If you saw my last post, you will know that, yes, I have a bun in the oven. I debated how many more posts I would dedicate to — or speak on the subject of — pregnancy. Frankly, I don’t see myself becoming a ‘mommy blogger.’ So much of my content is fashion, sustainability, and slow-living related, I don’t see how it would all mesh together. Plus, I have some ethicality questions regarding using your baby to earn money from the internet. And finally, the last thing I want to do is alienate my current readers, who are here for specific, non-baby related content. (Up until recently, that was me, too!).

However, considering a huge proportion of us are, have been, or will one day be pregnant/expecting a baby, I realized that a few posts peppered in to The Usual Program are useful. Particularly so in the matter of “what products are actually GOOD, not sponsored, and something you will use and buy,” which frankly is why I started this blog in the first place (and why I say no to most paid work for this lovely internet slice).

So, if you are looking for some info on what’s useful for the first half (20 weeks) of pregnancy, here you go!…

The Products that Helped Me through Pregnancy (Weeks 1-20)

BBHUGME PREGNANCY PILLOW* — I realize, at this price, this may be the Rolls Royce of pregnancy pillows. But after reading a ton of positive reviews, I decided to take the plunge and purchase. Hey, you’re only pregnant so many times, right? I now think I will keep using this pillow well after pregnancy, as it makes a really great back support for the sofa, or even a lapdesk for my laptop. As a stomach sleeper as well, I really appreciate that I can take a nap on it alleviating the pressure on my belly.

THE GINGER PEOPLE GINGER RESCUE CHEWABLE PILLS* — I was a convert to these before pregnancy, but I have sworn by them since becoming pregnant, especially in my first trimester. They taste delicious and really keep nausea at bay. I may have asked my doctor once or twice, “Can you overdose on ginger?” Because that’s how much I lived on these babies. (Note: I stocked up on these before I left the US, and now I’m not sure if you can buy them in the UK? I may need to start an illegal import business).

STORQ SIGNATURE MATERNITY LEGGINGS* — Pretty quickly into my first trimester, most of my pants stopped fitting me. Probably because I am already fairly straight up and down, even elasticated waist items felt tight. I have a a couple of pairs of maternity leggings, and none compare to the softness of the Storq ones. However, they are very see-through, more of a ‘lounging at home’ pair than a ‘wear out’ pair. For something more outdoors appropriate, (but not nearly as soft), I turn to my H&M maternity leggings.*

ELEMIS JAPANESE CAMELLIA BODY OIL BLEND* — I tried a few other ‘baby bump’ oils and creams (including the very expensive MUTHA body butter*, which broke me out in spots!). Not only is the Elemis oil the only one to not give me acne, but I don’t have a single stretch mark. A winner in my book! I slather it over my stomach and breasts every 2-3 days, and so far so good. Time will only tell if it works as I grow bigger, and I will keep you dear reader posted if it holds up to the hype.

COMRAD COMPRESSION SOCKS* — While not an everyday item, these are what I wore during out flight from California to the UK. I worried about the risk of blood clots during our necessary long-haul flight, considering I was 12 weeks pregnant. Pregnant women are often advised to wear compression socks to help with blood clots, so I gave these a go. They were so comfy during the flight, and I will be wearing them a lot more as I get bigger and (and heavier!).

LUNYA COOL EVERY BODY TEE* & LUNYA SILK RACER DRESS — If you’ve ever read this blog, you’ll know my absolute love for Lunya pajamas. Expensive they are, but quality they are also. As I grow bigger, I’m leaning towards wearing dresses to bed instead of my usual shorts-and-tank combo. The Racer Dress* is such a dream, long enough to keep my legs covered but cool (and flowy) enough to accommodate my bump. The Cool Every Body tee* is wonderfully oversized, barely grazing my skin and looking cute with just a pair of briefs underneath. I bought both of these before becoming pregnant, and while other pajama pieces had to be put away until Post Pregnancy, these two have stayed by my side.

15 MINUTE BEAUTY’S PREGNANCY-SAFE BEAUTY GUIDE — I literally do not know what I would have done without this website during the first few weeks of pregnancy. As a blogger who sometimes blogs about beauty, I knew there were some ingredients to avoid. But, considering I am not a chemist, I was struggling to figure out what those ingredients where in all my beauty products. Christine of 15 Minute Beauty’s Pregnancy-Safe Beauty Master List is a thing of wonder, and she responds to specific comments of products in literally a day! I don’t what wizardry she uses to be so productive, considering she’s also a doctor. I will support her kindness for this free resource forever.

PREGNANCY BOOK: EXPECTING BETTER BY EMILY OSTER* — When I first fell pregnant, I was pretty overwhelmed with the sheer amount of books available on the subject on pregnancy. Couldn’t someone just give me a handy guide that said ‘eat this’ and ‘don’t eat this’, but backed by science and research, not just fear mongering? So much of the advice given on food intake doesn’t particularly stem from well-researched studies and science. I found this so aggravating when trying to navigate my “new normal” in the first few weeks of pregnancy.

In the end, I purchased two books: The Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy* and Expecting Better*. While the former is more of a reference guide for specific weeks, the latter was incredibly useful. Economist Emily Oster,  digs through all of the available research on pregnancy so you don’t have to. Each chapter concludes with a summary, explaining what you need to know when your brain is pregnancy fogged. I have recommend this book to all friends — expecting or otherwise — since.

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And a little extra note to all the pregnant, trying-to-get pregnant, post-pregnancy, fertility-watching people out there: this is tough. Physically and emotionally, there’s no way to say it but it tough. You got this. We have got this!