Pregnancy Must Haves

It's taken me a bit longer than I thought to actually sit down at the computer and start typing... and since you guys took the time to send me suggestions and other pregnancy information, I thought the least I could do was put it all together.

So here goes!

When you're pregnant, it's really easy (and addictive) to get distracted with cute baby clothes and all of the bits and pieces, and forget about things for yourself... things that make the pregnancy journey a wee bit more comfortable, especially around the final trimester.

I'll try to summarise everything, from bits I've picked up, read, and of course things my friends have tried and vouched for (best advice!)

Not everything will suit everybody of course, but there may be bits and pieces that help other mums-to-be.

1. Buy a New Bed.  It seems extreme, but going from a Queen to a King size bed was the best decision and investment ever! That extra 15cm or whatever it is has provided ample room for us, the cats and the belly to fit together and have an awesome nights rest. I've been well informed that sleep is something to be treasured whilst pregnant, so I've been doing just that... enjoying my amazing new bed. No partner disturbance (Mr D doesn't even know how many times I get up in the night), no roll together, not that I don't like a snuggle, but when you feel like a little oven, or you need to roll over and lack stomach muscles, this is a godsend. It was annoying to go out and buy new sheets etc... at a time when I thought we should be saving money, but it was well worth it.

2. Stretch Mark Prevention. They say you're either genetically predisposed to getting those pesty stretch marks or you're one of the lucky ones. You can slather on whatever you like, but chances are, you could still get them. Either way, it's really nice to keep that growing bump well moisturised, and provides a nice relaxing bonding time with the bump each day.

Wheat Germ Oil A friend of mine who has had two beautiful babies and no stretch marks recommended this one. It doesn't have nice scented oils or anything fancy and comes in a brown glass bottle from the pharmacy, but it's not super greasy, so leaves your belly feeling supple and smooth. I've been using this at night on my belly and hips and so far so good! It's not a beautiful product, but it's inexpensive, natural and feels really really nice on your skin.

Palmers Cocoa Butter Tummy Butter I haven't used this one yet but several friends have used it during their pregnancies and had no stretch marks. It's apparently quite thick and sticky but I bet it smells delicious, and obviously does the job too. I couldn't find it the other day at the shop, but I might have another look. I like to alternate between my wheat germ oil and nice smelling moisturisers so I feel a little bit pampered.

3. Pamper Yourself One friend suggested pedicures as a way to counteract all of these changes in your body that can sometimes leave you feeling a tad fat, frumpy and frazzled... Having beautiful toes made it just that little bit nicer. I totally agree!! I can't easily reach my toes now, cutting them is a mission and there's nothing glamorous about my technique... so I'm ready to start investing in pedicures! I'm looking forward to a girly manicure/pedicure session with my best friend in the next few weeks!

4. Massage I've had several full body 1 hour massages since my first trimester. Bliss!! You feel energised and relaxed at the same time. It rids me of tension and stress and lets me lie there for an hour doing absolutely nothing! Why not pamper myself while I still can...

5. Dressing the Bump This has been a hardish one for me. It's no secret I love to shop, but when it came to dressing the bump I wanted to be budget conscious (because I don't want to spend up large on 'fat clothes'), but I still needed clothes that would work for all of my wardrobe needs - work clothes, nights out and weekend lounging... I actually think this could be a whole blog post on it's own.. so stay tuned.

6. Tissue Salts These were a life saver when my legs decided to start cramping during the night. Being woken up with cramp in your calves is never a good thing. Neither is googling "how to get rid of leg cramps" at 2am, reading through burning eyes that standing on a cold floor will help and therefore finding yourself standing on freezing cold tiles at 2am drinking water. It's a lonely time.

7. A Supportive Partner I feel I need to add this one in there. I know not all are fortunate to have this during pregnancy, but if you do, it makes the whole journey so much more exciting and special. Mr D and I have become a lot closer during the pregnancy and he has been so understanding and supportive, even though I know it's hard to relate or understand, when his body isn't going through all of the changes. So even if you find yourself without a partner during pregnancy, even having a really close friend you can confide in is a massive help. I'm fortunate to have that too, with my friend very recently going through the journey of being a mother for the first time.

I've become even slacker in the blogging/photo taking thing. I don't know what happens with time. Perhaps working full time, growing the baby and trying to get life organised has kinda gotten in the way. I've fallen behind on Lenny's maternity journal as well which I'm not too happy about. Can't do everything though...
I never thought pregnancy went this quickly. It's insane!

8 WEEKS TO GO!!!!!!!

Sorry I don't even have a picture to go with this post. I'll try get onto some pictures this weekend. It's always dark when I get home, so I never take updated shots.