Pregnancy Products I Can't Live Without

I read a Baby Center article about the top nine pregnancy products mamas can't live without, and I thought it would be fun to compare them to my top list of things that, through the first and second trimesters, I have found to be the most helpful and why.

1. Zofran
2. Prenatal vitamins
3. A really good, firm pillow
4. Bella Band
5. Gap maternity jeans
6. My most favorite yoga capris (no longer available online, boo hoo!)
7. YouTube

1. Zofran
I was a wreck throughout the first trimester. It was really, really rough. I lost weight, couldn't eat and was dehydrated until I went to the doctor for the "yep, you're pregnant!" appointment. While there, my nurse tried to get me admitted in to the hospital for dehydration, but my very wise and wonderful doctor listened to me, and we found a solution to my nausea and vomiting problem that didn't involve an overnight stay. He suggested ginger, vitamins and one-half of a sleeping pill every morning and evening to try at first, and he also gave me a prescription for the generic pill for Zofran. He suggested I test out the first combination to see if it would quell the sickness, so I tried that combination for about a month. It didn't work for me because the sleeping pill, which takes the edge off of the nausea, also put me to sleep! Not a great combination for my Monday-Friday job! Instead of switching immediately to Zofran, I took the vitamin supplement exclusively, and while I do think it worked, it did not kick the nausea completely. I was hesitant to take the prescription, but after a month, I filled it and began taking it. It was a game-changer. I was no longer sick from 4 p.m. to the time I went to bed every night. I could eat and drink more than cheerios and water and peppermint tea. I felt like my old self, for the most part, and I could finally get off the couch and do something. Let me be clear: I am not a pill-popper. I don't like to take any medicine, whether over-the-counter or prescription, unless I absolutely have to. But this? I will know next time. Because the freedom it gave me back was priceless.

2. Prenatal Vitamins
Giving the baby all of the nutrients he needs and supplementing with DHA are musts. Taking my vitamins every day has the added benefit of making me feel like a good mom already. My sister-in-law Tiffany recommended New Chapter Organics Perfect Prenatal, and I like them. They are a little bit pricey, but you can find good deals for them.

3. A Really Good, Firm Pillow
I am a back-sleeper, and training myself to sleep on my side has been difficult. I've tried to do it by getting a firm pillow to rest my head on and sandwiching myself between other pillows with a pillow between my knees. I end up kicking every other pillow away, but the pillow I sleep on has made a difference in how quickly I fall asleep and how soundly I sleep. Invest in a good one.

4. Bella Bands
I have two bands, one in black and one in nude. They have been fantastic for making my jeans and work pants wearable a lot longer. I can't recommend them enough if you don't want, or can't, replace your clothes with all maternity clothes.

5. Gap Maternity Jeans
With that said, I have purchased two pairs of Gap maternity jeans, and I love them both. One is demi-panel and one is full panel, and both fit well for a couple wearings. I have had problems with feeling like my pants were falling down, but I think that's the nature of the pregnant pants. It's strange to not have anything to button!

6. My Most Favorite Yoga Capris Ever
I have lived in these pants. They are not maternity, but they are my go-to for nights and weekends around the house and quick errands. I got them at Gap Body two or three years ago, and despite a growing pregnant belly, they remain comfortable. I implore you to find a good pair of comfy pants you can stand to be seen in outside of the house, too... you won't want to take them off!

7. YouTube
YouTube seems like a strange recommendation, but for me it has been awesome. I do prenatal exercises to videos I find online, and having virtually unlimited options for yoga, pilates and other exercises for free has been awesome. I would love to find a class close by, but I haven't so far. This has been a great substitute, though!

So that's my list of can't-live-withouts. I don't think I forgot anything, although there are a few things (a big cup for water, a fan, etc.) that have been pretty important, too. I'd love to hear what works or worked for you throughout your pregnancy, especially through the third trimester!