Pregnancy Necessities + 20 Week Update

Pregnancy Necessities

Hey babes! I am officially 20+ weeks pregnant, so I thought a pregnancy update was much needed over here. I honestly can not believe I am half way to meeting this sweet little babe! With this being my 3rd pregnancy, I wanted to share some of my pregnancy must haves. There are just some things that make pregnancy easier + this time around I know exactly what I need. I am keeping this to pregnancy musts, but will share my baby must haves in another post soon so make sure to stayed tuned!

MY List of Must Haves During Pregnancy

Natural Calm

I have some major trouble sleeping during pregnancy. I start to feel uncomfortable pretty early on and on the days I am able to fall asleep, I have trouble staying asleep, as well. I love drinking this before I go to bed for a deeper, better rest. It is a magnesium supplement that actually has a lot of other benefits, as well. And FYI, I take this even when I’m not pregnant for those restless nights!

Prenatal Vitamans

I have been taking these prenatals and am really liking them! I always take all of my vitamins at night because taking them during the day makes me feel so sick, pregnant or not. These are non GMO + have good ingredients that also aide in helping soothe sickness during pregnancy. Also, an added plus side to taking these babies is major hair growth and my nails are so healthy!

Bio Oil

I have been using this to keep my belly moisturized to avoid stretch marks. I love how it feels + also use it on my chest & bum! It is super dry here in Utah, so keeping my skin hydrated is a must. I also love that it doesn’t have a distinct smell to it. The best!

Pregnancy Pillow

Somehow the pillow I used for my other pregnancies has gone missing in our move (but I am pretty sure my husband just got rid of it because he hates it so much lol) BUT he will sure be surprised when my new one gets here this week 😉 I literally obsess over a good pregnancy pillow- makes sleep SO much better.

Extra H20

Drinking lots and lots of water is essential during pregnancy. I keep this cup full and with me at all times! It keeps my water cold and helps me reach my water intake every day.

Leggings

I typically wear my same Lululemon or Zella leggings throughout pregnancy and just size up a size when needed/as my bump grows. They are so comfortable and have a good amount of stretch while still feeling really supportive. I just saw these maternity leggings and may order for my workouts! I will let you guys know what I think fore sure 🙂

No gender reveal! We are not finding out the gender this time around. We already have one sweet boy and girl, so we will be thrilled either way! And we don’t have a feeling of what the baby is either- it’s so exciting and makes us look forward to meeting our little babe even more. I was actually a “surprise” and my mom always talks about how fun and exciting the moment was when the doctor announced “It’s a girl!”, so I thought why not hold off! Our doctor has been so great at keeping baby’s gender a secret and has been so amazing!

• Do you wear maternity jeans? If so, what are your favs?

I pulled out my maternity jeans this week! I am still wearing my normal jeans most of the time, as my maternity jeans are still big. I’m still in that awkward stage where it looks like I just had a big dinner,  so I am really playing it day by day and am just trying to keep comfortable. As for maternity jeans,I really love these! They are great for all body types. If you are more petite, these are a good option because they carry those small sizes. if you are curvy, these are also a great option. I love Good American jeans, before and during pregnancy. A good pair of maternity jeans is a must! Trust me, don’t compromise on a good pair of prego jeans!

• Felt baby kicks yet?

Yes! This baby is a mover for sure and I love it. I actually felt the baby kick way earlier than any of my other babies this time. Not sure if it’s just because I know what it feels like this time around, but I am definitely more aware. I love nights where I am finally able to sit down and feel the baby move around. Incredible!

• What prenatals are you taking?

I was taking Careof vitamins and recently switched back to these. I am really liking them and again, always take my vitamins at night.

• What are your best labor/delivery tips?

I have been really lucky to have easy births, thus far. I have loved both of my labor and deliveries and pray this one goes the same. I am not sure that I have any tips, other than to make sure you are comfortable and calm. I only like having my husband and mom there, so that’s what we do! There is nothing quite like it and I have never felt more strong or empowered than those amazing moments.

• What types of prenatals, self tanners, and skincare are you using?

I use this self tanner once in awhile and use TULA products for skincare still along with this Vitamin C serum & this sunscreen. (See my latest TULA post here). As always, consult with your doctor to see what’s best for you. I also see an esthetician once a month for a pregnancy safe facial or peel.

• New baby items you want to get with this baby?

I would love to try the Snoo & Willow Pump!

• Do you get a lot of help with the kids while you nap/do things?

I haven’t napped since before I had kids, haha. Kidding, but I really can not remember the last time I took a nap. I don’t have help with my kids & my husband travels every other week for work. Any family we have here in Utah lives about an hour from us. I use my kids’ nap time to work on my blog and get things done around the house. I am a busy body naturally and always have something to work on! And c’mon guys, you all know a mama’s work is never done! Haha

• How much weight do you gain during your pregnancies?

I gained 40+ lbs with Truman and about 30+ lbs with Tatum. I am naturally petite, so most people are surprised when I tell them that. I think my lifestyle has changed a lot since that time and I am a lot busier and healthier than when I was pregnant with Truman. I have gained just about 10 lbs at 20 weeks this time, but this is just something I don’t worry about. It’s something that just comes with pregnancy and I have been lucky to lose the weight after + my only concern is a healthy baby!

• Were you this healthy with your other pregnancies? Did you have to work to lose the baby weight with your first two?

I was active and healthy with my pregnancy with Tatum. I worked out hard consistently (I did early morning Orange Theory classes when I was cleared to work out after having Tate) and did BBG after Truman + ate healthy after both pregnancies and was able to lose the baby weight after a bit.

• Car seat and stroller preference?

I had a Nuna Pipa with Truman and a Maxi Cosi with Tatum and actually really liked them both! I would say either of those is a good choice, depending on what is adaptable with the stroller system you choose.

• How do you stay healthy? What do you eat? What are some pregnancy workouts you recommend? How do you find energy to work out? Will this be your last baby??

Not my last baby, hopefully! We would love more. I work out at least 4 times a week and change it up a lot. I have loved High Fitness classes this pregnancy, along with classes on my Peloton bike. I try to do light weights a couple times a week, but have found I enjoy and feel most motivated in group classes right now, so that’s what I do. I don’t follow a specific diet and eat very normal! I try to choose good options that are healthy and nutritious for baby, but definitely do not track calories or anything like that.

As far as finding energy to work out- it is one of my favorite parts of the day and I truly enjoy working out and always have. It makes me happy and I love the feeling I get after a work out. I feel like it also helps my births and recovery!

• Do you nurse? If so what is your favorite nursing bra?

I exclusively nursed Truman for 9 months and maybe lasted a couple of months with Tatum (I got mastitis a few times in that short time and was just miserable) I will definitely try to nurse again this time around! My favorite nursing bras are by Cake maternity & Third Love (I preferred this wireless one).

• Will this baby have a T name too?

Probably not! We didn’t pick T names on purpose, just happened to love those names. We have a few girls names we love + do have a boy name picked out and none of them are a T name.

• Did you have Morning sickness? Any tips to ease it?

Yes- This pregnancy was my hardest first trimester and I was really sick. It all feels like a blur now, but while I was going through it, it was hard. Luckily it stopped at around 15 weeks for me and I’ve felt great since then! Honestly, nothing really helped me to feel better other than eating smaller meals throughout the day and these sometimes helped settle my stomach!

• Do you do anything to avoid stretch marks?

I didn’t get stretch marks with either of my other pregnancies, but I have always been good about keeping my belly + body moisturized. I use this all over my chest, belly, and bum (the places that grow during pregnancy) and also use this coconut oil on my body after my shower every night!

• What are you most excited for and most nervous for with this baby?

I am most excited to have another sweet baby to love on! I absolutely love being a mom and nothing brings me more joy than my children. My heart is already SO full thinking of watching my two little ones be a big brother and sister to this baby. I would say I am most nervous about being able to juggle everything. I am a scheduled person and thrive when I stick to our routine.. I feel like we are in such a good little routine right now and know it will have to change a bit when baby gets here. BUT we will learn and make it work!