My Pregnancy Essentials the Second Time Around

 My mom always said that each pregnancy is different and now, on my second pregnancy, I really do believe it! My first pregnancy seemed to go by so fast because we were preparing for twins. I felt that I hardly had time to take a breath and then there they were, two sweet-smelling babies who were demanding this, demanding that. Pretty exciting for us!

This time around, everything seems much slower, especially around the first and second trimester! In addition, I was (I am, actually, hehe, but let's not dwell too much on that) on semi house arrest because of placenta praevia totalis, as I previously mentioned on one of my blog posts. 

Hence, this compilation of things that have made my second pregnancy easier to enjoy and really treasure. 

1. Lots and lots of pillows. I use a body pillow and it helps to alleviate the back pain that goes with sleeping on your side for long periods of time. I also keep two regular-sized pillows for elevating my legs and a neck pillow for when I'm watching TV or reading. Microbead pillows are also great for stuffing in the small spaces behind my back or when I'm in the car. Don't deny yourself the luxury of just lying down in a pool of pillows when you get home. It really feels good. 

 2. Breast Pads. I found myself leaking at 5 months with this pregnancy to my great surprise and alarm. I immediately called my doctor who said that it was normal for some mothers to get their colostrum early on in the pregnancy, especially if  it's not the first one. Disposable breast pads are available in department stores around the metro. Washable alternatives are also available.

3. Tummy Butter for Stretch Marks or Itchiness. I used a regular shea butter lotion for my first pregnancy and it seemed to work fine although I got a few silver stretch marks near my belly button. This time, I tried Bella B Tummy Honey Cream (available at Rustan's). It smelled good and the cream was thick and cooling to my skin. I also liked that this is an organic cream. I finished the 4 oz tube in a month. I'm using Mustela's Stretch Mark Lotion now. The lotion is much thinner than the Bella B but it also smells good and can stay on for almost the whole day. I've been using this for about a month now and it seems I haven't finished half of the tube yet! Even my husband wants to try it for his stretch marks hehe. 

4. Plastic Stool for the Shower. Around the 6th month, I already found it difficult to bend down to scrub my toes. The plastic step stool helps me prop my feet up instead of me bending down to reach them. It's also helpful when I help the twins with their shower because I can sit down at their level.

5. Toothbrush, Floss & Mouthwash. I know, I know, these things are essentials whether or not you're pregnant, but WOW, I really appreciated them for this pregnancy! I had really bad nausea until my 6th month and I found that brushing my teeth when I felt nauseous helped me cope with the acid reflux. Good dental hygiene is also linked to a longer, healthier pregnancy for some reason. :)

6. Bra Extenders & Nursing Bras. Bra extenders are a cheap alternative to buying a whole new set of bras because your old bras won't fit your new, milk-filled boobs. Pair your old bras with these and some breast pads and you're set for the rest of your pregnancy. I would also recommend getting a few nursing bras if you have the budget, especially if you're planning to breastfeed your baby after giving birth. Consider getting the nursing bras with a firm cup so you can wear them when you're going out of the house. The soft cup bras are good for when you're sleeping or when you don't have plans of going out of the house. There are a lot of online sellers for nursing wear here in Manila already if you're having a hard time looking for them. I do recommend Debenhams or check out Mommy Matters for the nursing/maternity bras. 

7. Fruits. These have really helped me with the big C in pregnancy (Constipation). A dose of sampaloc (tamarind), suha (pomelo), or oranges several times a week really, really helps in battling the big C specially in the 3rd trimester when the baby is already blocking everything. :) Something I really wished I knew in my 1st pregnancy! 

8. Milk. Whether you're drinking the powdered kind or drinking the fresh kind, milk is vital for you and your baby's health during your pregnancy. I couldn't stomach the taste of the powdered maternity kind so my doctor to drink fresh milk instead and this brand really is dee-licious (from S&R).

 

 9. Lots of reading materials & my Journal. I never made a log of my thoughts and feelings during my 1st pregnancy and I thought I'd preserve some this time for baby #3. Reading materials are also super helpful when I'm hit with pregnancy insomnia (usually around 2 or 3 AM).

10. My Loving Family & Friends. I know, cheesy, right? :P But, it's true! Sometime during your pregnancy, you will become a hormonal, demanding, clumsy mess and your family and friends will be there to understand and care for you. You will be forgetful and lazy and emotional and they will bear you for the 9 months you will be that way. They will pick up the things you clumsily drop (I swear, this happens to me 20 times a day!), clip your toenails when you can't reach them anymore, and drive you around when your belly becomes too big to fit behind the steering wheel. So, yeah, pretty essential. :)