Whether you’re the one expecting or you’re buying for a friend, these are seven things I recommend every expecting mother should buy for their pregnancy. I’m one of the lucky ones who had a fabulous pregnancy, and I often wish I was still pregnant, but whether you are enjoying the experience or not, something you absolutely must do is put yourself as priority numero uno. From online workout classes to organic skincare, here are seven of my most favourite things:
1. The Bump Plan – Online pilates subscription workout plan
The Bump Plan is the online pilates workout programme you need for your pregnancy. Initially sceptical of any kind of online plan, I found myself really cherishing every moment I took for myself on the mat led by founder Hollie Grant. I didn’t know this when I first found out I was pregnant of course, but I found myself struggling to find pregnancy-suitable classes within the class schedule at my local gym. Having initially thought I would know how to adapt, it soon became apparent that there is so much to think about during pregnancy, and unless your classes are led by someone qualified- you can very easily hurt yourself. The Bump Plan gives you a new set of classes for every month of your pregnancy, but you also get really informative newsletters, videos from Hollie about the different stages and symptoms of pregnancy and access to the podcast recordings. I found myself loving every moment of using this app.
2. Clean Co Non-Alcoholic Gin
Just to make sure you’re forewarned, please note now that there is no such thing as a good non-alcoholic wine. It’s best to get your head round that one now! Gin, on the other hand, was easy to replace! It’s been so lovely to have the ritual of making yourself a lovely drink, adding ice, a garnish, a nice tonic of an evening and this has been made a lot easier by Clean Co. Initially cautious of a brand launched by a previous reality tv star, I was blown away by just how nice the Clean Co gin was! I have tried both the classic and the rhubarb version and I love both. It’s definitely a lifestyle change I want to continue to implement as it has been so easy and pleasurable to have the alcohol-free alternative. See more of our favourite drinks on the market here.
3. Lorna Jane Activewear Maternity Leggings
Would someone please tell me why I did not treat myself to maternity wear sooner in my pregnancy? I was yes, perhaps, lucky to not really show until about 24 weeks, but by this point my normal clothes were so tight, that trying on maternity leggings felt like an out-of-body experience (the good kind). Lorna Jane’s ankle-biter leggings have proven my favourite so far out of all the brands I have tried, they wash and wash and wash without fading, stretching or compromising on fit. I highly, highly recommend.
On sale now for £75.10 at lornajane.me
4. Green People Co Organic Pregnancy Safe Skincare
One of the fun games to play in pregnancy is of course, what can I actually put on my skin? My advice? Play it safe with organic products. Green People has always been a firm favourite in my household and their pregnancy-safe skincare, makeup and tanning drops were a real staple during my pregnancy. I particularly loved the nourishing 24-hour moisturiser and firming, anti-ageing tanning drops which were my regular night-time products.
5. Bella Moon Maternity Pillow
Something I would say that I had to buy fairly early on which was unexpected is a maternity pillow. One of the things I noticed in the latter half of the first trimester was a feeling of sore ribs, I guess just where my body was expanding. That feeling completely calmed down around twenty four weeks but getting a maternity pillow at 14 weeks was so comforting and very good for general posture! Now I am about to embark on the part where you actually have the child, I really look forward to using it as a nursing pillow, which it very cleverly doubles up as. I even chose the pale blue and white pattern to compliment our bedroom colour scheme as it is a rather large addition to the bedroom, so I wanted it to look like it was meant to be there.
Buy direct from bellamoon.co – £99.00
6. Marks & Spencer maternity clothing
Without a doubt, pregnancy has re-ignited my love for Marks & Spencer, an old high street favourite. Recent years has seen the brand improve drastically in the fashion department and their quality for the price point is unbeatable. I loved their soft and comfy maternity leggings and jeans, of which I pretty much lived in both. Now i’m into motherhood itself I have been loving their maternity bras too, and don’t get me started on how good the baby clothing is!
Maternity Go Balance yoga leggings RRP £25.00 – buy now
7. Bamford’s new baby range
Okay, so I might not have an actual baby just yet…but this range gave me such a mood boost during pregnancy which can often feel incredibly long and arduous. Bamford’s products are always very special but this boutique range is really something worth looking out for. They have created a signature lamb print inspired by the Daylesford lambs in a beautiful sage green and white colourway. The whole range is beautifully soft and 100% cotton and my favourite piece so far? Their towelling dressing gown for babies ages 12-18 months- it is dreamy.
Baby robe RRP £70.00 – shop now