Third Trimester Essentials

I welcomed my third trimester with open arms two weeks ago! I am 30 weeks along but feeling more like I’m 35. The aches and pains have been in full force this week and I am definitely starting to feel more uncomfortable. I’m actually measuring smaller than I was with both my other pregnancies which is great, but the ligament pain has been so bad this week that I haven’t been able to workout like I normally do. So I hope that I don’t gain 15 pounds these last 2 months. The third trimester. A time when leg cramps wake you up at ungodly hours, your heartburn is that of an 80 year old man, you gain a lot of weight in a very small amount of time, you have a baby kicking you in the ribs at all hours of the day (and night) and everyone is telling you to enjoy the sleep while you can when you are secretly thinking that you haven’t slept in months already since “pregnancy brain.”

I’m feeling all of these symptoms and more, but I know that it will soon be over and I will miss this growing bump that my little boy and I have shared for the past few months.

It’s hard to believe this is my third time around, but here we are! I’m not sure if this is my last or not and I am not wanting to make any decisions about that any time soon. I am trying to enjoy every second of this pregnancy in case it is my last, but it has been challenging as it has been my toughest pregnancy by far.

Here are my third trimester essentials:

Tums – I’ve been popping a couple of these almost every night for the last couple of weeks now. The indigestion and heart burn is back and in full force!

Small meals – I get so uncomfortable after I eat a full meal, so I have been eating smaller meals with healthy snacks in between to prevent that “my stomach is about to explode from being so full and crowded” feeling.

Pregnancy Pillow – My snoogle pillow is heavenly. Unfortunately, my toddler who is still waking us up every night around 2 or 3 doesn’t like that this pillow blocks him from mommy, so I normally only use it for half of the night. Sigh.

Loose clothes – I am loving loose dresses right now. They are cool and so comfortable. You can’t beat them! I also love this flowy tank!

Maternity/Nursing Bras – I desperately need to purchase a new nursing bra this go-around. I have my eyes on this one because it looks so comfortable and I have heard great things about the brand, but if you have other suggestions, I am all ears!

Lace Bralettes – I recently purchased a couple of lace bralettes to wear around the house because my bras are getting so uncomfortable. I have loved this one and it is on sale right now and comes in several colors!

Hospital Bag – Mine is not packed yet. In fact, if I’m honest, I probably won’t worry about packing my bag for at least another month. I normally pack mine about a month from our due date and I still have a few baby items I need to purchase for the hospital. Like clothes. Maybe a swaddle would be nice… #balldropped

Water Bottle – Because hydration is everything. My doctor also told me to drink lots of water when I’m having braxton hicks and mine have been really strong this week, so I’m trying to up my water intake.

Coconut Oil – I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I bathe in this stuff because it works so well for me. Not one single new stretch mark since my pregnancy with Hamp. I wish I had known to use it with him, but unfortunately I didn’t have a clue what I was doing then.

Sleep – Moms of multiple kids are laughing at me right now and I gave myself a nice “hah,” too but sleep while you can because most newborns don’t. Of course, neither does my almost three-year-old, so…Coffee.

Coffee. Coffee. Coffee in an IV. Coffee.

Comfy Shoes – My feet have started swelling a little (I blame the heat), so, comfy shoes all the way! The third trimester is not the time to rock your stilettos. If you have those, which I do not. #momlife

A Good Prenatal Workout – I’m loving this one. I’ve been doing it about 2 to 3 times a week and it works all the right places!

Nightgowns – Because your cute little pajama sets probably aren’t working out for you anymore. Or at least, they aren’t for me. My shorts are getting too tight on my belly (even down low) so nightgowns are my friend. You will love them for postpartum and in the hospital as well.

What are some of your pregnancy essentials?