Essential Items to Buy After Discovering You Are Pregnant

Finding out you're pregnant can trigger a rush of emotions. From joy to excitement and even a bit of anxiousness, it's a life-changing moment. One of the most pressing questions soon follows: "What should I buy?" As a new mom, being ready for this journey is essential. This post highlights important items you should consider purchasing after that positive pregnancy test.

1. Early Pregnancy Essentials

The first step after discovering your pregnancy is making sure you have the essential items to support your health and well-being.

Prenatal Vitamins

Prenatal vitamins are indispensable. These supplements typically contain crucial nutrients like folic acid, iron, and calcium. Studies show that taking prenatal vitamins can lower the risk of neural tube defects by up to 70% and significantly support your body's changes during pregnancy.

I recommend Ritual's Prenatal Multivitamin which was easy on my stomach and conveniently shipped to my door each month.

Pregnancy Books or Apps

Having a few reliable pregnancy books can provide helpful information. Consider titles like "The Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy" or "Expecting Better." These books cover week-by-week progress, labor, delivery, and postpartum care, making your journey smoother. To get a head start on parenting give the book "Good Inside" a read. I bought "We're Pregnant! The First Time Dad's Pregnancy Handbook" for my husband and he enjoyed the weekly breakdown summaries and helpful advice.

If you'd prefer a mobile app, consider BabyCenter's "Pregnancy App & Baby Tracker". Additionally, I found the Glow's "Baby Tracker App" extremely helpful after birth for answering questions at the newborn doctor appointments and to find feeding patterns. Lastly, if you enjoy keeping a journal, I loved the 40ish Weeks (a pregnancy journal) to record everything from what I ate to how I was feeling.

2. Clothing for Comfort

As your body starts to change, comfort becomes a priority.

Maternity Clothes

Investing in maternity clothes will help you feel comfortable as your belly grows. Essentials to consider include stretchy leggings, maternity jeans, and loose-fitting tops. Many women find they wear these pieces well into the postpartum period. For instance, stretchy leggings can often be worn during and after pregnancy, offering both comfort and versatility.

My favorite website is PinkBlush for super cute and great quality maternity clothes. I also found great clothing items at Target and Old Navy.

Supportive Bras

Don’t underestimate the comfort of a good supportive wireless bra. Hormonal changes can make your breasts tender, and a well-fitted maternity bra is crucial. Consider trying on several styles to find the best fit for you, as this can significantly impact your comfort throughout the day. Go ahead and buy bra extenders because you'll need them, trust me.

My recommendation are the bras at Cake Maternity. I would buy 2 sleep nursing bras and 2 cotton candy nursing bras which are stretchy enough to hold a breast pump. Also, it was a lifesaver to purchase a couple of Bamboobies Overnight Nursing Pads, 8 pack. These stayed in my nursing bras 24/7 so I wasn't covered in milk all the time.

A variety of maternity clothing options available.

3. Health and Wellness Products

Taking care of your health during pregnancy is vital.

Body Pillow

Good sleep can be hard to come by during pregnancy, but a body pillow can make a big difference. It helps support your back and hips, alleviating pressure on your joints. Plus, using a pregnancy body pillow can enhance your overall sleep quality, which is essential as you prepare for your little one’s arrival.

I enjoyed the Momcozy pregnancy pillow during my first pregnancy. The second time I found myself getting too hot at night so I found a small pillow that I would put between my knees and legs that worked perfectly.

Moisturizers

With all the hormonal changes your body undergoes, dry skin can be common. A quality moisturizer can keep your skin hydration levels up, especially as your belly expands. Look for products with natural ingredients and avoid those that contain harsh chemicals.

I absolutely loved the Hatch belly oil which kept my skin feeling hydrated. I never had stretch marks even after two pregnancies using this product exclusively.

4. Breastfeeding Supplies

Whether you plan to breastfeed or use formula, gathering feeding supplies is important.

Breast Pump

If breastfeeding is part of your plan, buying a quality breast pump is wise. Studies indicate that 85% of mothers who pump their breast milk find it allows more flexibility in managing their schedules. This way, others can help with feeding too.

You can't go wrong with any of them. For my insurance claim I opted for the Medela traditional pump. Later on, I purchased the Willow 360 wearable pump and loved the freedom to go make myself a bowl of oatmeal or grab some fruit while pumping.

Essential Accessories

Even if you intend to breastfeed exclusively, purchasing a few additional items can be practical. Having them on hand can ease the breastfeeding experience for sure.

The haakaa manual breast pump and ladybug milk collectors are super useful. The Earth Mama nipple balm was crucial for daily application in the first month or two of breastfeeding. A Boppy nursing pillow was ideal for the first few months to give your arms a break while feeding your newborn.

6. Comfort Items for Labor

As your due date nears, gather items that can help ease your labor experience. Be sure to read the blog post on everything you need to pack for the hospital.

Postpartum Essentials

The Frida Mom postpartum essentials kit has everything you would want to help you recover after birth. You can take all of the items you receive in the hospital back home with you as well. I never needed to buy Dermoplast or Tucks pads because I received enough of them at the hospital. You could purchase a delivery gown if you want or skip it. However, I did buy a matching robe and swaddle set from Caden Lane to use during labor & delivery for super cute pictures.

Relaxation Tools

Create a calming environment by investing in relaxation tools like essential oils, soothing music, or a diffuser. These small touches can significantly enhance your labor and delivery experience, helping keep you calm and focused.

I focused on creating a delivery playlist of songs that both helped me relax or pumped me up to push. Don't forget to add your wedding song for nostalgia and a couple of slow songs so you can sway with your partner in the delivery room.

Get a relaxing start to motherhood.

Preparing for the Journey Ahead

Discovering your pregnancy is exciting and brings much to consider. While the list of essential items may feel overwhelming initially, focusing on the basics helps simplify the process. From prenatal vitamins and maternity clothes to nursing supplies, early preparation alleviates stress and allows you to enjoy this special journey.

Remember, every pregnancy is unique. Tailor your purchases to fit your lifestyle and preferences. Don’t hesitate to lean on family and friends during this time, as building a strong support network can be one of the best gifts you receive.

Wishing you a happy and healthy pregnancy!