I love the fact that my two sisters and I are all pregnant this year. It makes our pregnancy journey even more fascinating! As we are growing, we dream about raising future best friends forever. Three sisters living in different states doesn't always make it easy. Daily phone calls and animated Facetimes are our favorite ways to keep up with each other. Our devoted friendship and mutual support comes easily. There are many perks to being pregnant at the same time with your sisters. When one of us is enlightened with newly discovered products, hacks, or tips - the other two get promptly informed. That’s how we acknowledge our “coolest” pregnancy must-haves.

There are several pregnancy must-haves that I fully rely on to make my pregnancy the best experience possible:

#1: Prenatal Supplements

    -Throughout my pregnancy, I have been sticking to one prenatal brand that contains organic whole food ingredients. Garden of Life promises to supply mom and baby with the proper amount of nutrients to support the pregnancy. I also like the fact that they are organic because I want my baby to have the absolute best quality without harmful pesticides and other chemicals.

Personal experience: The MyKind Organic prenatal multi by Garden of Life was the first prenatal that I bought.However, I have detected a strong distaste as I experienced nausea with every take.I must admit, I bought mykind Organics Prenatal Multi three times before switching to another one. One day, I’ve decided that I’ve had enough!

Final choice: I’ve searched for other organic prenatals that would be satisfying in taste. I ended up going with Vitamin Code Raw Prenatal Multivitamin by the same company - Garden of Life.

This tasted way better. On top of that, this formula comes in capsules that can separate and the powder can be added into drinks. Vitamin Code raw prenatals also contain ginger for morning sickness. I just can’t stay away from Garden of Life!

#2: Prenatal DHA

    -Fish oil, fish oil, fish oil to help baby with development of brains, eyes, and nervous system.

#3: Collagen powder and bone broth

    - Did you know that pregnant women are supposed to be consuming 95-100 grams of protein every day? Collagen powder is a good way to receive protein along with some other benefits. Collagen powder also strengthens skin, hair, and nails. The intake of collagen powder can make you look younger and feel healthier as it supports your immune system. Also provides baby with the necessary building blocks that it needs for development.

#4: Digestive capsules

    -Heartburns during pregnancy is very common and normal. For some - it’s mild. For others - it’s rough. I’ve had gastroesophageal reflux disease in the past. Anything acidic would trigger my heartburns and they would last for hours. Dealing with heartburn was something I expected to go through during my days of pregnancy. When I started dating Teddy, he became aware of my problem. Teddy ordered me Pure Encapsulations to ease my heartburn. That was life changing. As of that day, acid reflux doesn’t bother me like it used to. Today, I only take the pills on an as-needed basis.

#5: Vitamin D

    -I take vitamin D to help support my bones and teeth. I want to have strong bones until I look intimidating, haha. Vitamin D strengthens the immune system and has even been linked to fighting cancer. It is especially important for those of us who live in northern states (like Minnesota), where we do not get enough sunlight, especially during the winter months.

Vitamin D also helps with depression (hint hint for postpartum depression)

#6: H2o

    -Water keeps your body and skin hydrated. That means getting proper nutrients to all of the cells, glowing skin, and a smaller chance of stretch marks. Water also softens stool! With the amounts of foods that I eat, I prefer to empty out my stomach before the next big meal. Life just gets easier that way.

#7: Coconut oil

    -Coconut oil is a natural way to moisturize dry and tight skin. Consume in foods to get your dose of the good fats. Rub it on your growing belly to reduce stretch marks. Apply coconut oil to the face for deep moisturizing. Coconut oil is far more beneficial than you think it is. It has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. There is even research that shows that using coconut oil in the third trimester reduces perinatal mortality by more than 50%.

#8: Pregnancy belly band

    -Oh, the comfort the belly bands brings! The bigger the belly gets, the more pressure there is on the low back and the pelvic region. A pregnancy band keeps the belly in place as it reduces the heavy tension. My sister, Tanya, can’t get enough of her maternity support belt. Unfortunately, my baby seems to dislike the extra pressing on the belly so she tries to kick it away. As a result, I end up wearing it for only short periods of time. But that is better than nothing!

#9: Baby journaling

-All of the awesome moments, the odd cravings, and the annoying symptoms go into my pregnancy journal. The Bundle of Joy baby journal/scrapbook is entirely designed with cuteness. With this journal, you don’t have to start from scratch. All you have to do is fill out the blanks as you have fun raising your 2018 baby. In other words, this journal is very easy to use and reflects the day and age we live in. Teddy and I already had so much fun answering some of the questions in our memory journal for baby’s first years.

#10: Caffeine

-Once or twice a day, of course! I have to take my daily caffeine or else you’ll catch me napping on a public bench. Surviving the day with only chamomile tea is almost impossible. Also, multitasking would be hopeless without my cup of tea or the occasional frappuccino.  Pregnant women get tired faster than a man trying to persuade a woman. Just kidding, way faster!

Special photo credits go to Haley, a local photographer here in MN, for collaborating with me on this blog post. We had an amazing time getting to know each other better as we ate ice cream in bed. Follow Haley to see more of her talent on Instagram here.

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