9 Months: What I've Learned So Far

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I've officially entered my 9th month of pregnancy today, and I'd like to think I've learned a thing or two along the way.  I really enjoy reading posts on "pregnancy must haves" and advice from other expecting mamas-to-be, so I hope this will be helpful for those on the maternity journey!  

Books: There are a ton of pregnancy books out there...many of which I own.  By far, the most straight forward and helpful to me has been What to Expect When You're Expecting.  It sits on my bedside table and has literally been like a bible during this time.  I learned early on to avoid reading the message boards on the pregnancy websites...they are too many scary {and quite frankly, negative} posts out there that made me more paranoid than anything else.  For me, this book gave it to my straight and I appreciated the matter of fact tone throughout.

Wear:  In the beginning, I was so excited to buy "maternity" clothes to show off the bump and couldn't wait to go on a crazy shopping spree!  But over time, I realized that today is actually a good time to be pregnant, as a lot of fashion already caters to pregnant bodies, ie: long tops, maxi dresses, leggings, blousy tunics, etc.  I have always loved Havaiana sandals and they've proven to be just as comfortable in the late stages of pregnancy.  I also LOVE Liz Lange's long lean tanks.  I own several and will most likely wear them post-pregnancy too.  They're nice and long, but don't scream maternity.  Last, this is really random, but I swear by Gilligan & OMalley's thong undies.  I wore them before I was pregnant and they are still ultra comfortable now.  They're low rise and super soft and stretchy, which as been accommodating with my growing belly.  The best part is, they make nursing bras and tanks too...so I have already started stocking up on those as well.  Really, Target is king when it comes to maternity wear!

Sleep: During the winter, I would get stuffy noses and be more congested.  The Crane humidifier was great for helping me sleep at night, especially with how dry it is up here.  I also bought the snoogle pillow, but honestly, it felt like I was wrestling an alligator.  Such a waste.  I now sleep with a pillow between my legs and on my side and do just fine.  I've also heard great things about the Boppy pillow.  Maybe next time?

Drink:  Of course, I drink tons and tons of water {key for staying hydrated, which means less cramping and swelling}, but it's nice to have a "fancy' type drink since I'm not indulging in cocktails right now.  I love Izze's sparkling juice...particularly the grapefruit flavor.  

Body: I've been fortunate not to have experienced any stretch marks yet {knock on wood!} and I attribute this to applying lotion every time I get out of the shower.  I've always used Johnson & Johnson Shea and Cocoa butter lotion, which smells great and includes the cocoa butter that are in a lot of the "stretch mark creams".  Additionally, I apply Mustela's stretch mark cream on my tummy, chest, and thigh area.  Palmer's works great too.

Etc: I haven't experienced too much heart burn during my pregnancy, but Tums Smoothies do the trick when I do.  I also love EOS lip balm to keep my lips moisturized.  And one last tid bit...I've been flossing religiously {kuddos to you if that's already part of your regular routine!}.  Since I can't whiten my teeth and dental is a big part of your overall health & well-being, I've found that flossing has kept my teeth pearly white {not to mention the elimination of wine and coffee!}. 

It's crazy to look back over the last 9 months and see how far I've come...and what I've learned.  I'm grateful to have had a relatively easy pregnancy and positive experience overall.  I'm hoping these last 4 weeks go by quickly and easily!

So tell me mamas and m2b's, do you have anything to add to this list?  Any questions?  Let me know!

xo natasha