So many pregnancy items that are marketed as necessary and it can get expensive and cluttered quickly. Here is your ultimate guide to looking past the marketing and discovering what the minimalist pregnancy must-haves really are!
As I’m nearing the end of my 2nd pregnancy and in talking to other moms, I’ve realized which things have been essential and what most people can pretty easily do without.
I’m not a strict minimalist, but my husband will tell you that if something’s not being used regularly, it’s in danger of being thrown out. He’s definitely learned this the hard way!
I’ve carried this mindset into pregnancy. Even though I don’t expect this to be the last time I’m pregnant, I still don’t want to store unnecessary items or have to repurchase things that I really should have kept.
That’s why I’ve created this ultimate list of minimalist pregnancy must-haves for minimalist or semi-minimalist moms. Most of the items are easy to store, and you may even find some of them helpful outside of pregnancy.
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1st Trimester
Peppermint essential oil – Diffusing peppermint essential oil is a natural way to potentially lessen 1st trimester nausea (source). Just smelling an empty bottle of peppermint oil instantly relieved my nausea whenever it got too bad.
Prenatal vitamin – If you haven’t already started taking prenatal vitamins, you’ll want to go ahead and start now. It’s usually recommended to continue taking them at least until you’re done breastfeeding.
Women’s probiotic – Probiotics are an important part of a healthy diet. I primarily credit taking probiotic supplements and eating lots of fermented foods with helping me avoid most of the common digestive issues many women experience during pregnancy.
Ginger tea or candied ginger – Ginger is often used to settle the stomach, and it can really help during the 1st trimester (source). I even carried candied ginger in my purse during my first trimester!
Comfortable clothes – While you likely won’t need maternity clothes quite yet, you will probably have days where you don’t feel like wearing anything too restrictive. The good thing is you likely already have some clothes like this in your closet!
The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth – This book is the naturally-minded and encouraging version of What to Expect when You’re Expecting. I think it’s an essential for every pregnant woman!
2nd & 3rd Trimester
Exercise ball – Exercise balls can make comfortable chairs for pregnant women. There are also many pregnancy exercises and stretches that use an exercise ball. Many women enjoy using exercise balls during labor as well.
Yoga mat (or soft carpeted floor) – Stretching is so important! If you don’t have a comfortable carpeted floor, a yoga mat is extremely helpful.
Nursing bras – Even though you still have some time before meeting your baby, you’re likely already starting to outgrow your normal bras. Instead of sizing up, it’s smartest to go ahead and buy a few nursing bras that you’ll continue to use if you breastfeed your baby.
Maternity leggings – I’m not a fan of most maternity clothes, but a good pair of maternity leggings is a lifesaver!
Loose dresses and/or skirts – In an effort to avoid buying lots of expensive or uncomfortable maternity clothes, you can find many non-maternity loose dresses and skirts that will fit the whole 9 months. The best part is that they can stay a part of your normal wardrobe even when you’re no longer pregnant!
Maternity lounge pants – These were one of the few maternity clothing items that I found to be absolutely essential.
Other maternity clothes – While I don’t think you need an entire maternity wardrobe, depending on your lifestyle, you may find that you need a few maternity t-shirts, a pair of shorts or jeans, or clothes for work.
Extra pillows or pregnancy pillow – Many women swear by pregnancy pillows, and it’s definitely worth the cost if that’s the best way for you to get a good night’s sleep. However, others, including myself, find that all they need is an extra regular pillow or two. Before purchasing a pregnancy pillow, try experimenting with a few extra regular pillows first.
Stretch-mark lotion – This can be a specific belly balm or just a healthy version of regular lotion.
NORA tea – A delicious mix of nettle, oat straw, red raspberry leaf, and alfalfa, this tea is full of so much nutrition! Personally, it increased my energy levels so much that I no longer needed daytime naps. While there are a few places you can buy it, I prefer making my own blend of NORA tea with herbs purchased in bulk.
What to Buy for a Minimalist Pregnant Mom
Buying gifts for minimalists can be hard! If you’re trying to find the perfect gift for a minimalist pregnant mom, start by asking her what she needs.
If she says she doesn’t need anything personally, she’ll likely appreciate a gift off of her baby registry the most.
Another great option is something that gets used up that won’t ever need to be put in storage. Here are some ideas that almost any pregnant mom would appreciate:
- Pregnancy-safe tea
- Non-toxic candles
- Healthy snacks
- Non-toxic lotion or other non-toxic pampering items
- A couple hours of help around the house
- Home-cooked meal delivered on an evening of her choice
- Frozen meal for postpartum
- Restaurant gift card for when she doesn’t feel like cooking
The Bottom Line
Pregnancy is a natural season of life that women have been going through for all of history, and it often doesn’t take many extra supplies. I have found that just these few minimalist pregnancy must-haves have been the only supplies I’ve needed for comfortable and enjoyable pregnancies.
Is there anything you would add to this list? Let me know in the comments!
More Helpful Pregnancy Tips
How to Make a Minimalist Baby Registry
How to Prepare for Postpartum – Best Tips & Tricks with Free Checklist
