Top ten Pregnancy Essentials: For the natural mama
Pregnancy is an incredible journey, and when I was a mom-to-be, I searched for products and therapies that would best support me in my desire for a stress-free pregnancy that prioritized wellness and minimized toxins. The products I recommend are all ones that I love, but I've also included exercises and foods that were essential to me. I've tried to be as well-rounded as possible in my suggestions, offering ideas from multiple categories: skincare, self-care, exercise, food, and safer products. To this day, I continue to use many of these products as they are not only fantastic wellness essentials for pregnancy, but also perfect for daily life due to their natural ingredients. I hope this post helps you if you're searching for healthy pregnancy options to support you in your journey in the most stress-free and natural way possible. Here are my top ten favorites:
#1. BELLY CREAM: PRIMALLY PURE BABY BALM
I used Primally Pure Baby Balm on my belly to prevent stretch marks, and it worked like a dream. The natural ingredients kept my skin hydrated and smooth. Not only this, it became an essential on our diaper changing station for diaper rashes once our baby was here.
Ingredients: Organic Tallow from Grass-Fed Cows, Organic Olive Oil, Emu Oil (AEA Certified), Unrefined Beeswax, Organic Calendula Flower, Organic Marshmallow Root. Benefits: This balm provides deep nourishment for delicate or damaged skin, helps diminish diaper rash, soothes cracked nipples, prevents stretch marks, and minimizes eczema. The combination of tallow, emu oil, and beeswax offers anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and moisturizing properties.
#2. OseA -VAGUS NERVE PILLOW MIST
Every night, I sprayed this mist on my pillow for relaxation. The scent is so soothing and helped me unwind and sleep peacefully.
Ingredients: Water, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Leptospermum Petersonii Oil, Juniperus Communis Fruit Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate. Benefits: This pillow mist creates a calming atmosphere, promoting relaxation and better sleep. The essential oil blend of chamomile, juniper berry, lavender, lemon tea tree, and rosemary helps reduce stress and anxiety.
#3. 100% PURE- BRIGHT EYES MASK
These masks were a lifesaver for revitalizing tired eyes. They provided a relaxing moment to unwind from the day and made me feel refreshed.
Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe Juice), Camellia Sinensis (Organic Matcha Green Tea), Organic Green Coffee, Ilex Paraguariensis (Organic Yerba Mate) Tea, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Hydrosol, Sodium Ascorbate (Vitamin C), Caffeine, Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), Plant Cellulose. Benefits: These eye masks hydrate, de-puff, and brighten the eye area. The combination of aloe juice, hyaluronic acid, and cucumber provides intense hydration, while caffeine and vitamin C help reduce puffiness and brighten the skin. SHOP IT HERE
#4. SOFT PAJAMAs
During my pregnancy, my favorite pajamas were button-down, long-sleeved nighties, which remained my go-to pjs post-baby as well. They’re so soft and comfortable, with contrast piping and buttons down the front that make them perfect for nursing. I found that loose-fitting, stretchy pajamas were the most comfortable option since they allowed for easy movement and didn't feel restrictive during the night.
Materials: 95% modal/5% spandex
#5. CLEARLY FILTERED WATER BOTTLE
Staying hydrated is crucial during pregnancy. I toted this filtered water bottle around with me every day! This reusable water bottle ensures you're drinking clean, filtered water free from harmful contaminants. I have the 32oz size and still use it.
Materials: BPA-free plastic or stainless steel, Affinity® Filtration Technology. Benefits: This water bottle filters out up to 365+ dangerous contaminants, providing clean and safe drinking water. It retains healthy minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, ensuring you stay hydrated with pure water
#6. METHODOLOGY MEAL DELIVERY
When I was pregnant, finding ways to maintain a healthy diet without adding extra stress was essential. I discovered Methodology, a meal delivery service and that became a game-changer for me. I ordered from Methodology both before and during my pregnancy and it significantly reduced the stress of having to constantly meal prep. And I have to say, their food is so good! You curate your own selections based on their weekly menu. One of the standout features for me is their commitment to using the highest-quality ingredients available. Ingredients: Their menu is free from: refined sugar, artificial ingredients, canola oil, processed ingredients, gluten, dairy, lactose, casein, and whey. Their food is primarily cooked using avocado oil, with the occasional use of olive oil. Both of these oils are known for their health benefits, including being rich in healthy fats and antioxidants. This meant I could enjoy delicious meals without worrying about unhealthy seed oils.
#7. GINGER CHEWS
To keep the nausea at bay, ginger chews were my go-to. Luckily this was a pretty short phase for me, so the nightstand ready ginger didn’t last too long. But they really helped soothe my stomach and made those queasy moments manageable.
Ingredients: Natural ginger root, sugar. Benefits: Ginger chews help soothe nausea and indigestion, making them perfect for pregnancy-related morning sickness. Ginger has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, contributing to overall health
#8. EXERCISE BALL
I found that having an exercise ball at home was convenient. For me, it helped relieve some of my lower back pain by promoting better posture and providing gentle support to the spine. And it also was just a more comfortable seating option and helped strengthen my core muscles. Although finding a completely non-toxic exercise ball can be challenging, I found that the Trideer brand uses a material that is lead and cadmium free, and has passed the Prop 65 certification. It is also free of 10 types of phthalates. While PVC is still not ideal, this was the best option I could find to maintain both safety and functionality during pregnancy.
Materials: The PVC material is free of lead, cadmium and 10 types of phthalates. Benefits: Improved balance and stability, can relieve lower back pain, strengthen core muscles, supports pelvic floor health, enhanced flexibility and facilitates labor prep.
#9. PRENATAL PILATES
Overall, it’s a great way to stay active and healthy during pregnancy - offering a holistic approach, providing physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Your instructor will tailor your workout specifically for your changing body. I took these reformer classes twice a week for a few months towards the end of my pregnancy and wished I had started much sooner. From strengthening your core and improving posture to reducing stress and enhancing flexibility. It's also a great way to prepare for labor and delivery by targeting those essential pelvic floor muscles. Plus, the mindful breathing techniques help you stay calm and relaxed, which is a win for both you and your baby.
#10. ORGANIC BODY PILLOW
Last but certainly not least! During my pregnancy, I must have had six to eight different pillows on our bed. I tried so many, and while they were all initially comfortable, none of them lasted—except for the pregnancy wedge from Belly Bandit. It wasn't my favorite in terms of materials, but it was the only one that worked for me—so there's that. This body pillow from Mini Camp, however, was definitely a close second, and the materials are top-notch. Whether you need it for your back, belly, or legs, it’s a super versatile design made from high-quality, hypoallergenic materials. It’s also easy to clean, thanks to its removable and washable cover. While finding a completely non-toxic pregnancy pillow can be challenging, the Mini Camp pregnancy pillow stands out as one of the best options available, balancing safety and functionality.
Materials: OEKO-TEX Kapok fiber, 100% GOTS certified organic cotton cover.
What’s Next…
As you embark on your prenatal journey, incorporating healthy self-care rituals and exercise can make a world of difference for both your physical and mental well-being.
If you're looking for more pregnancy and new-mama tips and resources, be sure to check out my New Mama’s Essentials HERE. And download my top 6 must-haves for a healthy nursery! It’s packed with valuable information to help you create the perfect environment for your little one. If you need personalized design services to create a beautiful and functional nursery, I'm here to help! Let's work together to make your space everything you've dreamed of and more.