late pregnancy must have's.

I completely slacked on posting my 2nd trimester must have's and now that I'm almost done with the third trimester (!!!) I really want to share some of my late pregnancy must have's in addition to the first trimester ones that I posted earlier. Honestly, a lot of these things have been lifesavers for me lately, so hopefully they can help someone else out too.

1. Bump Nest Pregnancy Pillow. I can not possibly rave about this pillow enough. It has saved my life. Trying to sleep with a watermelon in your tummy is not exactly easy. And with so many other symptoms keeping you up at night (heartburn, constantly full bladder, insomnia, to name a few..) any and every effort that you can make to keep yourself comfortable and asleep at night means everything. I am honestly not quite sure how I am going to give up this pillow postpartum. Maybe I won't? 

2. Earth Mama Angel Baby Third Trimester Tea. Whether it be a comfort for the cold Midwestern weather, my aching and sore throat or the promise of uterus strengthening in preparation for labor, this tea has been one of my favorite things this trimester. It tastes delicious and soothes and relaxes me. I can't say for sure how much it will actually benefit me during labor, but here's to hoping.

3. Hot water bottle. On a particularly achey day, my hot water bottle is my best friend and usually goes to bed with me. A comfy, cozy and warm comfort for my aching back.

4. Mason Bar Company tumbler. Or any beverage container of your choice. Using a straw makes it easier for me to stay hydrated so I am partial to this one.

5. Giving in to your cravings. I have honestly never experienced anything like satisfying a pregnancy craving. I had some cravings early on, but nothing compared to what it is like now. It changes constantly, so they can be hard to satisfy but boy, oh boy.... a brownie with a cold glass of milk when you are craving it and there is nothing better.

6. GAP maternity leggings. I have lived in these leggings and these yoga pants. They are so comfy and provide instant relief after struggling with dress pants all day long at work. Speaking of which, I have used the Maternity BeBand for all of the 2nd and 3rd trimester in an effort to continue wearing my regular pants, which has been a lifesaver. Admittedly, it is not as comfy anymore because I am probably way past the point of its intended use, but it was an excellent investment that I highly recommend.

7. Epsom bath salts. And my bath tub. In the beginning of my pregnancy I was too afraid to take a bath. You can hear all sorts of reasons why, but the main issue is raising your body temperature too high which can be unsafe for the baby. Eventually in the middle of my 2nd trimester when the aches & pains really started to settle in, I was desperate and decided to go for a lukewarm bath. I have never looked back since and I'm not sure I would survive some days without the thought of getting into my warm bath at night. An added benefit.. epsom salts. They are completely safe for your bath water during pregnancy and help to allievate so many pesky aches & pains. A true lifesaver.

8. Honest Company Body Oil. I have alternated between a lot of moisturizing options this pregnancy and this body oil is one of my favorites. It's not greasy, smells delightful and helps keep my skin (especially my tummy) moisturized and feeling good. Coconut oil is another particular favorite of mine for all of the same reasons and I have alternated between these two a lot this pregnancy.

Some other honorable mentions: Tums (for obvious reasons). cute, comfy & affordable maternity clothing from Asos. My December Mommies facebook group where I can ask my silly questions and not feel ridiculous and chat with others daily that are going through the same things. Really big, thick socks (to warm and comfort my gigantic, swollen feet). Oh, and foot rubs.

There are so many great products out there to support you in your pregnancy and I am so thankful to have discovered the ones that I have. Any must have's that you couldn't live without during pregnancy?

Xxxochelsea