Being pregnant is great, but let’s be real here…it’s not the most comfortable state of being. I think we all find ourselves trying new things, seeking advice, reading books, etc. just to find ways to make those 9 months as pleasant as possible. Since I’m currently growing baby #5, I think I have just a few suggestions to share. But, just a few. I also had to solicit my Facebook friends for their favorites too!
Here are the picks…
Orthaheel Sandals
I thought my Simple flip flops had arch support. Then, I thought my Reef flip flops had arch support. I didn’t know REAL arch support until I met Orthaheel. They are my lover and best friend. The Beard Man is getting sick of hearing me talk all lovey-dovey about them to everyone I know. He’s totally jealous, and he should be. You know how people say, “Well, if you love them so much, why don’t you marry them?” To that I say, “I would. I totally would…if it were legal.” If I were a polygamist, I would marry the Beard Man, Orthaheel sandals, mashed potatoes and gravy, and Chapstick.
I have flat feet and lots of really hard flooring in my home. So, at the end of every day I am moaning and groaning and begging for a foot rub. Simple and Reef flip flops used to suffice, but not when I’m prego and carrying extra weight around. I thought it was a lost cause until I scoured the internet looking for the best arch support sandals…that’s what led me to Orthaheels. They are made by a podiatrist and are essentially orthotic shoes that realign your foot to it’s natural position. The first week I wore them, my feet really hurt…almost worse than having no support. But, pretty soon my feet adjusted to the correct position and you can’t pry these suckers off of me! They are at my bedside for me right when I wake up, right outside of my shower door, everywhere…I’m obsessed. My feet have seriously never been ache-free in my life, until now! Yep, they’re expensive…darn it…but, literally one of the best purchases I have ever made for myself. If you have foot problems at all, try these! If your feet ache just in a minor way…lots of my buddies recommend Crocs.
Pregnancy Pillow
I have yet to try one of these puppies, but several gals told me they are essential for pregnancy! Apparently, lots of husbands like to steal them too, for themselves! It’s designed to support the ever-growing belly and aching back that we all are familiar with, while prego. The Todays Mom Cozy Comfort Pregnancy Pillow gets the most positive reviews online. If I wasn’t done being pregnant in 3 months, and possibly forever…I would have one of these in my shopping cart right now!
A Fabulous Supportive Nursing Bra
That’s right, you should get a nursing bra while your STILL pregnant! I found that out the hard way. In fact, although I’m not nursing and still prego…I am wearing my nursing bra now, because it’s that comfortable and I don’t really care. The Bravado Seamless Nursing Bra is the top pick among reviewers for ease, comfort, and support. See how happy that lady is?? That’s what nicely placed boobs can do for you. Although, I’m pretty sure no baby has come out of her belly recently.
Pair a good bra up with a decent set of thongs, and feel fantastic! Me personally, I love this list of The 13 Best Websites To Buy Sheer & See Through Lingerie.
Motherhood Maternity
I love Motherhood Maternity! There are plenty of other cute maternity stores out there, but most of them are outrageously expensive! Who really wants to go broke on maternity clothes?? Not me. And fortunately, I don’t have to because I find tons and tons of cute stuff at Motherhood Maternity and their prices are perfect!
A few of my super, I’m in love, favorites that I find at that store…
The Secret Fit Belly
These pants with the “secret fit” panel are the best! The panel is extra thin and stretchy so you don’t have that ugly, bulging seam poking through your clothing. The last thing we need when pregnant is more bulges. They have the “secret fit” style for jeans, pants, skirts, anything you wear on your bottom half!
Ruched T-Shirts
Ruched shirts are a god-send. I have this very shirt, love it. In fact, I have probably one of every ruched shirts in their store! When I first saw them, I was like “weird.” But, once I tried them on, it all made sense. These are seriously the most flattering maternity shirts I have found! The side ruching masks the lovely side/back bulges we get while pregnant. The shirt is long enough to cover your whole belly and it just looks freakin’ good.
Their Dresses!
Motherhood Maternity seriously has the cutest dresses ever! And, they’re insanely cheap! I always wish I could find a store, when I’m not prego, that has as many cute dresses as this place does. It’s crazy. Anyway, I really love finding a casual dress that I can dress up for church or throw on some flip flops and wear around the house.
Lounge Pants
Someone call “What Not To Wear,” a pregnant lady is wearing lounge pants! Sometimes that show drives me crazy because there really is a time and place for lounge pants, and while prego (or a SAHM) it’s most of time! Yea, it’s not super cool to wear lounge pants to the grocery store, but when you’re coming right back home to scrub floors, get barfed on, and fold laundry, it makes total sense to stay in what you’ve got on. Besides, it doesn’t mean you can’t still look presentable. Add lounge pants to the list of things I would marry, if it were legal.
Need some pregnancy books? These are great!
Lastly, a few more suggestions of “must haves” from my Facebook friends…
Coke Slurpees
Air Conditioning
Strong Deoderant
Helpful Husband
Relaxing in a Swimming Pool
Sleep, Sleep, Sleep
Attention-Getting Necklaces to Distract from Large Body!
Watermelon
Cereal
Fast Food
Back Massages
Chocolate
Oh yeah, when you’re 8 months plus, don’t forget to start The Great Nipple Rub…you’ll be so glad you did!
Amy says
I would totally marry chap stick too, Hubby doesn’t get it either, sigh.
Great timing for me being 8 1/2 months along. I have to say for me def air conditioning and a patient family!! lol
Emily says
This post is hilarious and so true! Thanks for sharing!
KT says
I’m not pregnant, and we are done, but glad I read this post, b/c those sandals are cute and they look like they’ll last more than one season, so worth the price…
Donna says
I’m with KT, all done but I love those sandals. I will have to hunt them down!! Great idea’s in this post though. After 6 of my own, I would high five all of them.
christa says
as i was reading this, i kept saying, yes, yes, yes, and then secret fit belly? say whaaaaat? i have never heard of it before and i can not wait to get pregnant again so i can try it!!
great post.
http://www.enstylepedia.com/
Reb says
Mariel, can I tell you how much I love it that you put “The Great Nipple Rub” in big bold letters? Super awesome. Do you remember when you started this blog and you had like 20 followers? And now you are up to 1000+. How awesome is that? Congrats girlfriend. You and Jessica seriously have done awesome.
What I Did Today says
I’ve just gotta give a plug for the Secret Fit ANYTHING and the ruched shirts. Any preggo momma can look awesome with plenty of these two items in her closet. The Secret Fit is also great for post-baby while you wait for the stomach to shrink. Tho, in my opinion – the ruched shirts only look good when you’ve got a belly to fill them with. Thanks for sharing!
http://spontaneousday.blogspot.com
April says
Motherhood Maternity’s secret fit pants are wonderful. Did you know they also sell the Ultimate Maternity Belt? It is the best for adjustable belly and back support! It’s a life-saver!