My pregnancy must haves!
Pregnancy is amazing.
There is no doubt about it.
However it can be really bloody hard work too! The physical demands on your body, as well as coping with all the changes, the unknown; it’s a huge amount to cope with isn’t it? Not to mention if you are feeling horrendous at the same time.
As you may already know, this is my fourth pregnancy, so although every pregnancy is different, I have built up some trust in a few products and services that have helped me during my pregnancy so far.
Curious to see my pregnancy must haves? Then read on…
Yoga.
Goes without saying I guess!
Movement is medicine for the soul and I would be lost without yoga during my pregnancy. It’s magical for your body as it is changing, it’s low impact, but builds strength and helps to prepare you for birth (and beyond) with a deeper connection to your body and breath. If you are interested in some of the many benefits of yoga during pregnancy then you can read more here.
Even when I was feeling nauseous in the first trimester, gentle seated movement and breathwork was a game changer. The beautiful thing about yoga is you can do as much or as little as you like.
This brings me on to teaching pregnancy yoga whilst actually being pregnant! Although I completed my pregnancy yoga teacher training over eight years ago (and since had 2 more children) due to maternity leave and timings I had never actually taught yoga whilst being pregnant until now. Sharing my pregnancy journey whilst holding space for a room full of pregnant ladies has been incredible. The energy shared and the support is very special and I’m so grateful to have had this opportunity.
So if you are reading this and pregnant, but have never tried yoga, then find a class, find your tribe. You won’t regret it!
Supplements.
Wild Nutrition
Having tried many different brands over the years, I personally feel these little wonders really do make a difference. A healthy diet is the best way to get the vitamins and minerals you need. But during pregnancy you might fall short on key nutrients. If you're pregnant or hoping to conceive, prenatal vitamins can help fill any gaps. The main ones recommended are folic acid and vitamin D supplements. I also take raspberry leaf extract tablets from 32 weeks pregnant (because I don’t like drinking the eta and the amount required!). Unfortunately there is little scientific research to support its benefits for pregnancy/birth, however lots of anecdotal research. Claims that it can help to decrease labour time, strengthen the uterus, and improve labour outcomes and reduce bleeding postpartum. If you're curious, do your reading and see what you think, there is loads out there! Either way it’s full of antioxidants and I have used during all of my pregnancies.
Foetal growth & development
Hormone support
Reduces tiredness & fatigue
Cognitive function
Supports bones & teeth
Supports Iron levels
These are quite pricey but they are ‘Food Grown’ and personally I think they are worth it. I first tried this brand when I was breastfeeding my daughter and felt so depleted. I started taking these and felt such a difference. So from then i’ve been hooked! I have previously asked for samples and discount but unfortunately they said no. HOWEVER they always do offers for new customers so worth a look.
Natal Active.
Maternity and postnatal active wear
As I’m sure you can imagine I spend a huge amount of time in yoga wear! Leggings are my uniform, so it was pretty high on my agenda to find a brand that actually stay up with my growing bump, to not fall down when I moved around my mat, and to also look good. Pleased to say Natal Active do all of that and more! They are a great price, have a variety of colours and they are good for postnatal too adapting as your body changes. An added bonus I think is their sports bras… these are brilliant! They come with strap extenders to use whilst pregnant and they have clips for nursing for once you’ve had your baby. A few different styles and colours too so it’s a big thumbs up from me.
I’m wearing the LUXE MATERNITY & POSTNATAL LEGGINGS - MIDNIGHT BLUE in a size 12 and the NURSING SPORTS BRA - ARTEMIS - LILAC SORBET in a size M.
Natal Active have kindly given me a discount code to share with you all, use YO_FARNHAM at the check out or click here for money off.
Below are some more of my favourite items which have seen me through my whole pregnancy…
If you know me, you will know I LOVE an all-in-one to practice yoga in. You dont have that need to pull up leggings or adjust top. Your top doesn’t cover your face so you cant see when in downward dog, and I love the feeling of support wearing one. I bought this black ‘Girlfriend Collective’ unitard from M&S in my first trimester, it’s not for pregnancy, however it’s so stretchy that it’s perfect! I love it! It has built in support for breasts and the material is quite thick so I feel its supportive around bump, and it’s not see-through at all.
I also rate the Lululemon super high rise align leggings. My size 8’s I had pre pregnancy still fit so well over bump, even at 8months pregnant!
Lastly, get yourself some waisted/over the bump pants! I cant get enough of them. The M&S no VPL ones were good when I was a bit smaller, however now in my 3rd trimester I’m loving these from Seraphine. I imagine they will feel nice postpartum too.
BBHUGME.
Getting comfortable for sleeping can be very hard, but this pillow is a game changer.
It is expensive but it’s sooooooo good! You can adjust the firmness depending on where you need the support, it can be tied together so you can lie on your front with bump in the hole which is lush, it looks great on your bed and it comes in lovely colours. With my last couple of pregnancies I have suffered with Pelvic Girdle Pain but this helped eased the discomfort at night dramatically. It also supports the side lying position. Not only for pregnancy either, I found the pillow super helpful for support whilst breastfeeding.
Osteotherapy.
Meadowside Osteopathy and Massage in Farnham
Pelvic Girdle Pain affects 1 in 4 women during their pregnancy, and if you’ve had it once, then you are likely to get it again in subsequent pregnancies. PGP is a collection of uncomfortable symptoms caused by a stiffness of your pelvic joints or the joints moving unevenly at either the back or front of your pelvis. One of the reasons for this instability is the increase in the hormone relaxin. I unfortunately got PGP with my 2nd pregnancy, then was much worse for my 3rd. So when I started getting symptoms around 18-20 weeks this time round I knew I had to get help ASAP.
I had read about the benefits of Osteopathy but had never tried it before so I was keen to give it a try. The team at Meadowside are absolutely lovely and extremely knowledgable. I ended up having about 4 sessions, helping my pelvis alignment and the difference was dramatic. Highly recommend. The Meadowside have kindly given Yo Mamas discount off your first appointment. You can book here and in the ‘further information’ section please add ‘Yo Farnham, Mama/Baby 10% off offer’ and then show them your class booking confirmation at your appointment (Can be used for Osteopathy or Osteopathy for Children).
Physiotherapy.
As well as osteopathy appointments I also saw Rachel, a highly recommended womens health physio at Farnham Physiotherapy & Sports Clinic. Rachel was so knowledgable and gave me some great advice and exercises to strengthen glutes, core and pelvic floor which provide better pelvis stabilty. If you are experiencing pelvic pain during your pregnancy speak with your midwife, they can get you a physio referal. However I saw Rachel privately as did not want to wait for NHS waiting times. But either way, don’t suffer in silence, there is loads that can be done to help!
Reformer Pilates
I have thoroughly enjoyed Sophia’s 1:1 pilates sessions at her beautiful reformer studio in Frensham. She is experienced, knowlegable, kind and caring. We always have lots of fun! She offers a range of 1:1 classes, with different package options depending on your requirements and budget. Having never tried a reformer before I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was for the pregnant body. So many movements that are just not possible on the mat, however using the reformer you can, and it feels so good!
At These Women Move, Sophia also runs postnatal pilates classes you can take your baby too. I cant wait to try these out once my babe is here.
Your support.
Yo Farnham Community is everything!
I was nervous about sharing the news of our fourth baby on the way. I think anyone with their own business would agree that it’s quite nerve wracking thinking about how it will all work, what your clients will think, and will your business still be there once you’ve had your baby! HOWEVER you have all been heartwarmingly amazing. Your love, support and excitement has been incredible. Thank you for continuing to support my little yoga buisness, it really does have the BIGGEST and BEST community.
Thank you
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