Pregnancy Must-Haves: My Go-To Faves as a Second-Time Mama

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Let’s be honest—pregnancy the second time around hits a little different. You already know what’s coming (hello, heartburn and endless peeing), but you’re also juggling a toddler while growing a human. This time, I’ve leaned hard into what actually helps—products, rituals, and mindset shifts that make this journey smoother, sweeter, and more supported. Whether you’re a first-timer or back for round two (or more!), I hope this list gives you a few ideas – and maybe even saves you from some registry regret. 😉

This post includes affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through the links below—at no extra cost to you! I only recommend what I truly love.

1. Body Love + Comfort

Maternity Leggings
The CRZ Yoga Maternity Leggings have been my go-to. They’re high-waisted, soft without being too hot, and they stretch perfectly over the bump without squeezing. I basically live in them. (And their biker shorts are pretty awesome too!)

Belly Butter + Oil
I’ve been slathering on Earth Mama’s Belly Butter and Belly Oil daily. The scent is calming (not overpowering!) and it helps soothe any itchiness as things stretch and grow. Bonus: my toddler loves “helping” me put it on.

Strength Training
Every pregnancy is different, and this time around, strength training has been a total game-changer. I’ve felt so much more structurally supported and comfortable as my belly grows—less achy, more energized, and more confident in my body’s strength.

I’ve been loving the Fittest Core App, specifically the Training for Motherhood program inside of it. It’s designed with pregnancy and postpartum in mind, focusing on functional movement and deep core strength in a way that feels smart, safe, and seriously empowering. Whether I’m squeezing in a quick session during nap time or committing to a longer workout, it’s been such a solid part of my routine.

2. Nourishment

Prenatal Vitamins
This time around, I’ve been taking New Chapter’s One Daily Prenatal Multivitamin 35+—and it’s truly been a standout. Designed specifically for mamas 35 and up (hi, that’s me!), it’s packed with nutrients I feel really good about taking every day.

I love that it includes a clinical dose of ginger to help with morning sickness (thank you!), non-constipating iron, and higher levels of important nutrients like vitamins C, D3, and Magnesium. And the best part? It’s gentle enough to take on an empty stomach, which is perfect for those rush-out-the-door mornings with a toddler in tow.

Hydration Boosters
Staying hydrated is everything during pregnancy—especially when you’re balancing a busy day, a growing belly, and those random middle-of-the-night wakeups. I’ve been loving LMNT Electrolyte Packets for an easy way to boost hydration without added sugar. They’ve got a solid dose of sodium, magnesium, and potassium, which helps with energy, muscle cramps, and just feeling more steady overall.

My favorite flavor? Watermelon—hands down. And I also love Unflavored! I stash a few in my bag for errands or yoga class and mix one up first thing in the morning so I have it to sip throughout the day.

Cereal Cravings
This pregnancy has been all about cereal. I’m talking breakfast, snack, and yes—even a second dinner some nights. My go-to? Purely Elizabeth’s Vanilla Blueberry Almond. It’s gluten-free, not too sweet, and has that satisfying crunch I crave. Plus, it’s packed with superfood ingredients and actually keeps me feeling full.

I love it with almond milk, sprinkled on top of Greek yogurt, or honestly, straight out of the bag while standing in the kitchen.

3. Mental + Emotional Support

Mini Meditations
Sometimes it’s 5 minutes before Ren wakes up or during a solo grocery run in the car—but carving out even a little time to breathe deeply makes such a difference.

Lately, I’ve been using the GentleBirth App, and I love how it blends hypnosis, mindfulness, affirmations, and breathing techniques all in one place. It’s designed to support a positive birth experience and combines brain science with birth science in a really accessible, empowering way. Whether I’m prepping for labor or just trying to reset mid-day, it’s been such a helpful tool.

📱 Bonus: it’s perfect for busy mamas because the sessions are short, and you can tailor them to how you’re feeling that day.

Affirmations
This pregnancy’s been filled with reminders like:
“My body knows what to do.”
“There is space for both joy and discomfort.”
Stick them on your mirror, phone, or bathroom wall—wherever you’ll see them daily.

Prenatal Yoga
You know I had to shout this one out! Even just 10–15 minutes of gentle stretching and breathwork helps me reconnect to my body and baby—and makes such a difference in how I feel.

If you’re local to Grand Rapids, come flow with me at Mind Body Baby Collective. It’s a beautiful, welcoming space for all things pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood. Whether you’re brand new to yoga or returning to your mat, there’s something special about moving in community with other mamas.

4. Sleep + Rest

Pillow Game Strong
The MomCozy Pregnancy Pillow is a total bed hog, but worth every inch of real estate. I’m also not above stacking three regular (king size) pillows to make a cocoon.

Magnesium Magic
Magnesium has been my go-to for winding down in the evenings—especially when my legs start acting up or I’m having trouble relaxing. One of my favorite little rituals right now is my Sleepy Girl Mocktail:

It’s bubbly, calming, and the tart cherry juice adds a natural source of melatonin to help support restful sleep. Whether I’m unwinding on the couch or doing a few stretches before bed, this mocktail feels like a gentle nudge into dreamland.

To double up on the magnesium magic, I also love massaging magnesium oil into my legs before bed. It helps soothe any restless sensations and gives me that spa-like feeling, even if it’s just for a few minutes of quiet time.

Little Luxuries
An eye mask, white noise machine, or my favorite pregnancy tea—these rituals signal “rest mode” even when sleep is interrupted.

5. Mama Treats

Cozy Robe
I treated myself to this buttery-soft robe from Caden + Lane—and couldn’t resist grabbing the matching gown for baby boy. It’s made those early mornings and nighttime bump waddles feel a little more luxurious (and a lot more comfortable).

A Little Escapism
Sometimes I need something not baby-related to look forward to. Current recs:

  • Book: Fourth Wing (or the entire Empyrean series from Rebecca Yarros)
  • Show: Love on the Spectrum (with snacks, always)
  • Podcast: The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast

6. What I Skipped This Time

A few things I didn’t bother with:

  • Maternity jeans (leggings forever!)
  • Fancy pregnancy tracking apps (I check the baby size update, then I’m good)
  • Anything that overpromises a “perfect birth” (we’re aiming for peaceful, not perfect)

Every pregnancy brings its own magic, challenges, and lessons—and this second time around, I’ve been leaning into the things that make me feel supported, strong, and a little bit pampered. From nourishing my body with smart supplements and simple meals to moving mindfully, staying hydrated, and creating small rituals that help me slow down, these must-haves have been more than just products—they’ve been part of how I care for myself and connect with this sweet baby growing inside me.

If you’re expecting, trying to conceive, or just curious, I hope this list gives you a few ideas to explore on your own journey. And if you’ve got a favorite pregnancy go-to, I’d love to hear it—drop it in the comments or send me a message!

Here’s to feeling good, giving yourself grace, and enjoying the little moments that make this season so special. 💛

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