Third Trimester Essentials
Whew! Made it to the third trimester and now I am less than 2 weeks away from my due date, June 15th! It’s SO crazy to think we are nearing the end of pregnancy and welcoming new life into our family. I’m definitely feeling large and in charge and starting to feel more ready! (Ready or not, right?!) During this last trimester there have been a few life savers for me, and things I wish I would have purchased. I thought it would be helpful to share these with you in hopes they help you get comfortable, promote sleep and enjoy the last few weeks of pregnancy.
In addition to my lists of second trimester essentials, here’s a few things you might need in the third trimester:
GOOD READS:
Now is the time to educate yourself on all things baby! Be sure to check out classes offered for birthing, breastfeeding, and parenting. Try to soak up all the knowledge you can get! It’s also a great time to get a tour of the hospital or birthing center where you expect to deliver.
Speaking of education, its great to read up and gain information from other parents that have gone before you! I definitely don’t think you should take everyone’s advice to heart, but pick and choose what strategies you feel would fit best with your lifestyle. If a book starts to stress you out for whatever reason (we all have different parenting styles and techniques) then take what you can and leave the rest! Some great reads for me have been “Bringing Up Bebe,”“Moms on Call,” and “Babywise” (a good guide, but definitely need to be flexible with it and don’t let it stress you out!)
These next two books come highly recommended by my sister (who is a big advocate for natural birth and breastfeeding) and I would like to read them at some point: “Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth” and “The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding.” I actually didn’t read any books concerning the birthing process/breastfeeding last pregnancy except the book that my doctor gave me. I had a natural birth and had a successful breastfeeding journey (21 months) so it can be done without reading them, BUT you will definitely need support and education! My family and other mom friends were crucial and super helpful during this time.
A GOOD BRA:
Hello, boobs! It’s no secret that your belly isn’t the only thing that grows during pregnancy. The girls up top are growing by the minute it seems and underwires are definitely not your friend. A good, supportive bra is what you need! I found this super soft bralette that is so comfy and seamless. It’s been my go-to during this last trimester. I also found these great nursing bras (linked here and here.) They still provide support but are more breathable and comfortable than other bras.
NOISE MACHINE:
Sleep has been pretty hard to come by during this pregnancy, so I have been really looking for things that would help. This noise machine is amazing. No, these aren’t just for babies! This has been a lifesaver for me since Tyler gets up at 5am to workout and it was getting hard to go back to sleep. The noise machine drowns out any random noises and helps me stay asleep. I have been getting better sleep ever since I put this on my bed side table.
WISH I HAD:
A pregnancy pillow! I definitely regret not getting one, as I think it would have definitely helped me sleep better. I just thought it was a waste of money, but my friends have told me otherwise! I made do with mounds of pillows, but next time around I want to try this one!
BELLY OIL:
With such rapid growth, this all-natural skin toning oil has been a LIFE saver for me AND my belly. It’s especially hydrating and I feel like my skin drinks it right up! It has helped to tone and hydrate my skin as my belly grows. It really helps to minimize and even prevent stretch marks. I lather up with this toning oil and body wash duo almost everyday. I love it so much, I’m now on my second bottle!
STARTING AT 38 WEEKS:
Drinking Raspberry Leaf tea is said to help prepare the womb for childbirth. This particular tea is especially formulated for pregnant mammas close to giving birth and for postpartum recovery. This highly nutritious blend is filled with trace minerals to give your body what it needs to get through the demands of delivering a baby. It’s also just really yummy! 🙂
Evening Primrose oil is said to help speed up labor and may help the cervix soften and efface (thin out). I took this two weeks leading up to my due date with Audrey and she came a few days early. We will see if it helps induce naturally this time. (As always, consult your physician before taking any supplements!)
ENCOURAGING FRIENDS AND POSITIVE BIRTH STORIES
Be sure to surround yourself with positive birth stories/images and other moms that are going to be a good support for you during this exciting time. Find a local support group like MOPS, a women’s bible study, or go to some prenatal classes to meet other expectant women. You and your body are capable of having a wonderful birth experience!
If you’d like to see my second trimester must-haves, click here. And here are my postpartum essentials, too.
You can shop my look and many other beautiful dresses and tops at one of my favorite online boutique stores by clicking Jane“>here!
We are so excited to welcome a little boy into our family and see Audrey Grace as a big sister! Thanks for following along our journey! And now, we wait…
What have been/were your third trimester essentials? I’d love to know if you would add anything to the list!
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