This post contains some of the best pregnancy self care products along with helpful tips and resources to practice self-care while pregnant.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
Why Practice Self-Care When Pregnant?
For many women, the emotional changes can be just as overwhelming as the physical changes.
The stress of going through a major change, hormonal changes, physical discomfort, and many other factors can make you feel overwhelmed.
Self-care is essential in everyday life, but more so when you’re pregnant.
It’s important to honor your feelings and give yourself time to distress and boost your mood.
Related: Best 70 Pregnancy Hacks (+Products Recommendation)
Pregnancy Self-Care Products
There are lots of products out there that can make self-care more manageable and enjoyable.
Some popular pregnancy self-care products include:
#1. Pregnancy Pillow
These are designed to help support your growing bump and help you get comfortable while sleeping.
#2. Belly Balms And Creams
These can help keep your skin hydrated and reduce itching as your belly expands.
#3. Comfortable Shoes
Finding comfortable shoes during pregnancy is essential for the health of your feet and overall body. As your body changes, you may experience swelling in your feet, especially during the third trimester. Here are some tips to help you find comfortable shoes during pregnancy:
- Look for shoes with a wide, round toe box to accommodate any swelling.
- Choose shoes with good arch support to help prevent overpronation and reduce pressure on your feet.
- Opt for shoes with low heels or no heels to reduce pressure on your back, hips, and knees.
- Choose shoes made from breathable, flexible materials, such as leather or mesh, to help prevent your feet from getting too hot.
- Consider slip-on shoes or shoes with adjustable straps, which can be easier to put on and adjust.
- Finally, make sure to try on shoes at the end of the day when your feet are most swollen to ensure a proper fit.
Remember, your feet may continue to change throughout your pregnancy, so make sure to regularly check the fit of your shoes and replace them as needed.
Related: Top 11 Tips On How To Deal With Morning Sickness At Work
#4. Prenatal Vitamins
Taking a quality prenatal vitamin can help ensure that you and your baby are getting the nutrients you need. These usually include folic acid, iron, calcium, and sometimes vitamin D. (source)
It’s recommended that women take prenatal vitamins before they get pregnant and continue to take them throughout their pregnancy.
But it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
#5. Foot Soak Or Massage Oil
Swollen feet and legs are a common pregnancy symptom. Treating yourself to a foot soak or using a massage oil that is safe for pregnancy can help soothe and relax your muscles.
Find a list of pregnancy-safe massage oils and oils to avoid HERE.
#6. Belly Band
A belly band provides gentle support for your growing abdomen and can help alleviate back pain.
#7. Nausea Relief Products
Many women experience nausea during the first trimester of pregnancy. Ginger chews, anti-nausea wristbands, or herbal teas may help alleviate symptoms.
Remember to always consult with your healthcare provider before trying any new products during pregnancy.
Related: Best +25 Pregnancy Journal Prompts (+FREE PDF Download)
Other Ways To Take Care Of Yourself When Pregnant
#1. Take Time To Process Your Feelings
Take time every day to check-in with yourself and process your emotions. You may do that by simply asking the following questions:
- What do I feel in my body?
- What emotions am I experiencing?
- What do I need right now?
Journaling and writing down everything on your mind can also help you feel calmer.
#2. Practice Mindfulness Meditation
Everyone can benefit from practicing mindfulness meditation and pregnant women are no exception. (source)
Mindfulness meditation can relieve stress and improves emotional resilience.
There are a lot of apps that can make your mindfulness meditation practice easier. The following are some examples:
- Insight Timer: Offers meditations led by celebrities such as Russell Brand and Gisele Bündchen and key stats and milestones, allowing you to track your progress.
- Calm: Offers guided meditations available in three, five, 10, 15, 20 and 25-minute sessions.
- The Mindfulness App: Offers customizable timed, silent or guided options between three and 99 minutes.
Related: Best Pregnancy Resources (Information, Apps, Books, Podcasts)
#3. Focus On The Things You Can Control
Focusing on the things you can control can reduce your stress and make you feel more in control.
Make a list of things that are a source of stress for you and choose the ones you can control.
Come up with things you can do to improve situations or reduce your stress.
Get Things I Can Control Worksheet PDF
#4. Keep Track Of Your Emotional Triggers
Becoming aware of what triggers you can help you manage your emotions more effectively.
Notice what makes you anxious and what makes you calm by checking in with yourself every now and then.
You may find it helpful to ask yourself the following questions:
- What am I feeling in my body?
- What emotion am I experiencing?
- What happened that triggered this emotion?
#5. Use To-Do Lists
Preparing for your baby’s arrival on top of your usual load can be overwhelming.
Creating ongoing to-do lists can make things less overwhelming and help you get things done.
You may also prioritize your tasks and/or group them if you can.
Get To-Do Lists Printables PDF
#6. Get Help From Others
Asking for help might not come naturally to you, but practicing it can be worth it.
If your family or friends are asking how they can help, put them to work.
Support isn’t just material. Emotional support and spending time with your loved ones is also essential for your general wellbeing.
#7. Use Positive Affirmations
Positive affirmations are words or phrases that you can repeat to yourself to feel empowered.
The following are some examples:
- My body is beautiful.
- My body is strong and full of energy.
- I’m grateful for being able to grow a life inside of me.
- I have faith in my body.
- I am becoming radiant every day more.
- I take good care of myself during pregnancy.
- My baby is developing at a healthy pace.
- I let go of negativity and allow positive things in mu life.
- My baby is safe and sound in my body.
Post those affirmations where you can see them often.
Related: Best +75 Pregnancy After Loss Affirmations
#8. Do More Of The Things You Enjoy
Make time for the things that bring you joy. Write down a list of things you typically enjoy and do more of these.
The following are some ideas:
- Talk to a friend on the telephone.
- Go for a long walk in a park or someplace that’s peaceful.
- Get a massage.
- Go out for something to eat.
- Go outside and play with your pet.
- Watch a funny video on YouTube.
- Watch a funny movie.
- Listen to a podcast.
- Write down positive feedback about a product or a service you liked.
- Go get a haircut.
- Go to a library.
- Go to a bookstore and get a new book.
- Pray or meditate.
- Knit, crochet, or sew—or learn how to.
Related: Minimalist Hospital Bag Checklist (+Hospital Bag Checklist PDF)
#9. Start A Gratitude Journal
Gratitude is a simple yet powerful exercise that can help increase feelings of wellbeing.
All you need is a notebook or a journal and a few minutes every day.
List down three to five things you feel grateful for and try to think of different things every day.
If you feel stuck, journaling prompts can help.
Get Gratitude Journaling Prompts PDF
#10. Educate Yourself About Mental Health
Educating yourself about mental health is especially important when you’re pregnant.
Postpartum depression and anxiety are common after giving birth. But pregnant women can also experience signs of depression or anxiety.
Related: Best 10 Postpartum Books
