As you know, my 1st trimester was...rough.
Needless to say, I didn't use many products in the first trimester - but these four did help me make it through.
ComforPedic Harmony Plush mattress by Simmons. It's a well-known fact that pregnant women often have trouble sleeping - even in the 1st trimester. I am no exception. The one thing that helped me in that department was my mattress. The memory foam technology in the ComforPedic line "displaces heat and responds to movement." Unbelievably comfortable. Instead of buying a whole bunch of baby gear, invest in a new mattress. Your back, bottom, and entire body will thank you.
Hartley Sandals by Flojos. Never underestimate the power of a good pair of shoes during pregnancy. It's especially awesome if your shoes are comfy AND don't require bending over. All flip-flops are not alike...and these ones stand-out for their squishy and supportive base. I highly recommend this brand - whether you're carrying a baby or not.
Bellabands. These stretchy bands of fabric allow expecting women to wear their pre-pregnancy pants...without zipping them up! Brilliant. I'm still using these at 18weeks, but I've been searching eBay for a pair of Chip & Pepper maternity jeans in my size. I can't stand most brands of maternity denim, but C&P gets it right. (Note: I have also used the more affordable BeBand brand by Target with success).
GymSkirt by SkirtSports. Something about the flexible, cool material of my favorite running skirt made it an ideal pick for the 1st trimester. It didn't put pressure on my tummy and allowed for a great range of movement (not to mention it's pretty cute). Not that I was thinking about that in my state of perpetual nausea.
I wish I could say that a particular morning sickness remedy worked magic for me, but - no dice.
I am happy to report that I made it without meds or hospitilization (yay). It feels good to be in the second trimester and almost "human" again. Go ahead: cue the "Beauty & the Beast" soundtrack [track #8] and sing along with me...
What products did you use in your 1st trimester? What is your favorite brand of maternity jeans/clothing?
It should come as no surprise to you that I didn't need to click your link to know exactly which Beauty and the Beast song you were referring to ;)
I'm glad that you're feeling better! That morning sickness can be real trouble.
I had a weird problem with the Bella Band. I always felt like it was rolling off my belly and leaving me exposed! I must not have had it positioned right. I'm just starting my 2nd trimester and can still button my non-maternity jeans but I get a lovely muffin top. I bought a cheap-o pair of Liz Lange jeans from Target (on clearance for under $10!) and so far I like them. Who knows how they'll be when I get really huge though!
So glad that you are doing better!
I didn't really use any products in my 1st trimester. Just wore loser clothes and all that. I did have to make sure I had food in my stomach at all time, so I guess healthy snacks were pretty important.
I had two pairs of maternity jeans later on - one the elastic wait band kept turning on, and the other had a tendency to not stay up well. I'm going to have to check Chip & Pepper for next time around.
And those sandals look amazing. Being in Oklahoma I live in sandals for many months of the year, pregnant or not. :-)
Great recommendations! A good mattress is a must, I agree.
I had to use B-Natal during the first trimester - it helped from Nausea and kept me going
I think I have Flojos on my "want" list. I desperately need a new pair of flip flops as mine are about 8 years old and totally crooked from being worn down on the outside! I made it through this summer with my sandals, but I need some new ones!
I have no favorite maternity line, anything that fits me well I like! Although I'm seriously glad that someone finally put elastic in the sides of the maternity shirts so they don't look like a skirt after your belly! (and save the belly from getting cold from the draft, it gets a wee bit chilly up here in the winter and that's always when I'm pregnant!) I bought a bunch of these this summer because all my old maternity shirts were too short anymore!
Love this list. It reminds me so much about our own unique experiences of life and pregnancy. :)
I second the belly bands. As a diastasis-pregnancy-mother, that extra belly support was crucial and comfy. The only other thing I can actively remember loving with all three of my pregnancies was extra pillows in bed. One to cradle in bed when my toddler wasn't there. Kept my arm comfortably placed. And one in between the knees for alignment.
Love to you and your family!
I do the same thing with pillows - one behind my back, one under my head, one between my knees.
the acupuncture bands were magic for me...and ginger tea....and cheez-its before getting out of bed in the morning. :)
I only had 2 pairs of maternity pants, both from Motherhood...didn't love the fit. Ended up loving just wearing yoga pants all the time.
Hmm. I have not heard of Chip & Pepper... I have to say not many maternity pants fit me well. The best one was the jeans from Old Navy Maternity... but around 7.5 months these started to just slip off... they were GREAT for 1st trimester bloated-ness though!
I'm happy to hear that you're starting to feel better! I've missed your more frequent updating, but I know it's for a good cause!
Thanks for understanding. I know one of these days I'll wake up and feel "normal" again. Until then, I have a million posts in my head. ;)