9 Months: What I've Learned So Far

Pregnancy Must Haves


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I've officially entered my 9th month of pregnancy today, and I'd like to think I've learned a thing or two along the way.  I really enjoy reading posts on "pregnancy must haves" and advice from other expecting mamas-to-be, so I hope this will be helpful for those on the maternity journey!  

Books: There are a ton of pregnancy books out there...many of which I own.  By far, the most straight forward and helpful to me has been What to Expect When You're Expecting.  It sits on my bedside table and has literally been like a bible during this time.  I learned early on to avoid reading the message boards on the pregnancy websites...they are too many scary {and quite frankly, negative} posts out there that made me more paranoid than anything else.  For me, this book gave it to my straight and I appreciated the matter of fact tone throughout.

Wear:  In the beginning, I was so excited to buy "maternity" clothes to show off the bump and couldn't wait to go on a crazy shopping spree!  But over time, I realized that today is actually a good time to be pregnant, as a lot of fashion already caters to pregnant bodies, ie: long tops, maxi dresses, leggings, blousy tunics, etc.  I have always loved Havaiana sandals and they've proven to be just as comfortable in the late stages of pregnancy.  I also LOVE Liz Lange's long lean tanks.  I own several and will most likely wear them post-pregnancy too.  They're nice and long, but don't scream maternity.  Last, this is really random, but I swear by Gilligan & OMalley's thong undies.  I wore them before I was pregnant and they are still ultra comfortable now.  They're low rise and super soft and stretchy, which as been accommodating with my growing belly.  The best part is, they make nursing bras and tanks too...so I have already started stocking up on those as well.  Really, Target is king when it comes to maternity wear!

Sleep: During the winter, I would get stuffy noses and be more congested.  The Crane humidifier was great for helping me sleep at night, especially with how dry it is up here.  I also bought the snoogle pillow, but honestly, it felt like I was wrestling an alligator.  Such a waste.  I now sleep with a pillow between my legs and on my side and do just fine.  I've also heard great things about the Boppy pillow.  Maybe next time?

Drink:  Of course, I drink tons and tons of water {key for staying hydrated, which means less cramping and swelling}, but it's nice to have a "fancy' type drink since I'm not indulging in cocktails right now.  I love Izze's sparkling juice...particularly the grapefruit flavor.  

Body: I've been fortunate not to have experienced any stretch marks yet {knock on wood!} and I attribute this to applying lotion every time I get out of the shower.  I've always used Johnson & Johnson Shea and Cocoa butter lotion, which smells great and includes the cocoa butter that are in a lot of the "stretch mark creams".  Additionally, I apply Mustela's stretch mark cream on my tummy, chest, and thigh area.  Palmer's works great too.

Etc: I haven't experienced too much heart burn during my pregnancy, but Tums Smoothies do the trick when I do.  I also love EOS lip balm to keep my lips moisturized.  And one last tid bit...I've been flossing religiously {kuddos to you if that's already part of your regular routine!}.  Since I can't whiten my teeth and dental is a big part of your overall health & well-being, I've found that flossing has kept my teeth pearly white {not to mention the elimination of wine and coffee!}. 

It's crazy to look back over the last 9 months and see how far I've come...and what I've learned.  I'm grateful to have had a relatively easy pregnancy and positive experience overall.  I'm hoping these last 4 weeks go by quickly and easily!

So tell me mamas and m2b's, do you have anything to add to this list?  Any questions?  Let me know!

xo natasha

31 comments :

  1. 9 months ... congrats! So exciting!
    I've loved following you along the way and can't wait to meet the little one!

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  2. I'm not yet a mother (nor expecting) but appreciate all of your knowledge on the months before.

    We're excited to meet your little one :)

    xo

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  3. Wow, 9 months, little boy will be making his appearance so soon! This was a fun post to read although I'm not anywhere close to expecting. One day when I am, I'll definitely come back to this post :)

    xxx
    Jenna

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  4. Congrats on your 9th month!! I think you are spot on in your recommendations! I lived by all of these when I was preggo. Good luck in your last month and my best advice is to ignore the horror stories! Labor & delivery isn't that bad ;)

    Chelsea
    www.hautechildinthecity.com

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  5. i'm not expecting right now, but these are great suggestions! i bought some of those same undies from target a couple weeks and love them! glad to hear that they worked well thru pregnancy too! :)

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  6. As a mom to be, I think that's a great list! I completely agree with Target being an expecting mom's best friend! You can get almost everything you need from that one store! You are in the home stretch now. Congrats!

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  7. Great list! Can't believe 9 months is here already! I'm excited to see your little one :)

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  8. these are some great ones my friend!! others i found were necessary were chapstick (because i got dry lips the entire time i was pregnant), and the big boppy pillow

    P.S. you are SO close!!! hang in there sweetie...i cannot wait until he is here!!

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  9. Target is where I get the majority of my maternity stuff - and a lot of their non-maternity dresses have worked for me, as well!

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  10. bookmarking this post for the future!! I can't believe your little one is ALMOST here!!!

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  11. Congratulations! You sound so level-headed about everything...I would be a scattered mess. I hope your last four weeks are just as good to you!

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  12. My cube neighbor is pregnant and she uses the EOS lip balm. I see it sitting on her desk everyday. ;) Love reading the must have list! xoxo A-

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  13. So cute. Brings back such good memories. Home stretch lovebug!

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  14. Trying not to be too graphic but I used colace as a stool softener since I was in an iron supplement. It's good for postpartum too. Great list though! I am going to use these for my next go round which should be soon hopefully!

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  15. These are great tips!I will have to remember to come back to this :)

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  16. It seems like it has gone by so fast - I love reading your must-haves...prepping me for the future :)

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  17. Such a great roundup. You hit all of the important must haves. I'm with you on avoiding the maternity clothes. They are so overpriced too!

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  18. I can't believe you are 9 months!! SO close to meeting your baby boy!! Def agree with you on reading books vs online!! People can be so neg!!

    Loved leggings and long tunics too!! All your items will be great after baby! My prob was I had a csection so I couldn't wear anything super low so I loved anything with stretch!! :)

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  19. you are SO close! the countdown has begun. :) so exciting for you!

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  20. Natasha, hang in there! I'm due today and actually getting admitted tonight. I have to agree with you on so many of your favorites. I absolutely love the liz lange tanks. I love how long they are and fit throughout the growth of the belly:) I also bought the Gillian nursing bras (they're so pretty compared to others) but am not in love with the shape they give my boobs:) Hopefully that gets better once the milk comes in. I"ll let you know how I like them. Best of luck with everything.

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  21. 4 weeks will fly by! Great list. Confession I still sleep in my Liz Lange maternity tank tops, they are the best. I was actually in Target the other day and noticed she had some super cute maternity maxi dresses!

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  22. Ill have to remember all these tips for our someday baby!

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  23. Great list. Your rec about Mustella has saved me (so far)! I love fancy fizzy drinks too... makes me feel like I'm not missing out too bad. Have you tried the Crystal Light margarita mix powder? Mix it with lime seltzer water... muy bueno! : )

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  24. Yes that book really helped, and What to expect the first year saved me numerous calls to the Pediatrician! Really recommend it ;)

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  25. Lol. I just did a pregnancy must haves list too. The humidifier was a huge help to me too! And now I want a Clementine Izzy!

    The most important thing on my list was a maternity support belt. I had a lot of round ligament pain and that really helped.

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  26. 4 more weeks!!! Wow, it will be here before you know it!!

    Jayme & Mendi @ Her Late Night Cravings

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  27. I'm so excited for you. Babies are the best. You look great too! The model pregnant girl. We've come a long way from Sierra Madre Tower 1 12J!!

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  28. I love this list! I went out and bought those undies yesterday after you recommended them! So cute and they look comfy!

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  29. Thanks for sharing your list! I'm definitely marking for later. And I'd love to know other non-alcholic drinks you've been enjoying.

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  30. Super congrats -- you are almost there! So exciting. Sorry I've been off the blog world and much of the real world too. We are expecting our 2nd (due in Oct), and I've felt very non-human lately (pregnancy, a toddler, working full-time). Now in my 2nd Tri, and I'll be home for the summer so I hope it gets better! Enjoy the last month.

    -Tara
    http://madmaxandfamily.blogspot.com
    http://blog.chron.com/madabouttown/

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  31. Such a comfortable and durable products. I would recommend to anyone! I have it in every color it comes in. I plan to order Just my size panties

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