My “Maternity Must-Haves”!

34 weeks along!

34 weeks pregnant into my first pregnancy and wow, what a whirlwind! I’m on information overload, not to mention experiencing all the craziness of emotional & physical changes. The entire 9 months is truly such a blessing and I cannot wait to meet our little girl here soon…only 6 more weeks to go!!

Living overseas has been an added challenge to being pregnant. Mostly due to the lack of the familiar “American” products that I have normally seen around, I have found myself hunting the internet and the stores here, as well as expat moms who know a thing or two about what I’m going through, for products that will benefit both myself as well as my baby.

So from a first-time mom-to-be, I wanted to share with you some of my favorite products, services, websites, & more that I’ve used along the way. They are found either here in Malaysia or back in the states, and they have been lifesavers….truly, honestly, 100%- saved.my.pregnancy. This is of course in the addition to the all-important prenatal vitamins, folic acid, calcium, and fish oil supplements you must be sure to take daily!

What are your favorite tried & true products? Favorite websites & support groups? Favorite Prenatal activities? Let me know!

Such a staple. Plus they have an app for your smartphone too! (Found in KL at MPH bookstores)

Do yourself a favor and get this. It will lighten your mood and make you laugh out loud! Its the perfect blend of the dirty truth and comedy. (found on Amazon.com)

TONS of great names in here….almost too many though! (found in KL at MPH bookstores)

So nice for those pesky 1st trimester tummy troubles! (found everywhere, any brand will do!)

An absolute MUST. It will change the way your skin feels. I’ve yet to get a stretch mark. May not be 100% but its the closest you will get. (found in KL at Guardian Pharmacy)

This is also a MUST product. The Bio Oil can be too oily in this humidity so I sometimes use this cream in the morning (& throughout the day), and the Bio Oil at night. (Found in KL at Guardian Pharmacy)

Pretty much obsessed with this ridiculous product. A complete lifesaver…..at least through the middle, if not end, of your 2nd trimester. Makes your pants last so much longer before going full-on maternity. (found in KL’s Mothercare)

Another HUGE lifesaver….for when your boobs start getting HUGE. Bra extenders- starting using them in the 2nd trimester until I needed to go up a whole cup size- be.still.my.heart. (Found in KL at Spring Maternity)

Body Pillow…..do yourself a favor and get one- ASAP. Helps those sleepless nights. Plus this one is bead filled and combo use- its a nursing pillow for after! (Found in KL at Bebehaus)

Wedge pillow- totally awesome for flying on airplanes as well as for sitting in front of the computer. (Found in KL at Mothercare)

Compression Socks. If you have to fly at all while pregnant- GET THESE. Your welcome. (Found in KL at Guardian Pharmacy).

Awesome belly band that stays put forever! Another huge airplane travel lifesaver! Keeps the belly nice & compact. (Found in KL at Mothercare)

Tennis balls- perfect way to get rid of leg cramps. Simply roll it over the muscles to get them to stop contracting. (Found in any sports store)

I’ve started drinking this daily in my 3rd trimester and its helped so much with swollen extremities, tummy troubles, hormones, and more! (Found on Amazon.com)

Such a refresher for those tired legs & feet. Put them up & have your hubby massage them into your legs & feet. Feels like a mini-spa! (Found at Origins stores)

Tiger Balm is great for those aching lower back muscles (Found in KL at Guardian Pharmacy)

Homemade microwaveable/freezer rice bag filled with lavender. Heat it up or cool it down for relief on your neck & lower back! (Made myself)

I’ve found the following personal services to work wonders throughout the various stages of my pregnancy:

• Prenatal Massages- you will thank me- do them on a regular basis if you can afford it, or move to KL where they are cheap! (London Orchid Spa).
• Facials- for those pesky hormonal flair ups! (London Orchid Spa)
• Mani & Pedi- careful of ankle area, make sure you tell them you are pregnant- pure indulgence (Glitters Nail Salon)
• Osteopath- to help keep your spine in alignment & to help with sciatica (One Osteo)
• Prenatal Yoga, Pilates, & Fitball- stretch & tone that bod girl (Fitfor2)
• Acupuncture- for a whole host of things- look up the benefits, they are amazing (Hands Osteopathy)

A few awesome Blogs, Facebook Pages, and Websites I’ve spent time on to get info, support, & encouragement from:

• Ask the Chicks
• Pregnant Chicken
• Momastery
• KL Mom Shop & Swap
• IBU Family Resource Group
• Fitfor2
• What to Expect When You’re Expecting
• Baby Center
• Banned From Baby Showers (Blog)
• Mommy Shorts
• Babylist

I’ve been lucky enough to stay very active throughout my pregnancy, and I truly believe it helps in the long run- hopefully with delivery and I know for the whole body bounce-back plan. I was active with my spin classes until bending over hurt my growing belly; I still participated in TRX until my 3rd trimester (when multiple back issues forced me to quit); I hiked & golfed until the middle of my 2nd trimester, when the tropical heat just got to me too much; and still I walk regularly, I go to yoga, pilates, & fit ball, and I swim (which really helps alleviate the pressure of the belly!). Just because you are pregnant doesn’t mean you have to give up your life! And YES, do have that 10th piece of chocolate, you deserve it my beautiful pregnant friends!

Until next time, happy pregnancies~

Kimbra