The 15 Best Pregnancy Must-Haves, According to Moms Who’ve Been Through It
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A funny thing happened on the path to writing this story: I learned that I—a fairly seasoned mom of a kindergartner—am pregnant, due with my second this fall. Joyous news! And on a work-related front, even more timely given the content of this piece. Still, I already had a firm grip on the pregnancy essentials given my previous experience, right? Yes and no. While the most critical necessities remain (things like a maternity bra and comfy PJs), the amount of innovation that occurs every year in the maternity space is unmatched.
But that’s where the number one pregnancy essential comes in: Mom friends. That’s exactly where I turned (in addition to getting an expert’s perspective) to find out about the latest and greatest pregnancy must-haves to help moms-to-be stay comfortable and prepared for what they’ll face during the first, second and third trimesters. The result—15 products in total—is a mix of my own personal experience and product tests, plus recommendations from real moms who, quite frankly, know what’s up.
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The Best Pregnancy Must-Haves at a Glance
Meet the Expert
Dr. Meleen Chuang is medical director of women’s health at the Family Health Centers at NYU Langone hospital in New York City. She’s also a clinical associate professor for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
How I Chose the Top Pregnancy Must-Haves
To help narrow the search for the maternity essentials that moms-to-be absolutely need to get by, I turned to Dr. Chuang for a list of the basics. While she didn’t endorse any singular product, she provided a starting point: The items that pregnant women will need in order to support their changing bodies during this time. With those essential categories in mind, I then turned to fellow moms—friends, colleagues, acquaintances—for their recommendations, but then put them to the test myself as a final cross-check. (Based on my experience, some of the suggestions were, in fact, weeded out.) That’s how you know that the pregnancy must-haves that follow are tried-and-true.
1. Ritual Prenatal Multivitamin
Of course, a prenatal vitamin is something you’ll want to begin as soon as you and your partner start trying to conceive. But finding the right one can be a challenge, especially when there are so many choices on the market. That’s where Ritual’s prenatal multivitamin comes in: It features 12 key nutrients including iron, folate (the active form of folic acid) and Omega 3-DHA, which are all essentials to support you growth and development in utero and beyond.
There’s more: While Ritual’s prenatal includes choline—another must-have that helps support baby’s cognitive function—they recently launched Natal Choline, an additional supplement to enhance that which is already offered in the prenatal. As with all things, you’ll want to check with your own OB/GYN before taking any supplement to make sure you’re meeting the needs of your individual pregnancy, but we like Ritual due to the brand’s reputation and the fact that it checks so many boxes—which all add up to pregnancy peace of mind.
2. Bearaby Body Cuddler Pillow
According to Chuang, a supportive maternity pillow is designed to alleviate pressure on the lower back, hips and abdomen—not to mention encourage mom to sleep on her left side, which enhances blood flow and oxygen supply to the baby.
On my first go-around with my son, I tried my fair share of pregnancy pillows, but this is one corner of the maternity market where the options have significantly changed. That’s where I consulted a ton of pregnant and recently pregnant women, and the Bearaby Body Cuddler pillow came up again and again. First of all, it’s 75 inches long, so you’ve got quite a bit of support to work with as you contort and adjust your (ideally, on-the-left-side-only) sleeping position through the night. But it’s the moldable aspect and ability to move it to meet your body’s needs—whatever they may be—that makes this pillow a stand-out. (Other pillows I tried are good, but often come with a pre-determined shape, which means you’re adjusting to them vs. the other way around.)
Other aspects of this pillow I love: Bearaby’s Body Cuddler and its proprietary Melofoam—a natural rubber foam—gives it an ergonomic feel, but one that stays cooling, too. And somehow, given this pillow’s cylindrical shape, it also doubles as a decorative pillow that you can lay along your bed’s headrest during the day, which means it’s less of an eyesore and you maybe won’t need to pass it on the minute your pregnancy is over.
3. lululemon Align Leggings
I was as surprised as you might be: These non-maternity leggings (which come with pockets or without) were endorsed by mom after mom…after mom. So, what gives? The throughline seems to be that this particular style will work whether you’re six weeks or 36 weeks, meaning it feels comfortable when you’re just lightly bloated, but also when you’re entering the home stretch.
Part of that has to do with the fact that they’re designed with a higher waist and plenty of give (although the moms I chatted with recommended sizing up for added comfort); also—this is based on our test—the leggings easily adapt to your changing shape. For example, with leggings that are branded maternity, you often have to wait until you hit the right phase of your pregnancy to enjoy a proper fit without making constant adjustments. Did we mention the Align leggings are buttery soft and come in a variety of different colors? (Per Chuang, the reason leggings are a must-have during pregnancy is that the stretchy and breathable fabric provides comfort, support and ease of movement as your belly and waistline grows and expands.)
4. Motif Maternity Compression Socks
Swelling happens, especially in the legs and feet. (This is due to increased blood volume, Chuang explains.) “Compression socks promote proper blood circulation, reduce swelling and prevent varicose veins,” she adds. True story: I tried a range of compression socks during my first pregnancy but didn’t end up wearing them too much. This time around, I’ve found the need to have them on hand arise already (for travel), but also after my OB/GYN listed them as an essential right out of the gate (even just for longer days spent on my feet).
Here’s why Motif’s offering is a stand-out: First of all, the sizing charts actually make sense and the measurement guide is easy to follow. Also, the variety offered is sort of stylish (again, we’re talking compression socks here!). The socks were also easy to pull on while being appropriately fitted, but just as easy to comfortably adjust their placement (they are designed to hit below the knee). It’s also worth noting that the amount of detail on how to properly wear them is robust—a nice-to-have for pregnant women navigating new territory.
5. Hatch Crop Maternity Jean
Bring up splurge pregnancy fashion and Hatch is top of the list. But before you balk at the price tag, hear me out: Mom after mom mentioned their denim—in particular when it comes to their below-the-bump styles (these tend to be much more spring/summer friendly, but good for anyone prone to overheating during their pregnancy). Hatch offers a range—I love the cropped for petite gals—and upon trying a pair out, was quite impressed by the fit, even in the first trimester when all you need is a bit of extra give in the belly. Still, I heard from moms who, in their third trimester, when they felt like they were about to pop, relied heavily on Hatch and their signature bamboo-spandex side wedge that makes the transition from trimester to trimester (and into postpartum) seamless. What felt the most important about them was the fact that they allowed me—and other moms I interviewed—to feel like our pre-pregnancy selves, sporting a cool silhouette that we’d choose, pregnant or not.
6. Clarins Body Partner Stretch Mark Cream
Finding the right cream to prevent stretch marks can be a challenge when there are so many options to choose from. (In fact, the one I used when I was first pregnant is no longer available—the options change so much.) It’s worth noting that a cream won’t eliminate the appearance of stretch marks, but the effort is still worth it since it helps nourish the skin as it expands, which can visibly help reduce signs of stress. The main ingredients you want to be on the lookout for? Really, anything that provides tons of hydration. This is where Clarins is a favorite: Their Body Partner cream has glycerin, squalene and Clarins’ own propriety blend (called PhytoStretchComplex) that combines the plant centella asiatica with organic green banana extracts for added elasticity. Moms I chatted with raved about the hydration, but also how easily the cream melts into the skin without any residual stickiness. A win.
7. Monica & Andy Organic Lounge Robe
Monica & Andy is certainly known for their baby and kid clothes—but did you know they have a range of maternity styles that are as luxe as their kid-friendly variety? Enter this organic lounge robe, which I was surprised to admit is one of the softest and most flattering maternity robes I’ve tried. It’s made with 100 percent organic cotton and holds its shape beautifully, even after repeated washes. Other details to love: The side pockets, shawl collar and attached belt. You also have the option to personalize it if you please. This is robe you’ll live in through maternity and beyond.
8. Petite Plume Pajamas
Is it just me or are cozy PJs the first thing on my shopping list as soon as my belly begins to expand? Numerous moms shouted out Petite Plume as their “treat-yourself” PJ of choice—and one that is high-quality enough to withstand their entire pregnancy, but also last well into the fourth trimester, too. (One mom says she still reaches for them and her kid is three.) Here’s why: Petite Plume is designed to accommodate both expecting and nursing moms with features that make that transition convenient (clip-down camisole straps, for example). The Pima cotton fabric also gives shape without being scratchy and provides coverage, too (always a worry as your body grows and expands and unexpected visitors pop by). More than anything, moms report a luxury factor, which can be hard to come by during this awkward time for your body.
9. Skims Nursing Sculpting Bra
Real talk: Boobs are usually where the first signs of pregnancy hit. Right out of the gate, there’s tenderness, enlargement and, quite frankly, regular bras no longer cut it. “As the breasts undergo changes during pregnancy, a supportive maternity bra becomes essential,” Chuang explains. “It helps provide proper support, reduces discomfort and prevents sagging.” That’s where Skims comes in. I’ve had several moms share their surprise at what a hit the nursing sculpting bra—designed to carry you through pregnancy, but also postpartum and nursing—really is. Especially great is the lack of bulkiness, which often arises given the double layer and hook and eye closure (one mom who tried it reports a soft and comfortable and lightweight fit). Also worth calling out: The fact that the straps stay in place and that it’s easy to wash. Credit to Kim Kardashian, she’s got a winner here.
10. Rothy’s Original Slip-on Sneaker
At PureWow, we love Rothy’s—but we rarely have talked about what a godsend their slip-on sneaker is during maternity, especially the third trimester when we can barely see our feet, let alone comfortably reach for them. “As pregnancy progresses, feet may swell and it can become challenging to bend down and tie shoelaces,” Chuang says. “Investing in a pair of comfortable slip-on shoes with good arch support can make walking and standing much more comfortable.” With Rothy’s’ slip-on—which by the way is sustainably knit from plastic water bottles—pregnant moms will love the cushy footbed, support and style, too. They’re machine washable, which helps keep them in tip-top shape. Ialso love the texture of the material, which holds its structure, no matter how many times you wash. One note: You may want to size up, since the knit doesn’t stretch. Still, you can rest assured this style is an investment you’ll wear well beyond your pregnancy.
11. Seraphine Maternity Shirt Dress
Comfy—and professional—maternity clothes are hard to come by and, for this reason, Seraphine came up on repeat as a go-to from moms I polled for a few different reasons: The quality of their garments, the timeless range of styles, but also the frequency of sales. (While researching and testing products for this story, I noticed multiple discount events that provided at least a 15 percent markdown—always good for a wallet that’s prepping for baby.)
Still, it’s the relaxed, yet office-friendly fit of styles like this polka dot number or neutral-toned shirt dress that make the brand a stand-out. “Finding pieces that are structured and feel a bit more tailored for work, but also provide comfort can be a challenge during pregnancy,” one mom of three shared. “This brand is one that got me through all three trimesters…with more than one kid.”
12. Boob Low Waist Maternity Panties
The moms we polled raved about Boob’s low-waist maternity panties fit and—bonus—said they continued to wear them on the other side of pregnancy, too. How come? It’s the lack of seams that makes them a step above the rest. They’re also made from soft, durable and breathable (!) lyocell, which just feels flexible and luxe against your skin. One mom, noting her sensitive skin, mentioned that this was one of the only brands that didn’t chafe or cause irritation. Boob offers other styles, too, but it’s the below-the-belly silhouette that gets the most raves.
13. Blanqi Everyday Maternity Belly Support Tank Top
It’s all about the lumbar support, says one mom of two. She swore by Blanqi’s offering—especially in the third trimester—for its supportive fit while keeping things stylish. (To the average eye, Blanqi’s tank top looks like your everyday white or black tank top. “Pair it with a skirt, jeans, whatever your pleasure and you’re good to go!” she remarked. Other details that stand out: The boob coverage (for lack of a better term), but also the opaqueness that stays true, even as the belly panel stretches around your expanding frame. The design offers a graduated compression around your stomach while also prioritizing back support. You can expect any aches and pains to dissipate as you wear this throughout your day.
14. Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting from Birth to Preschool by Emily Oster
Prepping for baby is anxiety-filled under the best of circumstances. That’s where economist and parenting expert Emily Oster comes in. Her book, Cribsheet, is a must-read for new and expecting parents for a very important reason—in a sea of advice from every corner (your doctor, your mom friends, the internet), her data-driven perspective is refreshing and actually calming. But that’s just it: A lot of the guidance and parenting wisdom we’ve come to take as fact over the years (things like sleep training is bad or language acquisition happens early for kid geniuses) isn’t true. And, depending on who it comes from, can live rent-free in your brain, sparking far too much worry. The parents I spoke with came in like a chorus: This is a must-read and one you’ll keep on your nightside table to pick up again and again as you encounter various ages and stages.
15. Béis Weekender
It’s one of the most last-minute tasks on a mom-to-be’s list, but it’s also one of the most important: packing a hospital bag. Here’s why I like Béis: the range of interior compartments, the structure provided by the wire frame, and the additional storage beneath (perfect for shoes, makeup, extra bras, a misting spray). This bag, quite simply, holds so much. I tend to be an over-packer, and this bag easily works for a three-day weekend away (approximately the same amount of time as your hospital stay post-delivery). It’s made from poly canvas so it’s durable, too, and is easy to clean.
The 40 Best Maternity Gifts (Because Expectant Moms Have Needs Too, You Know)
