hear the army

here’s my personal list of the things (exercise, clothing, websites, books, etc.) that got me through pregnancy:

Exercise:
The Perfect Pregnancy Workout(I have the DVD but I could only find the VHS link)
A not too complicated yet challenging (shows exercise modifications for various levels) toning workout!

Prenatal Yoga with Shiva Rea
I have taken maybe 10 yoga classes in my life so was skeptical about yoga during pregnancy but everyone kept touting the benefits so i figured i’d give it a shot – this DVD was great! 3 women doing the same poses modified for each trimester (or if you just aren’t ready to do the full range of motion) – easy to follow and i always felt like i did something good for myself and baby after!

Pool
When my feet started to swell someone suggested the pool – i have never been a “swimmer” but alternating between a lap or 2 of swimming and a lap or 2 of varied walking feels SO GOOD! the pressure of the pool compresses your ankles/feet and the water lifts the baby in your belly relieving the pressure on you! It’s tough getting into a bathing suit when you feel huge, but once you’re in the water you (and everyone else) won’t care.

Books:
The Pregancy Bible – Your Complete Guide to Pregnancy and Early Parenthood
This book is packed with great information in an attractive layout with tons of colorful pictures to boot! Isseki and I not only got a lot out of it but enjoyed browsing it too!

Web:
Babycenter
Here you can create your own account and get weekly emails with information on your stage of pregnancy. There are a TON of great articles on the site – pretty much everything you want to/need to know about pregnancy can be found here!

Clothing:
The Bellaband
I wish i had ordered 3 but i keep rotating the same one – they are not only comfortable but they help hold up maternity pants and smooth the line of those skirts/pants you can’t button anymore. 1,000 times more useful than the Belly Belt.

Japanese Weekend Top
This is a super comfortable/super versatile top that i have been wearing since the 2nd trimester and will also come in handy when nursing! I am ordering another with long sleeves for the fall!

Ruby Fay / Ruby Van T-shirt
Not only is the t-shirt cool and makes me giggle (love hurts) but it is super soft/lightweight and i have been wearing it since i had belly enough to make it worth having something written on it.

MA Maternity Jean Skirt
I have worn this skirt more than any other bottom! Even now that it’s a bit tough to zip all the way – i just leave it down and pair it with my bellaband and i’m set.

Precious / Momzee Jeans
I have the skinny and relaxed fit – they rock.

Mama Mia Halter
what fun this was to wear in summer and with the exception of everyone staring at my boobs, i felt kinda cute and fashionable again too!

My bathing suit
This i was lucky enough to receive as a gift from mom! Wouldn’t be able to use the pool without it!

One piece dresses
I can’t link these cause i was lucky to get them handed down to me but there is nothing like being able to complete your outfit in one simple step – and what pregnant woman doesn’t look cute in a little dress!?!

Compression Socks
Not cute but they help when the swelling kicks in – though when your belly is huge and it’s humid outside i would give yourself an extra 5 mins in the morning just to get them on.

Rockport Sandals
These weren’t exactly my style but BOY were they comfortable and i could fit my blowfish feet into them! Not to mention they kinda went with anything!

Stuff:
A LONG pillow
Lucky enough to get this passed onto me too – I couldn’t sleep without it.

Japan Specific:
A case for your Mother-Child Handbook (Boshi Techou) – google “母子手帳ケース”

I wish i could list here the perfect bra but that’s something i have had the WORST time with – cannot get one that either is attractive or fits properly.

I have read a ton of other books and looked at a million other webpages, etc. but these are the things that i remember going to time and time again and have been using since the 2nd trimester!

Note on clothing – yes, some of it costs a bit BUT it is SO WORTH it to splurge on well-made stuff that you are comfortable in and can grow in because you will be wearing it OVER and OVER again! Though i am sick of the same things by now i am happy i didn’t just buy a bunch of cheap stuff i wasn’t in love with just to save money – what a miserable time that would’ve been.

Oh – and i highly recommend BellaBlu Maternity or ordering from Baby Center (if you can order from the states) – good service, shipping and great selection (plus some samples!).

Hope this helps someone with their shopping!