THIRD TRIMESTER FAVORITES

Third trimester! I still can't believe it's here already and like the flip of a switch, I'm feeling it.  My energy from the second trimester has checked out on me but my excitement keeps growing everyday.  I welcomed this last leg of this pregnancy journey with a list of my final trimester favorites and must haves.

 

1. Bio Oil
There are a lot of products out there that claim to help prevent (or diminish) stretch marks.  Going into my first pregnancy, I knew genetics play a huge role in whether or not your skin will develop these, but I wanted to do as much preventative maintenance as possible.  Bio Oil was my go-to belly rub throughout Conner's pregnancy, and I never got any stretch marks.  Without hesitation, I went back to using this product to give my skin the best chance possible and so far, still no stretch marks. 

2. Tums Smoothies
I feel like I can't go anywhere without my Tums anymore.  It's almost a guarantee that I will get heartburn after each meal, and that makes it hard to eat.  I wish I had these stashed everywhere so I would never forget them or be without them.  Plus, they're the smoothie flavor - can you say amazing?

3. Exercise Ball (Birthing Ball)
These are great just to have whether you're pregnant or not.  In our house, this ball gets used for exercise (for me), as a toy (for Conner) and a back stretcher (for Joe).  During the third trimester it's always nice to use for low impact exercises, leaning on to stretch out the back, and during the first stages of labor.

4.  Water Bottle
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.  I drink anywhere from a gallon to a gallon and a half of water each day and that has prevented any swelling in this pregnancy.  I went out and splurged on a new pink Nalgene, and it's amazing how something like that can keep me motivated to drink up.  Plus, since it's pink, I don't have to worry about Joe grabbing it and taking it to work to use.

5. TED Hose
My biggest complaint with this pregnancy by far is the painful veins in my legs.  This was not something I experienced the last time around so I kind of just assumed I wasn't going to have an issue this time.  Yep, I was wrong.  You guys, compression hose are the way to go, and I completely regret not using them a long time ago. They are a huge pain reliever.

6. Miracle Gel Nail Polish
Let's face it.  It's hard to keep these toes polished when you can't even bend over to tie your shoelaces.  My favorite nail polish lately has been Miracle Gel by Sally Hansen.  It lasts way longer than the normal polish and dries fast so I can go longer in between my little self pedicures. (I may or may not have been guilty of painting my toes on one foot and then quitting after that because it was too hard to reach the other toes. In fact, I've gone a week with just one foot painted.  Don't judge me.)

7. Covergirl + Olay CC Eye Rehab
These days just wear me down and it's starting to show in my eyes.  I love using this product to brighten up those tired looking eyes.  If my eyes don't look run down, then I have a much better and more energized day.  It's kind of like how a good hair day can just make your entire day that much better.