Pregnancy Survival Kit for the Expecting Momma

I’m three weeks away from my due date with my second baby. Looking down at my basketball-sized belly and swollen feet, I feel like each and every woman deserves a medal for surviving pregnancy.

A pregnant woman’s body goes through a million changes leading up to baby’s arrival so provide her with lots of support and TLC. If you know a momma-to-be, you can give her a Pregnancy Survival Kit containing some or all of these essential items at the beginning of her pregnancy.

Belly Cream.

The dreaded stretch marks. Prevention is key so she’ll want to start using anti-stretch mark creams starting in the first trimester on her belly, breasts, and butt. This specific cream did wonders for me during both of my pregnancies. I put it on after every shower.

Pregnancy Books.

There are several good ones out there but my go-to pregnancy book is What to Expect When You’re Expecting. It doles out tons of practical advice in bite-sized chunks of information using a Q&A format. There’s a reason why it’s a New York Times bestseller and one of USA Today‘s 25 most influential books of the past 25 years.

Prenatal Vitamins. 

They’re vital for fetal and maternal health, and it’s something she’ll have to take every day.

Gift Certificate for a Pedicure.

There will be a point where she won’t be able to bend down to paint her own toenails. She’ll love you for thinking ahead!

Maternity Belly Bands.

These are useful throughout every stage of pregnancy. She can wear her pre-pregnancy clothes longer by wearing maternity belly bands over unbuttoned pants. Then, during her second and third trimesters, they offer extra support for her growing belly. After baby arrives, she can get back to her wearing her regular pants sooner by again wearing them over unbuttoned pants.

Gift Certificate for a Prenatal Massage.

Oooh the aches and discomforts of carrying a baby inside your body. Lower back pain is one of the most common, which is why she’ll love getting a massage from a licensed prenatal massage therapist who knows how to work with and around her baby bump.

Healthy Snacks.

Make it convenient for her and baby to get proper nutrition by supplying her with a variety of healthy snacks. She’ll be so grateful to have them when she goes through episodes of feeling constantly hungry. Also, eating small meals closer together instead of a three large meals spread apart can prevent or reduce the stomach aches, nausea, heartburn and acid reflux issues that can occur during pregnancy.

Pregnancy Pillow.

Momma-to-be needs a good night’s sleep and for that to happen she needs a pregnancy body pillow that will support her hips, back, neck, and tummy. 

Chocolate.

Does this one really need explaining?

Gift Certificate for House Cleaning Services.

Especially near her due date, she won’t want to bend over to scrub, sweep or mop. Allow her to hire someone else to give her home a good, deep clean before baby arrives.

Whether your pregnancy was meticulously planned, medically coaxed, or happened by surprise, one thing is certain – your life will never be the same.  – Catherine Jones

What do you recommend including in a Pregnancy Survival Kit?