2nd Trimester Must Haves

Ahh...the second trimester.  What a glorious time in pregnancy it is (at least it was for me!) While my all day nausea persisted through week 16, after that came all the fun part. The belly actually started to become more round and pregnant like, rather than just "Wow that girl has eaten one too many donuts this week!" The baby starts to become a little acrobat and feeling her moving is absolutely amazing.  The energy picks up. The nesting kicks in.  And man what you can accomplish during this time since you're not too big to actually get stuff done.  THIS is the trimester pregnancies are made for! 

But, I will say despite me loving pretty much every single moment of Tri 2 (and yes, I'm even embracing the few aches, pains, and pressure that came along with it!), there were several things that I consider a must have during this time.  Here is my list below.

1.) Wishes Body Butter (in pomegranate)- I got a sample of this organic lotion with skin firming seaweed in my BirchBox in January and fell in love!! The scent is amazing. The texture is rich and non-greasy. And slathering it all over the bump every night was heavenly! Nothing more to say. (**If you don't know what Birchbox is, you MUST look it up...and then sign up, using me as your referral of course : ) I absolutely love getting a box of high end samples every month, for less than $10 a month!).

2.) LeechCo Pregnancy Pillow- I initially tried this out when I got it around 12 or 13 weeks, but didn't really get what all the hype was about. I thought it was way too big (despite our king sized bed), and didn't do anything for me. Until 18 weeks came...and then it was ahhhmazing! Jon and I call it the cloud and it completely changed the way that I slept!! Such great back, hip, belly, head/neck, overall support. It's expensive, but I found mine on a resale website and the lady used it once, hated it, and sold it! It was a MAJOR score at only $15!  Resistance Bands- Jon got me a set of these for Christmas, but during the first trimester they sat in the box because I was just too sick to work out.  Once second tri hit and I was able to be a little more active, these were a great way to get in some strength training from the comfort of my own home.  Plus you can use them in full body workouts to get some cardio in at the same time. Love these!
-->Disclaimer: I had to stop using these once I was diagnosed with complete placenta previa and was told not to strain, bear down, or contract my abs. The great thing about these are the focus on tightening the core with pretty much every workout, so not compatible with previa.

3.) Resistance Bands- Jon got me a set of these for Christmas, but during the first trimester they sat in the box because I was just too sick to work out. Once second tri hit and I was able to be a little more active, these were a great way to get in some strength training from the comfort of my own home. Plus you can use them in full body workouts to get some cardio in at the same time. Love these!
-->Disclaimer: I had to stop using these once I was diagnosed with complete placenta previa and was told not to strain, bear down, or contract my abs. The great thing about these are the focus on tightening the core with pretty much every workout, so not compatible with previa. Whish Three

4.) Crane Humidifier- We got this last year because it just gets so dry during Chicago winters. I have to say that it has been even more helpful this year with all of the insane pregnancy congestion and increased bloody noses. Despite being somewhat of a pain to have to empty, rinse and refill nightly, I could tell a difference on the days that I didn't use it!

5.) Thermos 24 oz water bottle- Once I was able to start drinking water again (of the non-sparkling version), I carried my water bottle around everywhere! My goal was to drink at least 3-4 (5 when I was being really eager) of them a day.  Some days it was a little less, some more, but without it I know I wouldn't have been drinking as much.

6.) Black Leggings- I have about 8 billion pairs (which may just be a slight exaggeration) and find each one completely necessary. I could seriously live in them every day. Great for wearing under dresses or tunics for work, or with longer t's or sweatshirts to be comfy at home. They're a pregnancy life saver because most maternity pants fit too akwardly at this stage, especially the over the belly kind that constantly slips down, but pre-preggo pants just aren't happening!

7.) Comfy full-coverage underwear: My booty hasn't really changed size, but its preference for what it wears definitely has! Now, the bottom wants underwear that are silky smooth, or cottony soft, and covering the entire booty. Comfort is what it's all about in the second tri! 

8.) Comfy full-coverage underwear:  My booty hasn't really changed size, but its preference for what it wears definitely has!  Now, the bottom wants underwear that are silky smooth, or cottony soft, and covering the entire booty. Comfort is what it's all about in the second tri! 
-->And while we're on a rather personal topic, you might as well pick up a five year supply of panty liners because let's just be honest, the only way to not change your underwear 5 times a day is to wear one...constantly!  BTW- NONE of my friends warned me about this!  When friends in the future ask about unexpected pregnancy symptoms, this will be the one I give for sure!

What were your must haves for Trimester 2???