Lu’s pregnancy must-haves

I’m currently residing in that slightly uncomfortable, trouble sleeping, but not yet massive enough to merit constantly lying on the sofa stage of pregnancy, so I thought I’d share some of the things that have really helped me along the way. First up, fashion. I must confess I’ve spent most of the pregnancy wearing COS tunics and not maternity wear at all. I’m now having to concede that the bump needs a little more room, so I’ve turned to ASOS Maternity for help. I’m currently obsessed with this tropical floral print dress, above, £25, which seems both so this season and a little bit 50s. It’s being worn over ASOS maternity skinny  jeans, £30, which I hereby declare (having tried many, many pairs) to be the comfiest out there.

My brother-in-law was due to get married in September (I had even bought a super-cute outfit for baba-to-be) but their own unscheduled bump meant they decided to bring it forward to last weekend. Leaving me with a dress dilemma. If you’ve got an occasion to go to while expecting, I cannot recommend Seraphine’s Luxe range enough. I was fortunate to be able to borrow this colour block silk maxi and it was gorgeous – fitting in all the right places and making me feel ultra glam. Lots of compliments, too.

Your feet and legs take a bit of battering when you’re with child. I give mine a bit of help by ditching my heels in favour of Topshop ballet pumps, Converse and (when it’s not chucking it down) Sun-San sandals, and easing aches after particularly hectic days with Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Leg & Foot Creme, £12.99, a reviving concoction of peppermint and rosemary.

Sleep is obviously vital, but tricky when you’re used to sleeping on your front as I am. Last pregnancy, I swore by my FormFix pillow, but it was looking a little less than full of beans when I got it out, so I thought I’d try By Carla’s Heat-Regulating Cuddle Me pillow and I love it. It supports in all the right places and rolls up into a handy carry bag so you can cart it around with you. Admittedly a bit of a passion killer, but needs must. £39.14, Babes2Tots.

I’m pretty lucky in that I don’t suffer from morning sickness, but, as a vegetarian, my iron levels do dip, so this time I’ve been taking Spatone iron supplement, sachets of iron-rich water that don’t seem to have the same adverse side effects as tablets. It’s a revelation – really does seem to have combatted the exhaustion. My other half is also a convert and much less reluctant to respond to early toddler alarm calls. Result! £5.69 for 28 sachets, Amazon. I’m also supping the marvellous Earth Mama Angel Baby Third Trimester Tea, £4.95 for 16 teabags, chock full of vitamins and goodies such as iron-rich nettle and rosehips, calming chamomile, calcium-packed oat straw and the ubiquitous raspberry leaf.

I am however blighted by stretch marks, despite having access to the most effective (and expensive) lotions and potions and slathering myself in Bio Oil – what can I say, it’s a genetic thing. I have found great comfort in the soothing powers of Mama Naked‘s Serenity Stretch Mark Cream, £3.99, packed full of super-hydrating cocoa butter and soybean, and a bargain so you can afford to be generous with it.

Once I finish at the office next week, my main priority will be relaxation. I’ve been practising antenatal yoga using the fab Buddha Bellies DVD, £14.99, as I couldn’t find a class to fit in with my working hours/childcare (note to yoga teachers – please run later evening classes) and I’m a big fan of a scented candle, especially these organic pregnancy therapy candles from Mamissima, £14. Made from 100% organic plant wax, the lavender one is a great sleep aid and apparently the warm wax can be used as a stretch mark treatment, although I haven’t tried this yet. Fab gift too. I’ll also be booking myself in for a few pampering sessions and a long-lasting gel pedicure at my favourite salon, Shine, as I’m guessing I won’t have much time for beautifying once number two arrives! So, fellow mamas-to-be, which products can’t you live without?

 

Tagged Amazon, ASOS, Buddha Bellies, Burt's Bees, By Carla, Earth Mama Angel Baby, fashion, Mama Bee, Mamissima, Maternity, maternity dresses, maternity jeans, Naked Mama, pregnancy, Seraphine, Spatone, stretch mark cream, supplements, support pillows, tea, vitamins, yoga