The second trimester of pregnancy can be an interesting time. You’re halfway there, right in the middle of one of the most uncomfortable times of your life (for many). Pregnancy changes us, always. In my case, it reminded me to really focus on the inner whispers of my mind. The ones I push away, or think to myself that if I listened, it’d be silly. I’ve even begun keeping a list of those exact moments to go back to later. Every so often, I’ll pick something, and do it.
So often the little whispers we ignore or resist are the direct guidance coming from our Soul. And, I’ve been shown over and over again that when we listen, we’re rewarded so much more than we could imagine.
And so, I’ve decided to post more blogs on lifestyle topics, especially pregnancy! I am now entering my third trimester and have honestly found this pregnancy to be much more uncomfortable than my others. While I love all aspects of healing, this is a wellness blog after all and I want to share anything and everything that makes life just a little bit easier for all.
Second Trimester Essentials For Pregnancy
For those of you that may be going through a rough second trimester of pregnancy as well, or are preparing for conception, this list of goodies I’ve found extremely useful may help!
The cool thing is that almost all of these products can be used well after I give birth, and some are even items I’ve been using for years that have so easily transitioned into this period of life. Even if you’re not currently pregnant, I recommend taking a look.
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Arizona Soft Footbed Birkenstock – the best $135 you will ever spend
If I could tell you the most important piece of clothing you’ll need for your pregnancy, it would be these shoes. They literally form to your foot and feel like you’re wearing slippers all day.
I’ve also noticed that I almost never have swelling when I wear them. Overall my feet have felt so much better during this pregnancy than my first. You seriously cannot go wrong with these! I would have a salesperson help you with the sizing because they do run different. My saleswoman explained to me what size would work best for my foot and why. [They also sell these Birkenstock dupes on Amazon for way cheaper!]
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Indigo Blue Maternity Jeans from Motherhood Maternity – $30 to $50
These jeans are sooo comfortable and are almost always on sale in store. They also have other super cute styles! The pair I’m wearing right now is honestly my favorite pair of jeans I’ve ever owned. They’re lightweight and stretchy, don’t have a cheap smell that a lot of inexpensive jeans have, and I seriously plan to wear them even after giving birth.
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ComfyCush Ripstop Era Vans – $ 65
I just happened to stumble onto these while at Vans to buy a pair of slip-ons. I literally couldn’t get the slip-on style over my foot without my husband’s help so I decided to try these on. THANK GOODNESS I DID. I don’t have to bend over to get them on and the padding under my feet feels so good.
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Target Tank Tops – $8 to $10 (A New Day or Isabel Maternity)
I also stumbled upon A New Day tank tops that I could size up one or two sizes (so that my belly is covered) and the tank top would still be tight around the rest of my body. I really don’t like the ruched sides in most maternity shirts and the tank tops by Isabel Maternity have none so they are also perfect! I recommend stocking up on black and white and pairing them with different outerwear.
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Sweaters, Cardigans, Oversized Jean Jackets
My favorite cardigans are A New Day from Target or basically any Target brand. They last so long and only range from about $20 to $30. This pregnancy, a majority of the weight I’ve put on has gone directly to my back (ugh). Because of this I’ve been living in tank tops and cardigans. They’ve been soo perfect for the Fall and upcoming Winter. Thankfully I’m not pregnant in the summer heat of the East Coast (eek).
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Isabel Maternity Active Leggings – $34.99
These are the perfect workout leggings, or even leggings to wear every day. They’re super comfortable! I’m loving wearing them with my Vans, a maternity tank, and zip-up sweatshirt. It’s such a comfortable outfit for the Fall as well.
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Cotton On Tina T-Shirt Dresses – $14.99
I’ve been living in these lately! When it’s cooler I pair oversized t shirt dresses with a sweater or a jean jacket. I’ll even wear them to bed. They’re seriously so comfortable and flattering, even with a big belly.
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Hydroflask – $42.95 and the Brita Ten-Cup Watcher Pitcher – $ 36.99
Honestly, both of these have been one of the best investments my husband could have ever made in our health. I’ve never been a water drinker, but a couple of years ago after receiving a Hydroflask from him, that completely changed. I also like Stanley Cups, but they do spill when they’re knocked over! Hydroflasks don’t.
Our whole family now has the same Hydroflask in the same color and we all use the Wide Mouth Straw Lid ($9.95) for ease. I fill mine once (maybe twice) a day and find myself constantly sipping while the water inside stays icy cold. We also use the Brita pitcher and only have to replace the filters once every few months while filling three flasks multiple times a day. Seriously, if you could do anything for your health, do this!
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Thayer’s Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Facial Toner – $7.99
This is one of those purchases that just ended up being exactly what I needed. I had my eye on this toner for honestly a year or two before I actually made the purchase (I’m not sure why I waited so long). This alone has seriously transformed my skin.
I use a soaked cotton pad in the morning and then again at night and my skin has become SO smooth. I also use oils every once in a while but I definitely contribute the change in my previously dry skin to this product since it is what I use most consistently. Instead of drying my face out like other toners, it actually hydrates! And I use the Lavender scent for the extra soothing benefits. Even with the hydration, make sure to follow up with your favorite face moisturizer after using.
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Aerie High Waist Underwear – 6 for $25
I purchased the Lace Highwaisted Boy Brief Undie just to try it out and was so pleasantly surprised. The fit is perfect and Aerie runs their underwear sale so often, I definitely recommend waiting until it’s on their site.
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Maternity Bathingsuit
Obviously, a bathing suit is not a pregnancy essential but if you’re looking for one I highly recommend Target. The one I have is no longer sold, but they have so many great options!
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Knix Thigh Saver – $36
I’m not going to lie, chub-rub has been real this pregnancy. Although the cooler months are just about here, I still find that t-shirt dresses are my go-to for comfort. These shorts have been a lifesaver and I knew after seeing them on The Birds Papaya Instagram that I had to give them a try.
They’re not advertised as a maternity product, but I was super happy to find that they fit perfectly over my belly! I do have to pull the belly part up every so often when it falls down. For a product that isn’t meant to cover a growing stomach, it does the job pretty well though.
For thigh chafing, I also highly recommend this Megababe Thigh Rescue stick! I was honestly shocked that it actually works.
I hope this pregnancy essentials guides help all of you mamas to be find a little more comfort in your growing belly and body. Have a safe rest of your pregnancy and delivery! If you’re planning on having a natural birth, or are just interested in learning more about your labor and delivery options, check out this blog next.
And, if you’re interested in staying in touch after birth, or are a mom already looking to find inner calm in the chaos, sign up for my freebie bundle below! You’ll receive 3 PDFs: How to Decorate Your Home on a Budget, How to Photograph Your Children Without the Stress, and Reclaim Your Power (a mindfulness guide).
About Catherine Julia:
I’m Katie, a yoga teacher, reiki practitioner, and traveling elopement photographer based in sunny San Diego, California. With a passion for empowering others on their journey to healing and self-discovery, I utilize Reiki energy healing, yoga, as well as other forms of alternative medicine. Through my work, I aim to guide individuals like you towards a state of wholeness, vitality, and inner peace.
And if you’re just beginning your holistic healing journey, I have a great place for you to start! I’ve listed 100 holistic healing tools that have personally helped me throughout the years of stress and overwhelm. Motherhood and life in general doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We can all find joy and ease no matter our background, or traumas from the past. All you have to be willing to do is take that first step to dive deeper into the way your mind works.