The Second Trimester Essentials I've Reached for Most
From pelvic pain and leg cramps to better sleep and extra support for my growing belly, these are the second trimester essentials I've genuinely loved throughout pregnancy.
By the second trimester, I started feeling a little more comfortable in my pregnancy. My energy was better, my bump was growing, and while I loved seeing my belly change, I was also starting to deal with some of the less glamorous parts of pregnancy — pelvic pain, leg cramps, feeling heavier and simply needing more support throughout the day.
Over the past few months, there have been a handful of things I've reached for almost daily. Some have helped me sleep better, others have eased discomfort, and a few have simply helped me feel more comfortable in my changing body. These are the second trimester essentials I've genuinely loved and would happily buy all over again.
1. My Favourite Sleep Companion
If there was one item I couldn't imagine this pregnancy without, it would probably be my pregnancy pillow. I mentioned it in my first trimester post already, but as my belly has grown I've become even more grateful for the support it provides.I personally use the Sleepy Belly Pregnancy Pillow and love that it's made from natural latex rather than polyester filling. As someone who tries to be mindful about the materials we bring into our home, that was a big plus for me. What I love most is how versatile it is. I use it between my knees, under my belly and sometimes even behind my back while reading in bed. If you're starting to feel pressure on your hips or pelvis, a good pregnancy pillow can make a huge difference.
2. Magnesium Rub for Leg Cramps and Other Pregnancy Staples
Anyone who's experienced leg cramps in pregnancy knows they can be brutal. Nothing quite prepares you for waking up in the middle of the night with a sudden cramp shooting through your calf! To help with this, I've been using a magnesium rub on the soles of my feet most evenings, which I find incredibly soothing before bed and helpful in preventing those annoying cramps. Alongside that, I take Magnesium Chelate 1000mg every night to support muscle relaxation and sleep. I've also continued taking a probiotic for digestion and a Calcium + Vitamin D3 supplement to support my increased nutritional needs during pregnancy. While none of these things are absolute necessities, they've become part of my evening routine and are little things that have helped me feel more comfortable and supported throughout the second trimester.
3. Belly Oil and Taking a Few Minutes for Myself
As my bump has grown, I've also noticed my skin becoming a little tighter and itchier, especially towards the end of the day. Applying belly oil has become a small ritual I genuinely look forward to each evening and one of those few moments where I intentionally slow down for a minute. I've been using the Pure Mama Belly Oil throughout both of my pregnancies and love that it contains natural ingredients and absorbs well without leaving me feeling sticky afterwards. Whether it actually prevents stretch marks I honestly don't know, but I do think keeping the skin moisturised and taking a few moments to connect with your changing body is worthwhile in itself.
4. Prenatal Vitamins & Iron
I've continued taking NaturoBest Prenatal Trimester Two & Three throughout pregnancy, alongside an iron supplement every day to help support my iron levels. During pregnancy, your nutritional needs increase significantly and while I try to eat a balanced diet, I find it reassuring knowing that I'm giving my body and baby a little extra support. I've used NaturoBest during both pregnancies now and it's become one of those products I simply repurchase without thinking twice. I've genuinely noticed an amazing difference in how I feel when I consistently take my supplements compared to when I don't, especially when it comes to my energy levels and overall wellbeing.
5.Pregnancy Belly Band – Extra Relief for an Achy Pelvis
Pelvic instability has unfortunately been one of the biggest struggles during both of my pregnancies, especially this time around while also lifting and carrying Bailey all day. As my belly has grown, I've found myself reaching for a belly support band more and more often and recently upgraded to the GRDL Belly Band, which was recommended to me by one of the women's health physiotherapists. I've been wearing it a lot lately and have found that it really helps prevent the pain from becoming too severe, especially on days when I'm more active. Towards the end of my pregnancy with Bailey, I also wore a belly band regularly and found the extra support made a noticeable difference in helping me stay more comfortable throughout the day. If you're dealing with pelvic pain, heaviness or instability during pregnancy, I think it's definitely worth looking into.
While none of these things are absolute necessities, they've all helped me feel a little more comfortable throughout this stage of pregnancy. Pregnancy can be hard on your body, especially when you're also chasing after a toddler all day, and sometimes it's the little things that can make a surprising difference. These are simply the products I've genuinely loved this pregnancy and would happily choose again.
Love,
Charlie
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