Pregnancy is a beautiful time of growing new life, slowing down and embracing a new chapter. But that's not to say it is a time of no stress or discomfort. I'm currently in the third trimester of my second pregnancy and want to share the products that bring me joy, reduce discomfort and help me enjoy the process of pregnancy even more.
Ayurveda Mama
A beautifully written guide to Ayurveda in pregnancy and postpartum. I reference this book often during my pregnancies and it has helped me to prepare for birth. Highly recommend!
Alevan Botanica Relax Oil
My skin tends to be quite dry in pregnancy so I focus on daily self-massage, known as abhyanga in Ayurveda. This is my preferred blend as it is safe to use in pregnancy and very calming to anxiety. The blend is great for common skin issues like fine lines/aging, redness and/or itchiness as well.
Alevan Botanica Soothe Diffuser Blend
This is my go-to diffuser blend this pregnancy. With my first, I was all about the Divine blend but this time around, I look forward to using this calming blend of frankincense, lavender and geranium during the day and before bed.
Magnesium Breakthrough Supplement
A game-changer in my book! This supplement contains 7 kinds of magnesium (most supplements only have one or two!) Supports sleep, the nervous system and helps reduce or eliminate those pesky night-time leg cramps!
Alevan Botanica Sleep Spritz
It's our best-seller for a reason! And the first product I formulated. It is quick and easy to create a ritual with Sleep. Mist your pillows every night and take a couple deep breaths; I like habit stacking this with some breathwork or a calming meditation/body scan before bed.
Alevan Botanica Pitta Soothe Tea
Hydration is key and herbal tea is a great way to hydrate without sugars, artificial sweeteners, chemicals or caffeine. I sip this tea warm in the mornings and evenings or iced if I am out and about. This blend has hibiscus, rose and peppermint; all herbs that are cooling to mind and body.
Comrad Compression Socks
These again I used in both pregnancies, not only great for travel but helpful daily. They keep swelling down, especially if you are on your feet a lot plus help me with any restless leg syndrome I tend to experience in the evenings before bed.
Peloton App (Meditation and Prenatal Yoga)
As a prenatal yoga teacher myself, I truly understand the many, many benefits of practicing yoga during your pregnancy. Since I was moving and in between locations and houses the majority of my second/part of my third trimester, I was able to get 3-4 yoga flows in per week. Super helpful and reduced nearly all of my aches/pains. I also have made it a daily priority to meditation between 5-15 minutes a day. I can truly say this has put me in the best mindset for birth and motherhood!
The Sculpt Society Prenatal Program
I followed this program during my first pregnancy and really loved the lengths of the workouts and variety. Since then, lots of new content has been created. I do my best to get a daily pelvic floor breathing session in and then mix and match the workouts based on my mood each day. Here's a free month to try.
Alevan Botanica Awaken Spritz
I felt a lot more fatigue during the first trimester and again right now, in the third trimester from this pregnancy than with my first. I'm sure a lot of factors are at play including a move from Illinois to North Carolina, having an energetic toddler to take care of and the Alevan business continuing to be busier and growing. Either way I have loved this spritz as a daily morning face mist as soon as I wake up and a cooling mist (keep it in your fridge!) throughout the day.
Be Well by Kelly Grassfed Protein Powder
I have been using these protein powder for years and especially love it during pregnancy to ensure I am getting enough protein. As with my first pregnancy, meat is something that does not sound appealing to me so I love using this protein to meet my needs in a smoothie (especially with having been pregnant in the summer months!)
I hope this list has given you some new ideas and resources for a challenging yet rewarding time in life. Sometimes a little bit of inspiration is helpful for all aspects of our wellness, mental, physical and emotional. While my personal recommendations may not work for everyone, I hope it helps you in some way on your pregnancy journey. Here's to a happy and healthy pregnancy!
