My Top 10 Pregnancy Essentials

I'm now past the half way mark in my pregnancy and to say it's flown by is the understatement of the century. It feels like yesterday when we were trying to conceive and were guessing the gender with old wives tales, but now here we are. Today I thought I'd put together a post of 10 things which have made my pregnancy easier, my top 10 pregnancy essentials.

1. Pregnancy Pillow

First up I have to mention a pregnant ladies' best friend, the pregnancy pillow. In my first trimester, I was sent the original Theraline pregnancy pillow to review and as soon as it arrived I had it out and was using it. I've tried a couple of different pregnancy pillows when I was expecting Noah but nothing compares to Theraline. It's essentially a big long pillow filled with thousands of microbeads. There are multiple ways in which you can use it but the best way for me it basically spoons the thing. I wedge the top half under my chin, the middle under my bump and have my legs wrapped around it too. It's the epitome of comfort and I couldn't be without it! I will continue to use it once the baby is here too as it's also designed for feeding.

2. Room Spray
This may sound like a strange one but in both of my pregnancies room sprays have been an essential for me for various reasons. In first trimester I found the floral and fruity scents from certain sprays eased my nausea and in second and third trimester the lavender and more musky scents help me sleep. I've stocked up on quite the collection of them this time.

3. Comfortable Shoes

A good pair of shoes are next on my list because I think they are extremely important when pregnant and are often overlooked. In my first pregnancy I worked long hours on my feet and didn't wear comfortable shoes and I really paid for it. I had early on swelling, pains in my ankle joints and it wasn't pleasant. This time around I've opted for sensible shoes and so far I've had no problems whatsoever. Hey, it's also another reason to treat ourselves to a new pair of shoes!  

4. Oranges

Oranges have made a strong appearance in both pregnancies as it's been a major craving both times. Jaffa oranges, tangerines, clementines, satsumas, fresh orange juice, fizzy orange, I can't enough! Not only do I get addicted to them but they helped ease my nausea too.

5. Hand Cream

My skin tends to change dramatically during pregnancy. My face for example can go dry yet oily but my arms, legs and hands in particular become quite dry and itchy. A decent hand cream such as the range of Crabtree & Evelynn works miracles and the scents are strong without being too overpowering. 

6. Bubble Baths

Now this is a no brainer of course but I can't get enough bubble baths. I'm not usually a bath person and much prefer a quick shower but when pregnant there's nothing better than taking a dip in a warm bubble bath at the end of a hectic day.

7. Cereal

It's strange how your likes and dislikes change when expecting. I usually like cereal but when I'm pregnant I wasn't at least two bowls a day, with lashings of ice-cold milk. I can't get enough of the stuff. I think I could live off oranges and cereal for the whole nine months.

8. Massages

As well as getting sensitive skin I also get ache's and pains which of course is totally normal. My partner has become pretty good at back and feet massages over the course of my pregnancies, I think I should start paying him for them! 

9. Ice Lollies

These were my best friend during first trimester, especially the citrus type. We had quite a few weeks of hot weather in those first few weeks too so it worked out perfectly. Sat in the garden in the sun with Noah, each with an ice lolly in hand. 

10. Sleep

Last but certainly not least it has got to be sleep. When I was pregnant with my firstborn I pretty much could nap or sleep whenever I wanted to, when I wasn't working that is. This time around it's not so easy with a toddler to chase around after and lots of blog work, housework and nursery run to do. When I do get a good nap or a decent night sleep it does the world of good.

What are your pregnancy essentials?

- This post contains a sponsored link and a review item.

My Pregnancy Essentials

Personally I think I have had a fairy easy and straight forward pregnancy so far. I haven't had any health issues or even any morning sickness. I am so thankful for that and I feel for the people who have had it harder than me. That being said I have had occasions I have found difficult, the easiest of tasks can become daunting and I am always worrying about something. There have been things which have made those times easier for me or have lifted my spirits. I decided to write a post dedicated just to them! 

Orange Juice 

At the start of my pregnancy I really suffered with nausea. I found that having a glass of good old OJ really helped especially when drunk in the morning. It also gave me the energy kick I needed and it felt good giving baby and I a great source of Vitamin C. At times I went through a litre of the stuff a day as it eventually developed into a major craving. As my pregnancy progressed I seemed to wean myself off the orange stuff as it began giving me terrible heartburn.

Walkers Crisp

I bet you are thinking this is some sort of mistake but believe me Walkers crisp have been invaluable to me during this pregnancy! As I stated above I really struggled with nausea at the beginning of my pregnancy and at one point all I could stomach was potatoes and Walkers crisps! A bag of Ready Salted would not only curb my hunger but seemed to magically make my nausea go away. I have always been a crispaholic and my pregnancy seemed to multiply then tenfold! (Hello cellulite!) 

Sleep Mist

All of  the Cussons Mum & Me products, from bubble bath to stretch mark cream are fabulous but I found that the sleep mist to be the most helpful to me. I've been through times where I have found it hard to drift off to sleep and a quick spray on my pillows and bedding really helps me feel relaxed and in no time I will be dozing off. I think I will be buying this product for years.

Baby Bump App

This is the perfect app for any expectant mothers. I downloaded a dozen apps when I first found out I was pregnant and this one is by far the best. I have used it daily. Not only is it simply the best but it has everything you need all in one place. It keeps a track of how far along you are, how long you have left. Daily tips on your pregnancy as you progresses. Weekly updates on your babies and your bodies development and much much more. Recommend this one to all pregnant mummies out there. 

Fruit

Not just for helping with nausea but for also helping with feeling lethargic. Eating lots of fruit gave me energy when I needed it most and generally made me feel healthier in myself. I have always been big on eating fruit but again my pregnancy seemed to enhance that and it was one of my major cravings. When you crave healthy food you have to make the most of it cause the next week you could be craving tinned hot dogs like I was! Yuck! 

Maternity Clothes

Before I was pregnant frumpy and fugly came to mind when I imagined Maternity clothes. I also worried about the price and thought that I would just give the whole thing a miss! Safe to say I am converted. I was pleasantly surprised of the ranges of maternity clothes I have found on line and in stores. Particularly Topshop, New Look and ASOS. I have found super stylish yet comfortable clothes at extremely affordable prices. Money well spent in my eyes. 

Sleep

Bit of a no brainer but sleep! I napped wherever and whenever I could. Nothing helped more than a little cat nap here and there. A novelty that us parents need to make the most of before our little bundle of joys arrive!

There's plenty more I could add and I probably will update as I go but these random things have been a blessing during my pregnancy!