for the preggers.

Hello. I hope that every one is having a great Monday. Last week was an incredibly busy week for the Bryants, but a really good busy. WE ARE BLESSED. More on the out-pour of blessings later. For now, I wanted to share a handful of my favorite pregnancy products that I believe are musts for the preggers. Seeing that I am only 18 1/2 weeks pregnant, this little list is more for soon-to-be mothers in their first and second trimesters. I have yet to experience my third trimester and I can only imagine that there will be more items that I will want to add. Maybe something along the lines of a harpoon?! Any recommendations? 

1.

 Klean Kanteen Classic 40 oz - I LOVE this water bottle. It is an eco-friendly, BPA free, stainless steel kanteen. It never leaves my side and has significantly helped increase my daily water intake. I also love that it is better for me and baby. 

2. 

Be Maternity BeBand - I owe a big thanks to my sister-in-law, Lea, for lending me her BeBand. It is similar to the Bella Band--a solid band of spandex that pulls up around your waste to hold up your pants when you have reached the point where you cannot button or zip up your jeans anymore, but aren't quite big enough for maternity wear. I first used the tried and true rubber band trick, but it was such a pain. The BeBand is so much more comfortable and feels very secure. Your britches aren't going anywhere, so no need to worry! 

3. 

Belli Acne Cleansing Facial Wash - Let's just say that I am not one of the lucky ladies who has that perfect complexion and glow during her pregnancy. There are days that I curse my hormones and dread stepping out into the world in fear that people will cringe at the look of my face. Of course, I wanted to find a product free of salicyclic acid, glycolic acid, and benzoyl peroxide since each of these should be avoided during pregnancy. After some research and reading many reviews, I decided on the Belli products. The facial wash features pregnancy-friendly lactic acid, which aids to cleanse and exfoliate acne prone skin. Jackpot! It also contains lemon peel oil, which is a natural anti-bacterial and skin brightener and green tea extract and cucumber, both rich in antioxidants. Just a short week after using this face wash, my skin began to clear up! While it is not perfect (I still have my fair share of blemishes), it has definitely improved and has made my skin feel fantastic. 

4. 

Belli Acne Control Spot Treatment - Like the cleansing facial wash, the spot treatment is free of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. Instead, it uses sulfur to clear blemishes and help prevent new breakouts. It absorbs quickly and is non-greasy so I apply it each morning before I put on my makeup and then again in the p.m. before I hit the sack. I also recommend the Burt's Bees Blemish Stick for double duty action. This is good stuff, too.

5. 

New Chapter Wholemega Prenatal Vitamins - (See #9) I pair these bad boys with the Perfect Prenatals. They are an omega-rich fish oil supplement beneficial for both mom and bambino. They have been shown to benefit cardiovascular, immune, and digestive health in addition to supporting a healthy metabolism and inflammation response. Bonus? They don't smell and are easy to swallow. 

6. 

What to Expect When You're Expecting - Great book. Definitely a complete pregnancy guide and must read. If you don't own this book, borrow it. I'm sure every mother you know owns it. This is yet another hand-me-down from sister Lea. I also downloaded the "What to Expect" app on my iPhone and it has been very helpful. It gives daily advice and helps me keep track of how far along I am (as if I needed help). Check out BabyCenter's pregnancy app too. It's a good 'in.  

7. 

Sea-Band Wristbands - While I am not lucky when it comes to my skin, I was lucky with my morning sickness...or lack thereof. I only experienced about 2 weeks of debilitating nausea and loss of appetite during weeks 6 to 8. No vomiting. Hallelujah! I'm not quite sure I can owe all of that to Sea-Band, but I do think that these wristbands helped a lot. They are not very expensive so I definitely think that they are at least worth a try...even though they are a fashion faux pas. But, I guess when you are that desperate you are open to anything!

8. 

Mustela Stretch Marks Double Action Cream - Do you want stretch marks? I sure don't want stretch marks. So, I invested in a stretch mark cream very early on and have been lubing up twice a day, every day. Even though they say that stretch marks are typically hereditary, I'm not taking my chances. I LOVE Mustela's stretch mark cream. Not only does it smell absolutely divine, it is also hypoallergenic and moisturizes and nourishes my skin like no other. I developed a rash at 5 weeks (who knew pregnancy could make your skin do some crazy things) so I wanted to be sure I wasn't putting anything on my skin that was brash or harmful. So far, so good! 

9. 

New Chapter Perfect Prenatal Trimester Vitamins - I started out taking the Rainbow Light Prenatal One vitamins (pre-pregnancy and first trimester), but have since switched to these prenatals thanks to the recommendation from my sister-in-law. Let's just say she and her friends do their research, so I was very trusting. She told me to pair these with the New Chapter Wholemega prenatals (#5) so that I did. To read more about the benefits of this multi-vitamin go here.

10. 

The Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy - Need a good laugh? Read this book. Vicki Iovine is a delight and not afraid to tell it how it is, which is what all of us pregnant women really need. No sugar-coating for this gal. I want to be as prepared as possible for this journey...especially for labor and delivery so bring it on, Vicki!

11. 

Snoogle Total Body Pillow - This pillow is a DREAM. I was a bit hesitant to dish out the moola for it because it is pretty pricey for a pillow that I will only use during pregnancy, but it has proven to be well worth it. Can I just say that the first night that I used the Snoogle I slept through the entire night? I was in such a sound sleep that I didn't even wake up to use the restroom! It's a pregnancy miracle! I originally wanted to purchase it because I was having an incredibly hard time sleeping on my sides--the left side to be exact. I would wake up to find myself on my back...a soon-to-be pregnancy no-no. I thought that this would help me maintain proper position and wouldn't you like to know that it does? It really does! WIN! This pillow claims to do the duties of five pillows and I can attest. I highly recommend you becoming friends with the Snoogle. P.S. I love my Snoogle so much I wanted to name it, but the hubs shot that down faster than lightening. Oh well. Snoogle will do. 

Alrighty mamas and preggers. Anything that needs to be added to the list?