Ah, the second trimester! It's often dubbed the "golden period" of pregnancy, where morning sickness takes a back seat, and that baby bump of yours starts to make a show, meaning you can finally flaunt your pregnancy loud and proud in public!
As your body continues the hard work of growing a full little human, it's time to treat yourself to a selection of must-have products that'll make this journey even more comfortable, enjoyable, and memorable.
To help out on what to buy, we’ve scoured the market to bring you the essentials that every mum-to-be should consider during the second trimester.
Maternity Leggings
Product: Gratlin Maternity Leggings (Price: £33.00)
Buy Them Here- https://amzn.to/47l9EUG
These ultra-soft and stretchy maternity leggings are designed to embrace your growing bump while providing optimal support for your legs and back. The seamless material ensures a snug fit without any irritation, making them perfect for everyday wear.
Why It's a Good Choice: As your body undergoes changes throughout the rest of your pregnancy, these leggings adapt to your shape, offering gentle compression and flexibility. Whether you're heading to a prenatal yoga class or simply lounging at home, you’ll be comfortable in these maternity leggings.
Why We Love It: These leggings seamlessly combine style and functionality, allowing you to rock your bump confidently without compromising on comfort. Unlike other maternity leggings, their style sits high up, above your bump, and won’t ride down!
Pregnancy Pillow
Product: PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow
Buy It Here- https://amzn.to/3OnM8hq
While you might have had it rough with sickness and other symptoms in the first trimester, chances are your bump hasn’t yet got to the stage where it’s interfering with your sleep. We hate to say it, but that’s all about to change!
Many expecting mums feel themselves ‘pop’ as early as 16 weeks. But, not to worry, investing in a good quality pregnancy pillow ahead of time could be the answer to your sleep-filled prayers. The PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow’s unique C-shape design contours around your body, providing much-needed support to your back, hips, and belly. It's like cuddling up to a cloud!
Why It's a Good Choice: The second trimester can bring its fair share of sleep challenges as your body adapts. This pillow ensures optimal alignment and alleviates discomfort, letting you wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day, and preventing any aches and pains from developing from an awkward sleeping position.
Why We Love It: We can't get enough of the plush comfort this pregnancy pillow offers. It's like getting a warm hug all night long! Unlike other pregnancy pillows, it’s got removable covers and is machine washable.
Your questions answered live by senior midwife Louise Broadbridge. A workshop covering what to expect in the early days, coping with morning sickness and planning for your first antenatal appointment.
Maternity Jeans
Product: Motherhood Maternity Secret Fit Belly Skinny Leg Maternity Jeans
Buy Them Here- https://amzn.to/3DJiON8
These maternity jeans boast a stretchy belly panel that grows with you, ensuring a comfortable fit and plenty of room for that beautiful bump. Customers boast about how comfortable these jeans are, and how much they love the belly band.
If you’re looking for a good pair of maternity jeans to wear for your next date night or special occasion, that no one will be able to tell apart from regular jeans, these are the ones for you.
Why It's a Good Choice: Pregnancy doesn't have to mean sacrificing your sense of fashion. Lots of expecting mums prefer to feel comfy, and we totally see why! But, if you have a nice meal coming up, or just feel like getting a bit more dressed up, these jeans make for a versatile addition to your wardrobe.
Why We Love It: The secret fit belly panel is a game-changer, providing a comfy and supportive embrace for your bump, even as it grows.
Bump Oil
Product: Bio-Oil Skincare Oil
Buy it Here- https://amzn.to/3Qugj9o
Keep stretch marks at bay and hello to a radiant glow with this classic bump oil! Bio-Oil Skincare Oil is a proven favourite in the fight against dryness and stretch marks, providing hydration and promoting elasticity.
For years, expecting mums have been rubbing this on their growing bump daily, and marvelling at how it has worked wonders on their pregnancy bump.
Why It's a Good Choice: As your belly starts to pop in the second trimester, keeping your skin hydrated and supple becomes crucial to prevent long-term effects on your skin. This bump oil is enriched with vitamins and natural oils, working wonders to keep your skin healthy and vibrant.
Why We Love It: We love how Bio-Oil has been a trusted companion for countless mums-to-be for years. Its lightweight formula and soothing fragrance make it a joy to incorporate into your daily routine.
Belly Band
Product: Ingrid & Isabel Maternity Everyday Belly Band
Buy it Here- https://amzn.to/3QorIaA
Description: This belly band is a saviour for those in-between stages when your regular clothes are feeling a bit snug but maternity wear is still a touch too big. If you’re contemplating buying maternity jeans or trousers and not sure whether it’s the right time, try investing in this belly band.
It offers gentle support and extends your outfit options, allowing you to wear your unbuttoned pre-pregnancy pants without anyone spotting the difference. The silicone feel helps to keep the unbuttoned pants up and prevents them from falling down.
Why It's a Good Choice: The second trimester can bring about changes in your waistline, and it’s hard to know how long you’ll stay a certain size to buy brand new clothes to fit. This belly band comes to the rescue by providing seamless layering and support for your growing bump, while allowing you to stay in your pre-pregnancy pants.
Why We Love It: We can't help but appreciate how this belly band seamlessly bridges the gap between your pre-pregnancy wardrobe and maternity wear. It's a small addition that makes a big difference, and helps out with that awkward in between period!
Bath Salts
Product: Westlab Epsom Salt
Buy it Here- https://amzn.to/3YsWml1
Description: There’s nothing better to ease away your pregnancy aches and pains than with a relaxing soak in the tub. If you’re looking for the perfect bath salt companion for your soak, Westlab Epsom Salt is a mineral-rich solution that promotes relaxation, relieves muscle tension, and soothes your tired body.
As your progress through your pregnancy, you might find yourself experiencing some muscle aches and tension as your body adapts to growing your little one, and they take up more and more room! Whether it’s back ache, ankle pain, or Braxton Hicks later on, these bath salts are a god-send. Just make sure to check with your midwife before using them, and follow any advice stated for using during pregnancy.
Why It's a Good Choice: The second trimester can bring its own set of bodily discomforts. Taking a rejuvenating bath with Epsom salt can offer a welcome escape, helping you unwind and ease any tension.
Why We Love It: There's nothing quite like a soothing bath to melt away the stresses of the day. We love how Westlab Epsom Salt enhances your self-care routine with proven results, letting you indulge in well-deserved pampering.
A Good Water Bottle
Product: Chilly's Bottles
Buy it Here- https://amzn.to/43TZveJ
With so much to think about and prepare during pregnancy, it’s easy to forget about your water intake. While the second trimester often brings relief from nausea and morning sickness, other discomforts like constipation, headaches, and swelling may arise during this period. Staying hydrated can alleviate a lot of these symptoms, helping to maintain regular bowel movements and reducing the likelihood of headaches.
If you’re needing some motivation to keep your hydration levels up, nothing beats investing in a new water bottle! These sleek and insulated water bottles are designed to keep your drinks cold for up to 24 hours, ensuring you stay refreshed and hydrated throughout the day, and the sleek design makes them perfect for popping in your bag or car!
Why It's a Good Choice: Staying hydrated is paramount during pregnancy, and these bottles make it easy to carry your water wherever you go. They're leak-proof, durable, and environmentally friendly, and you won’t be left with warm water an hour after leaving the house.
Why We Love It: Chilly's Bottles are a stylish and practical way to ensure you're getting the hydration your body needs. Keep headaches and swelling at bay, and enjoy your second trimester milestones while maintaining a healthy environment for your little one to grow.
In your second trimester, it's all about embracing the changes and treating yourself to a touch of pampering. With these essential must-haves by your side, you'll be well-equipped to make the most of this exciting phase in your journey towards motherhood!
If you’re looking to start buying the baby essentials soon, we’ve got you covered. Here are our picks of the best prams of 2023, and the best breast pumps on the market right now.