My Pregnancy Essentials

December 12, 2017

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Hi there! I'm an Integrative Health & Nutrition Coach specializing in Gut and Hormone Health. I also have a background in Critical Care Nursing and am a mom of two  kiddos & rescue dogs from NJ!

I'm Meghan - your wellness hype girl

So I am officially 20 Weeks at the HALFWAY point and can’t wait to share my pregnancy essentials with you!!! I seriously CAN NOT believe that we are halfway there. I mean some parts feel like they are going so FASTTT and others are passing like a kidney stone haha – lets be honest!

I probably should have thought of doing something like this sooner (but I blame Pregnancy Brain!), but here it is!

These are all things that I have loved, that I’ve enjoyed or things that simply made my life better/easier!

Before I get into the nitty gritty of what these items are and WHY I love them, I just want you guys to know that I wasn’t paid or sponsored in any way to talk about any of these items and the only affiliation that I have is through Beachbody, which you can see throughout my website!

So scroll down to read the rest!

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1.Shakeology & Daily Sunshine

It’s no surprise that I chose something Beachbody related. I’m a Coach and have been a loyal “user” for 3 years – but I wanted to tell you guys how much both of these things have made a difference in PREGNANCY.

I had awful morning sickness and fatigue so the Vegan Shakeology helped me keep my nutrition on track and it actually functions as my prenatal vitamin (OB, Fertility and MFM Approved for me). All I take is an extra Folic Acid Supplement. I don’t take to “pills” very well, so I was relieved that this was something I was encouraged to continue. Some days it was the only thing I could “stomach or get down,” but it has always been a staple in my life and I was just over the moon that I could continue using it.

The Daily Sunshine is a newer formula that launched Summer 2017, (so check out the full scoop on that in the nutritional section of my site!), but this helped me combat morning sickness as well. It was a light snack that I was able to have in the middle of the night on pee-breaks that helped me ward off morning nausea because it stabilized my blood sugars. (Keep in mind – all of this information is simply my opinion and experience, not medical advice or recommendations in any way!)

2. Bio Oil

I knew I wanted to get something skin related to help hydrate my skin and prevent stretch marks. I hear they are genetic and thankfully not a common thing in my family – but there’s nothing wrong with good skin hygiene. I love this stuff because it doesn’t have a strong odor and it’s not overly oily, even though it’s an oil. I’ve been using it twice a day with no issues or significant itching. (I hear itching is from your skin stretching, but I’m still new at all of this obviously!)

3. RX Bars

This girl loves her healthy snacks! I loved these before pregnancy and I love them even more now. I’m sure if you’ve been pregnant you know what that famished, hungry, I need food NOW feeling is like – so these are always on hand. They have whole ingredients (no artificial ingredients or sweeteners) and really do keep me satisfied until I can get my hands on a meal!

4. Snoogle

Oh my god guys! So I picked this up at Buy Buy Baby when we went to register based on some referrals and again – I was skeptical. I can’t sleep without this thing. That’s all you need to know. Get one! Your Welcome.

5. Barefoot Dreams Cardigan

I know, I know – not overly pregnancy related, but here me out. When I’m home, I want to be comfortable and it doesn’t get any more comfortable then Barefoot Dreams. I had one of these before pregnancy and it still and will fit like a dream throughout. It feels like a sweater, robe and PJs all in one. I wish I had more!

6. Lululemon Align Pant

Okay. Step 1 is admitting you have a problem right? I am clearly and admiringly addicted to Lululemon and activewear, but this is a pant I did not own prior to pregnancy. I was and still am a Wunder Down Under girl, but one of the associates recommended this to me when I was shopping. These pants feel like BUTTER and the high waist just makes me feel GOOD. I don’t feel like they are tight, strangulating etc. They just fit perfectly and I’m still able to wear my previous size (6). One of my peeves is the whole Maternity industry in the sense that – spending money on such temporary items is frustrating to me. Having things that can stretch and grow with me and last forever are more my speed!

7. BLANQI Sportswear

So far I only have purchased the Postpartum and Maternity Leggings. I bit the bullet when they had their Black Friday Sale when everything was 50% off and the only regret I have is that I didn’t purchase more. My only complaint is that they don’t have more colors. I truly think these are worth the money – full price or not (regular is $62.00). They can be worn for ANYTHING – fitness, casual and I even wore these to Thanksgiving Dinner. They are just a nice, great quality legging that always looks/feels good. The compression in the belly area is super comforting and nice. They never roll down either. Win-Win if you ask me!

8. Sara Happ Lip Products

Maybe it’s pregnancy, or the weather, or the fact that I can’t keep on top of “lip hygiene,” but my lips are always chapped. I purchased the Christmas Gift Set that includes the scrub, clay mask and lip slip gloss – oh my amazingness. I truly do notice a difference and the products are a great quality. I picked up the set through Nordstrom and I believe they still are carrying it.

9. Shaun T’s NEW Book

Insanity Max 30 was my first home fitness program and I was immediately hooked. There was something different about that experience compared to anything that I have ever done fitness wise. It was almost a mental fitness before a physical fitness if that makes sense? The 60 Day program changed my life and circumstances in so many ways, but I was immediately addicted to him, his motivational style and strength from that point forward 3 years ago.

The thing is, I had always assumed, he was just always the “fitness guy” or the “motivational guy” – never really knowing his true story or the adversity he overcame.

After plenty of live events, trainings and finally meeting him somewhat recently, I was blown away by the struggles he’s overcame, particularly Infertility while I was battling my own fight. I simply connected with him on an even deeper level, if that were even possible – but this was the book I read during my first trimester.

I’ve been very honest about how pregnancy has not been a fun and glamorous experience, but having something motivational like this was really necessary to help keep me level headed, realistic and optimistic about viewing this as a challenge that I simply needed to overcome.

10. Teavana, why must you go?

So Teavana is going out of business – BOO. Apparently Americans aren’t big Tea Drinkers, which figures – because I AM! I’ve always loved Tea and I’ve always used this little thing for making my loose leaf brews, but it’s been a go to for me to have something soothing and calming at night. I also like being able to control the caffeinated black tea that I mix with the citrus/herbal and fruity teas that I enjoy also! Better get one before they are gone forever…sigh.

If you have any Must-Have items that helped you in your pregnancy, please comment below and let me know! I’m always on the look out for new products, especially since this is all so new to me! I have a whole 20 weeks left, so I’m all ears on what I’ll need for that!

Hope you guys enjoyed! Talk soon XOXO.

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explore the blog

Improve your gut and hormone health

Chatham family
travel guide

You'll also love

search the post index

MORE ABOUT ME

Hi there! I'm an Integrative Health & Nutrition Coach specializing in Gut and Hormone Health. I also have a background in Critical Care Nursing and am a mom of two  kiddos & rescue dogs from NJ!

I'm Meghan - your wellness hype girl

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After years of being in the health & fitness industry, I found myself struggling to get results after my second pregnancy. What used to work, no longer did and I found myself experiencing stubborn weight gain, vertigo and debilitating PMS symptoms, despite eating well and exercising regularly. I sought help from multiple physicians who either told me I was fine or echoed. "this is just how it is as you get older." I refused to accept that and invested in continuing education so I would be able to help myself through nutrition and lifestyle modification. I feel fantastic, lost the 15lbs of excess weight and my cycles have been a breeze. Best of all -- I'm happier and my kids have a better mom because of it!

I'm a RN, Integrative health & nutrition coach and personal trainer

I'm Meghan — your hype girl & wellness mentor.

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