MY THIRD TRIMESTER ESSENTIALS

Here are my third trimester essentials that have made my last few months of pregnancy easier, and I hope it does the same for you!

CLOTHING

Maternity leggings – This should come as no surprise as most mamas to be live in leggings. My personal preference is the type of legging that goes OVER the bump rather than under it. It’s all subjective, but I just felt more… put together I guess you could say. Like everything was in it’s place. My two favorites are by Isabel Maternity and Isabella Oliver.

Bump-Start Tank Tops – I’m not kidding when I say I wear all four of my Bump Start tank tops every single week. I bought them in gray, white, black and striped – and trust me when I say they make getting dressed SO much easier. These tanks are comfortable and cover all the parts that should be covered while accentuating your bump 🙂 I wear them with jeans, skirts, under kimonos and blazers, with light sweaters – I even wear them to bed!

A Pair of Cute but Comfy Sandals – Shoes that require a lot of work (lacing, buckling, etc.) have been moved to the back of my closet for now. Bending over for a long period of time is uncomfortable at this point, so I’ve been loving sandals that I can easily slide on and that have a little extra cushion for my sore tootsies. I’ve been wearing this white pair from Shein and this pair from Public Desire in black.

Maternity Shapewear – The Belevation Maternity Shapewear  is my favorite pregnancy purchase to this day! Like I mentioned earlier, I like when clothing fits over the bump as opposed to under. This shape wear gives me that pulled together feeling and also smoothed out any lumps and bumps that would pop up. It doesn’t squeeze your stomach, it just makes it look more shapely. Also, unless you’re Gisele, chances are your thighs are going to grow as well. These shorts prevent chaffing. You’re welcome.

BEAUTY

Belly Bump Cream – I’ve been using Apothederm stretch mark cream since my second trimester, but I apply it twice as much now that he’s growing so quickly. It’s pricey, but it’s lasted me this entire pregnancy and I use it liberally. I apply it after I shower and before I go to bed, and not just on my tum tum either. I also put some on my inner thigh area and the back of my legs. No stretch marks so far!

CC Cream – You hear about that “pregnancy glow” all the time, but for the first few months of my pregnancy my skin broke out A LOT. Hormones man. It wasn’t until about half way through my second trimester that my skin finally settled and started to look better. I’m not sure if this skin is the result of the pregnancy or the fact that I haven’t had alcohol – but either way I’ll take it! So, instead of wearing full coverage makeup – I’ve been using Your Skin But Better CC cream in the shade medium. It has the perfect amount of coverage, SPF, and is moisturizing without being greasy.

Pedicures – If you ever needed a time to pamper yourself, this is it! I typically do my own tootsies – soak, scrub and all, but baby bumps do not mix with at home pedicures. Do yourself a favor and get your dogs done. While you’re at it, spend the extra dough and get the longer foot rub. It feels SO good.

EXTRAS

Helpful Books – By this point you’ve probably already done your research on the pregnancy, but what about that first year? For me, this was the scariest part. What’s tummy time and when do we start it? How often do newborns feed? When do we switch to baby food? It’s a lot to take in, but the book What To Expect: The First Year seems to be helping me. I’ve also heard great things about The Baby Whisperer – which helps with feeding, sleeping and scheduling. That will probably be my next book buy.

Sleeping Mask – With everything on my mind, I’m finding it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. So, I started using a sleep mask – and it seems to be working. Our bedroom window faces east, so our room is bright and sunny way before I’m ready to get up. This Zimasilk mask from amazon helps.