8 Pregnancy Essentials - Things You Need During Pregnancy

I didn't have many friends with the experience to share on the pregnancy essentials I must-have. Majority of the things I discover is through online means like forums and parenting/pregnancy articles written by mummies all over the world. So i've decided to write on a piece on the things you need during pregnancy (if they happen to chance on this) and hopefully it will help them in great lengths.

1) Stretch Mark Cream

Though your stomach doesn't stretch that much during your first trimester but it is highly recommended to start using it as soon as you know. Bring out the Singapore 'kiasuism' in you and head down to the pharmacies and grab one. 

There are a few popular ones in the market and to name a few:

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula, Clarins, Elancyl and Bio Oil

I started using Palmer's cocoa butter and am not a big fan. It's greasy and with the increased sense of smell during my first trimester, the butter was repugnant for me. 

My favourite is the Bio Oil which you can easily get it at Watsons. I saw lots of review online and is highly recommended by mums. I've used almost 9 bottles of the 120ml Bio Oil as I enter my 8th month of pregnancy and almost no stretch mark! Okay, I use the word 'almost' as I kinda deserved some of the marks on my left and right side of the belly. It was simply too itchy and I just had to get to it.

Recommendation: Try to buy during their pack-of-3 sale in Watsons.

2) Maternity fashion - Do it in style

Work your fashion with Maxi Dresses.

I had different colours and design of maxi dresses which had last me throughout my pregnancy. Buy those with stretchy material. You will enjoy huge savings plus you can continue to wear it after birth.

Inspirations (click on the links)
Beach Wear: Lin Pei Fen & Elizabeth Olsen (not pregnant but I love the boho style)
The Glamour: Jessica Alba

Casual: Rachel Bilson

3) Sanitary Pads/Panty Liners

Don't be surprise. Even when our periods take a break, this is one feminine care you wouldn't want to miss. Vaginal discharge is common during pregnancy (so far all my mummy friends have it). There are different types of discharge; some may last throughout the pregnancy, some are signs that you had to see your gynae soon. With sanitary pad, you could avoid staining your underwear and could easily distinguish the colour of the discharge to determine your situation.

Must-have!

4) Pregnancy Multivitamins
Your doctor would have recommended you to take it upon your first consultation. Supplements like
- folic acid and iron (found in prenatal vitamins); for antenatal care to reduce risk of low weight birth, anemia and iron deficiency
- calcium; for your developing baby
- vitamin D; for baby's bone growth
- fish oils; high DHA supplement for baby
As much as I've hated taking pills especially on a daily basis, I diligently took mine just to make sure he can be a healthy baby when he's born.

5) Shampoo and Body Wash
Did you experience serious hair fall issue or felt nausea to scents that were pleasant to you in the past and no longer smell the same way?
I did for both and my sense of smell heightened to an extend where I felt nausea every time I come close to my body wash (was using J&J Body Wash and Dettol). I was also feeling depressed by the amount of hair fall I had during my first trimester. Went to ask around and did a whole lot of research and bought two amazing products that hopefully still remain useful during postpartum.

Shampoo: Rene Furterer - Forticea
Highly recommended by my BFF and it works!

Body Wash: Dove
Recommended by my doctor to prevent dry skin.

6) Comfortable Footwear
I love my heels but good comfortable shoes for pregnancy is another must-have. Actually for some woman, it is okay to wear heels as it doesn't hurt the development of your baby and that is also if they are not as clumsy as me. I have a high tendency of spraining my ankle when I wear heels and  prone to falling easily. So I had to shelf away more than 15 pairs of heels (I don't think my husband is aware how many pairs I actually have) and wear mainly slippers and flats. I kinda enjoy it since the belly is growing bigger and having a bit of swollen feet doesn't help further. On a brighter side, it's only about 10 months and I'll be able to wear anything I want again without having to fear too much about this and that.

7) Maternity/Nursing Bras
I was up by almost 2 cup size by my second trimester. Breasts changes throughout the pregnancy and I was feeling uncomfortable wearing wired bras. I started looking out for pregnancy bras and managed to find the really pretty ones from Spring Maternity at Baby Fair held in Expo this year. They were comfortable and I was satisfied with my loots.

Recommendation: 
I also managed to get a few bra extensions from Qoo10 just in case it continues to grow (which it did) and it really came in handy.

8) Pillows/Cushions
Somehow we require all kinds of support during pregnancy. Support from your bosses to understand that you're having a tough time coping with pregnancy symptoms which can be overwhelming. Support from your partner, family and friends to cope with the mood swings and preparation for baby's arrival. As our body undergoes a godzillion changes, we also require extremely good support for our body: Back support cushions required in office. Maternity support pillows that aids sleeping.

Funny story: I even brought my back support cushion to catch the Avengers as it's just too uncomfortable to be in those movie seats for 2.5hours.


There. Finally managed to complete this list. I hope you find it helpful.
Enjoy your pregnancy!