There’s a lot to be done before the baby comes. There are many doctor visits.  There are a lot of cute decisions you get to make, like which type of car seat, stroller, or crib you’re gonna get for the baby. There are a lot of shows to watch as you lounge on the couch with a relentless appetite. There are baby showers to plan and write thank you notes for.

And then there are the absolute essentials. The important matters that simply can’t wait or be done without. These are the must-haves for everyone who has a human being growing inside them, rent-free.

This list covers the best of the essentials, from the most basic, such as nutrition and sleep, to a good support system, to a wardrobe that fits your changing body. 

Let’s discuss the six things that all pregnant women need, want, and love:

Pregnant women need to get enough nutrition. Shocking, right? You already know, but you’re eating for two. That means that not only do you need to eat for two but eat foods that are nutrient-dense to ensure you and the baby are getting all they need. 

Let’s talk about what foods to eat while you’re pregnant.

Pregnant women might be super interested to know that dairy is a pretty good option. Hellooo, ice cream! Or yogurt. But definitely some ice cream. The combination of high protein and high calcium makes dairy products good for pregnant moms.

If you usually adhere to a dairy-free diet, don’t worry. There are other ways to get the protein and calcium you need during pregnancy without eating tons of cheese and yogurt. 

You may also supplement your nutrition with vitamins, but before doing so, consult your doctor about what’s best for you and the little monster growing inside your stomach.

Another obvious one, but hydration is equally important. There are several ways to help make sure you’re getting enough hydration. It could be as simple as getting a giant water bottle that you keep on you at all times. You might also try tracking your fluid intake with an app. Also, ice chips.

Andddd you’ll have to pee basically all the time.

Raise a glass of cold water and then hydrate your skin with Belly Oil by Hatch. It will keep the skin on your baby bump nourished and hydrated during and after pregnancy. Belly Oil helps with dry and itchy skin, promotes skin elasticity, and lessens the appearance of stretch marks.

Made with plants and love — no parabens, phthalates, dyes, or fragrances.

Tired? Yeah, unfortunately, that’s a big part of the pregnancy thing. Growing a human inside you is no joke!

It’s not a small task for your body or your brain. It takes it out of you. Your body is craving sleep, and you might feel like you’re tired all the time. 

Getting enough sleep while pregnant doesn’t just make all those prenatal yoga classes easier; it can also contribute to longer labors, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia. 

So you need to get as much sleep as possible. You hear that, you know that, and you’re exhausted. Even still, it’s not always easy to sleep when you’re pregnant. Maybe you have to get up to pee every few hours. Or it could be that a growing belly is making it difficult to find a comfortable position. 

Sleep and tiredness may be a tough subject but hold fast, mama. There is hope and a light at the end of the tunnel.

If sleep is vital for pregnant moms, they ought to be prepared to sleep as best as they can. One simple way you can help your sleep routine when pregnancy tiredness is pressing is a great set of pajamas. 

The Classic Pajama Set by Hatch is a luxurious set of modal pajamas that includes an impressive attention to every detail leading into a serene sleep. The pants have a tape drawstring and an elasticized waist, meaning that you can adjust them as needed during pregnancy. The bedshirt has the classic piped lapel collar, cuffs, and hem. 

If you’re looking for something different, check out this dainty Pointelle nightgown. It’s ultra-soft and stretchy. It’s also so cute you can easily wear it around the house. The button front makes breastfeeding a breeze, should that be something on your to-do list. 

Toss on either one of these pajamas and set sail into a lovely night of heavenly sleep.

Get pillows of every shape and size, every firmness and softness if it helps you sleep. While your body may be feeling and doing things it’s never felt or done before, you never know which kind of pillow will help you get a better night’s sleep. 

Try a pregnancy pillow, body pillow, and a wedge pillow. There are tons of options out there. 

It’s not even that you need support or that you couldn’t do it on your own: you deserve support. We mean, pregnancy is a lot. Your body is performing a miracle, and you’re also still doing regular life on top of it. 

A little support now and then is nice, whether it comes from friends and family, doctors, or the right bra for your transforming boobies. 

If you’re fortunate enough to have people in your life that love and care about you, that’s wonderful. These people want to support you during your pregnancy, even if they don’t know exactly how. There’s absolutely no shame in letting them know how they can best support you.

Or, you might need to specify how someone can best support you because they’re trying something that isn’t really helping the cause  (partners over-eager to support have the best intentions but might benefit from a little guidance).

You need doctors during your pregnancy. They’ll help monitor how things are going and give you the care and resources you need to keep you and the baby happy and healthy. 

However, not every health care provider has the same background or gives you the same experience. Depending on your health background, you may prefer to work more closely with a certified nurse-midwife (CNM) as opposed to an Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB/GYN) or vice-versa. 

Once you’ve chosen your service provider, you need to select a single individual or practice who will be closely working with you throughout the pregnancy. Talk to this person. Ask them questions about their background, experience, and philosophies regarding pregnancies and birthing. 

Choosing the right doctor to work with during your pregnancy is an important decision to help you feel comfortable and get the best care possible. 

Bras are another significant form of support you need while pregnant. Your breasts may change quite a bit. They can get tender and change in size, color, and weight. Selecting the right bra during this crazy time could make the difference between feeling weighed down and uplifted.

The Easy Bra is a cute bralette design that offers support without sacrificing comfort. It has a cute v-neck neckline and is offered in four color options. 
The Everyday Nursing Bra is made for straightforward access to feeding once the baby comes. It also gives great support without the use of an underwire (so no pinching).

It’s different for everyone, but a lot of pregnant women find that after a while, their clothes don’t fit quite the same. The last piece to this pregnancy must-have list is clothing. (Honestly, we just love any excuse to go shopping.)

You can still look amazing in jeans while pregnant. These Boyfriend Maternity Jeans may be similar to your favorite everyday boyfriend jeans. The same ones you’ve been wearing for the last nine years, since your junior year of college. Except they’re absolutely luxurious, and they grow with you thanks to the bamboo/spandex wedge at the hips. 

Or how about this adorable linen/Tencel jumpsuit? It’s trendy and maternity friendly, with a wrap-around sash that you can do away with once your belly is bigger. You can wear it casually or dress it up. Wear it to work even with a pair of wedge heels, or take it to a picnic brunch with a floppy sun hat.

You’ll want a dress too;  there are bound to be a few dress-wearing occasions over the next nine months. Try this dainty floral dress with tie-up sleeves or this delightful knit dress that you can wear any time of the year. 

These are the pregnancy must-haves. If you’re pregnant, you simply must have them. But don’t just get them because it’s another thing you need to do as part of the whole pregnancy ordeal; enjoy them! You’re a mom, and this is a perfect and well-deserved opportunity to treat momma to something nice.

Sources:

13 Foods to Eat When You’re Pregnant | Healthline

Pregnancy and lactose intolerance: How do you get enough calcium? | Mayo Clinic

Get a Good Night’s Sleep During Pregnancy | Johns Hopkins Medicine