TENS Unit

This small device delivers gentle electrical pulses that help relieve muscle pain—and it's a great natural pain relief option during labor, too!

16. Easy Freezer Meals

One of the best pieces of advice I ever got as a new mom was to prepare freezer meals ahead of time before I went into labor. This way, I'd have a bunch of dinners ready to go when the baby came so that I could let go of any and all of the dinner-time mental load while I was busy adjusting with a newborn. Plus, it was an easy way that I could be sure that I was eating and nourishing my body with good foods while nursing my new baby. That's why so many new moms turn to freezer meal plans that will help you figure out the best way to go about this task that will 100% pay off in the end.

17. Meal Delivery Box

Speaking of needing meals to be easy, when you're 9 months pregnant with swollen feet and an insatiable appetite, you're going to want to be able to rely on someone else to plan, shop, and deliver your groceries so that dinner time isn't a hassle. We used a meal delivery service like this one every time we were pregnant in the third trimester. Not to mention is it a necessity for those busy last few weeks of pregnancy but it was nice to already have the subscription going for when baby comes and there's no time to think or shop for those first few months. It's nice to have something easy to throw together a couple of nights a week when you don't want to pull something out of the freezer.

18. Pregnancy Journal

A printable pregnancy journal is essential for documenting this wild and wonderful journey is a great way to connect with your pregnancy—and it makes for a sweet keepsake.

19. Comfortable bras

Your growing breasts will thank you for switching to soft, stretchy bras that provide support without the underwire now and forever because I'm pretty sure that not a single person ever goes back to wearing an underwire after you've stopped. It's just too good without it.

20. Pregnancy-Safe Electrolytes & Hydration

Not even “smart waters” have what your body needs to truly replenish. People can cramp and get dehydrated despite drinking water- especially pregnant women who need significantly more hydration than someone who isn't pregnant. You're growing a baby's body, you're increasing your own blood supply, you're creating a pool of water your baby will live in, and you're basically an oven. You need hydration. Replenish your body’s proper electrolytes, such as salt and potassium with a pregnancy-safe hydration drink that was created specifically with moms in mind.

21. A Birth Course That Actually Prepares You for Labor

Let’s be real—there’s no gadget that can prepare you for labor like knowing what to expect and how to cope. The birth course, Empowered Birth Academy , walks you through everything from creating a birth plan to navigating interventions so you can feel confident and empowered.

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Pregnancy Must-Haves

Pregnancy is tough, but these pregnancy must-haves can make the journey a whole lot smoother. Whether you're trying to sleep better, ease aches and pains, or just feel a little more like yourself, these essential items for pregnancy are here to help. And when it comes to preparing for labor, a solid birth plan and the right tools can make all the difference. So, grab what you need, trust your amazing body, and know that you’ve got this!