My 9 favorite pregnancy products...

My pregnancies were HARD. I had severe hyperemesis gravidarum (extreme morning sickness) which led to weight loss, many hospitalizations, IV's, and nutrition bags. Then I had typical pregnancy problems of extreme exhaustion, fainting, bloating, swelling, insomnia, sciatica, back pain, and all the other wonderful things that happen when we were pregnant. Don't get me wrong... having had two miscarriages I was extremely grateful for the sweet lil' babe in my belly but my goodness it was definitely not an easy time. So, I decided to share some of my favorite pregnancy products that got me through with all of you pregnant momma's out there..... 

1.) Sensodyne Toothepaste. Ha! Bet you didn't think this would be on here, huh? Well, turns out when you vomit 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for 10 months it RUINS the enamel on your teeth. Take it from me, if you have vomiting, use this enamel protecting toothpaste. 

2. Belly Bands. These wonderful things can be found here. During the first 20 weeks or so of pregnancy it's a great way to still wear your normal pants and you can wear them unbuttoned with these things. Great transition piece from regular clothes to maternity clothes. 

3.) Stretch Mark Cream. I used Palmer's Cocoa Butter in all 3 of my pregnancies and managed to make it through without 1 stretch mark! Not making any promises, but this stuff worked for me! It can be found here or at any major drug store. 

4.) Pregnancy Pillow. Sleep gets super hard towards the end of pregnancy. With the constant peeing and the not being able to get comfortable, its just tough to wake up and feel rested. A pregnancy pillow similar to this one helped me tremendously. Yes it's big and obnoxious but who cares if it means you get good sleep! Especially when this is baby #3 and you have to wake up bright and early to take care of two other littles. 

5.) Heartburn Medicine. Pretty self-explanatory but I CANNOT stand tums. Heck, I couldn't even keep ice down, much less those nasty, chalky tums. But these were amazing. They taste like starburst! Yes please! You can also by them at CVS, Walgreens or any other drug store. 

6.) Maternity Leggings. Leggings are comfortable all the time but in pregnancy they are a MUST (plus they are great for postpartum too)! When that awkward "things fit, but not really" stage comes along, it happens fast and you'll want to wear something that feels like nothing. :) Cute and Comfy clothes are non-negotiable in pregnancy. Just do it. 

7.) An awesome water bottle. I use this one but it really doesn't matter what one you use as long as you like it. I tend to drink more water if I use a water bottle with a straw. Not only is this a wonderful pregnancy product but also an amazing postpartum product, especially if you are nursing! 

8.) Chiropractic Care. With all the terrible pains I struggled with during pregnancy, I decided to try chiropractic care and it worked wonders with my sciatic pain and migraines and overall energy level. Some women say it even helps their morning sickness (didn't really help mine). Still recommend it. Made my pregnancies tolerable. :) 

9.) Photographer. Get an amazing maternity photographer. Not just one who "does" maternity photos but one who truly specializes in maternity and babies. Pregnancy sure does a number on women. In addition to some of the not-so-glamourous symptoms, we have to watch our bodies transform into something we aren't used to seeing everyday. And even though we know in our minds why it is happening and how we are growing a human, it still does a number on our self-esteem. Hiring an awesome photographer who knows how to pose different body types, which angles to shoot from, etc. will only help you see the beauty that every one else sees when they look at you during this season of your life. Treat yourself to a maternity session! You deserve to feel as beautiful as you are! Click here for packages and pricing. 

Well, those were my MUST-HAVES for pregnancy. What are some things on your must-have pregnancy lists? Also, enjoy these maternity photos of this beautiful first-time mama! The location of Washington Park in Springfield, Illinois was the perfect setting to reflect what this beautiful couple feels at this amazing season in their life. Can't wait to meet their sweet baby boy!