Pregnancy health centre

Pregnancy kit: Guide to essential pregnancy must-haves

Everyone's pregnancy experience is unique, but certain types of pregnancy equipment can help make the journey as smooth as possible no matter what type of pregnancy you have. Here's a trimester-by-trimester guide to essential pregnancy kit.

Pregnancy kit: Preconception/first trimester

Preparing for pregnancy should begin before you even conceive, says Dr Pamela Bertens, an American professor.

" Folic acid prevents neural tube defects, so you need to start taking a prenatal vitamin containing folic acid even before you conceive." Bertens says. The NHS recommends that women planning to become pregnant should take a daily supplement of 0.4mg (400micrograms) of folic acid, and they should continue to take this dose for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, at a time that the baby's spine is developing. The folic acid may be in a multivitamin, or simply a stand alone folic acid supplement.

When you do become pregnant, you'll need "a good common-sense resource about what is normal and what's not normal, whether a book or a close girlfriend's phone number," Bertens says.

Add skin moisturiser to your pregnancy kit list. Bertens says, "A good moisturiser also helps as many pregnant women complain of dry, itchy skin."

Pregnancy kit: Second trimester

Comfort is key as your body starts to expand, experts agree, so your pregnancy kit must-have list should include items that pamper you and your changing body. Bertens recommends that you try a maternity belt. Maternity belts are thick elastic straps that go under the stomach for extra support.

Comfortable shoes are also on the list of essential pregnancy must-haves. “Spiky heels may be fashionable, but they are not good for pregnancy", says Bertens. The main problem with high heels is that you are more likely to fall.

You will also need to do some bra shopping as breasts typically increase by at least one cup size during pregnancy. "If you go to a specialised bra shop that is good at this, the saleswoman can help you get one bra for pregnancy and one for after if you decide to nurse that will be the right size", says Bertens. Breast-feeding will increase your cup size still more.

Comfortable, loose-fitting maternity clothes are also important during pregnancy. Many women find that extra pillows for the bed can make a big difference at night. Consider buying a body or maternity pillow. Many women find that cuddling up with one of these large, soft pillows can help you sleep comfortably as your stomach grows.

Heartburn is common during pregnancy, so consider putting a suitable and pregnancy-safe heartburn remedy on your pregnancy kit list. Make sure you talk to your doctor before you take any medication during pregnancy.

Pregnancy kit: Third trimester

Many future mums are superstitious and don't believe in buying anything for baby until they give birth. Still, Bertens recommends that you make an exception and purchase a car seat well before your due date. By law, you can't leave the hospital with your baby unless you have an infant car seat.