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You’re glowing, growing, and ecstatic to be carrying a little one. But truth be told, your body is about to jump on a roller coaster. As a mom who’s going through pregnancy for the second time, I can tell you, my best advice is to enjoy the ride—and look your best while you’re doing it. These five items are ones I couldn’t live without for a certain nine-plus months.
Cardigan: I’m not a believer in spending a fortune on a wardrobe you’re in for less than a year. Instead, invest in transitional pieces you can wear during and after pregnancy. I picked up one I could throw on (unbuttoned) to instantly feel comfortable. Cardigan, $24.98; top, $24.98; jeans, $39.98. Motherhood Maternity, multiple locations, 800-466-6223, motherhood.com.
Statement Jewelry: When you choose accessories, bold choices will look great on a growing you— think of it as a balancing effect. A gorgeous necklace will draw attention away from your swelling bump and bring the eye to your neck and your face, which is most likely radiant. An oversized cocktail ring or embellished cuff isalsoaneasywaytoglamupa basic wardrobe. AJS ring, $240. S. King Collection, 314-881-5050, skingcollection.com.
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula With Vitamin E: Antistretch creams and lotions can cost a pretty penny, and as you get further along in your pregnancy, you’ve got more tummy to cover—which doesn’t bode well for the pocketbook. You can slather on this product, at less than $5, without financial guilt. The best part: It works! After religiously applying daily through two pregnancies, I don’t have a trace of stretch marks. $4.99. Walgreens, multiple locations, 800-925-4733, walgreens.com. (Photograph by Mark Gilliland)
Origins Peace of Mind Gumballs: A friend told me about a family member who was going through chemotherapy and battling daily nausea. She ordered this gum by the case, as it was the only remedy to settle her stomach. I tried it—a combination of peppermint, basil, and eucalyptus—and found the same results for morning sickness. $5 for 20 gumballs. Dillard’s, multiple locations, 800-345-5273, dillards.com.
Beband By Ingrid & Isabel: It’s the first trimester, and you’re slightly showing but not big enough to wear maternity clothes. That’s when this magical elastic band comes in handy. Slip it over the waistline of pants or skirts, and you’ll be able to comfortably unbutton or unzip your prepregnancy wardrobe. (Plus, it also works for that postbaby body, when you’re not quite back into those skinny jeans.) $16.99. Target, multiple locations, 800-440-0680, target.com.
