Pregnancy changes a lot of things – your body, your tastes, and the stuff that becomes totally critical to your day-to-day life. We’re ten days out from meeting our little girl so I thought I’d share a few of the things that have gotten me through this 3rd trimester of pregnancy. The links below (some are affiliate links) are the real MVPs of the 3rd trimester and made life easier, sweeter, and more comfortable.
Ello Glass Water Tumbler with Straw
Years ago my bestie taught me the secret to drinking enough water – buy a water cup with a straw and then fill it and take it with you everywhere. The straw is key. I’ve tried other types of water cups and the straw is what allows you to casually sip throughout the day with so little effort that you actually do it!
I’ve been so much better about my water consumption in my 3rd trimester now that I have this and I’m trying to avoid swelling.
This cup is glass and the best part? The entire thing is dishwasher safe (most of the plastic cups aren’t). The cup I had before (from Starbucks) was hand wash only and that was annoying (and also kept me from washing it as often as I should have).
Lululemon Align Leggings
These are not maternity leggings but I promise they’re the best maternity leggings. I bought these when I was pregnant with Ben. I own one pair because it took me years to build up the courage to pay $98 for leggings. But they are heaven and they are the best regular or maternity leggings you’ll ever own. They still fit me at 37 weeks pregnant! They’re stretchy but feel like they’re holding you in.
I still only have the one pair but I debate buying another constantly because these have been worn twice a week for two years now. They’ve held up well though!
Mustela Stretch Mark Prevention Cream (fragrance free version)
I searched for a stretch mark cream that didn’t have any worrisome ingredients in it and this one in the fragrance free version was the best I could find. I love how non-greasy it is. It absorbs quickly but feels super moisturizing. I can put clothes on after without them sticking to my belly.
I also realize that stretch marks are mostly genetic so if I’m gonna get them, it’s gonna happen. That said, I have had zero belly itchiness this pregnancy (which I totally had last pregnancy) so I think it’s helping either way.
Maternity Shapewear (i.e. knock off Spanx)
I was a bridesmaid at 33 weeks pregnant and these were so clutch. I usually think shapewear is kind of uncomfortable – the thigh part rolls or the waist rolls down. Not these! It was fantastic to not even have to think about a wedgie situation the day of the wedding.
Wireless Bras
Underwire became super uncomfortable for me early on in this pregnancy so I’ve basically alternated between my two favorite wireless bras – the Gap Live-In Pretty Bralette and the Aerie Real Sunnie Wireless Push Up Bra.
The Gap bralette is absurdly comfortable and because it has a soft cup, has enough coverage. It’s like you’re not even wearing a bra. I actually bought this when I was breastfeeding Ben and found that I could use it for nursing too (just pulling the cup aside).
The Aerie Sunnie is the best wireless bra I’ve ever owned. It’s super comfortable, pushes things up nicely, but doesn’t push them in to a weird shape like most wireless bras (just me?).
Gap Breathe Shorty Undies
Maybe it’s taboo to talk about your underwear on the internet but no one talks about how as your body changes, all the sudden every pair of undies you own might give you a wedgie. True story.
I asked friends for recommendations and one passionately recommended the Gap Breathe line. She liked the hipster. I wound up loving the shorty. Zero wedgies and they are low enough that they fit right under the bump.
Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask
My lips have been pretty dry recently. Could just be the changing weather or could be pregnancy related. Who knows?
The funny thing about pregnancy is that because I sleep exclusively on my left side now, when I wake up in the morning my lip balm is still exactly where I put it the night before. I guess pre-pregnancy all the rolling around or changing positions – well, it probably just wound up all over my face and pillow. But since I’m so still and can’t really go anywhere, it stays put and therefore this lip balm has been super effective! The price tag is absurd but I bought it in February and I still have about 1/5 of the tube left.
Also every time I wear this on my Insta Stories with a swipe of Mac Crème Cup, someone asks me what lip color I’m wearing. I have the shade Champagne.
Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cookie
I mentioned this in my Go-To Vegetarian meals post but it’s probably the best dessert I’ve ever had at home. It’s heavenly. I have had much more of a sweet tooth this pregnancy and this is so easy to whip up and literally takes 30 seconds in the microwave.
I’d push back on the cookie name though – to me it’s more of a chocolate peanut butter lava cake. I recommend adding more chocolate chips and more peanut butter than recommended.
So those are my 3rd trimester favorites! As you can see, lots of them aren’t really specifically pregnancy related so I’m sure I’ll continue to use them once this little girl arrives.
