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22 Second-Trimester Must-Haves And Essentials Of 2022

22 Second-Trimester Must-Haves And Essentials Of 2022

Congratulations! You’ve officially made it through the first trimester of your pregnancy. Now, the fun part begins – you’re beginning to pop and you’ll need some essentials for this exciting new chapter.

My second-trimester must-haves range from maternity clothes to shoes, as your changing body demands an adjustment to your outfits. Sleep might become difficult, so you’ll need a body pillow as well.

Although the second trimester is generally thought of as being more comfortable than the first, you’ll notice that your breasts have gone up a size (or maybe even more), making it necessary to invest in a good quality maternity bra.

And, as your baby begins to make her presence known, your skin will start to stretch, causing marks to form. These stretch marks can cause a lot of insecurity – thankfully, there are plenty of creams to help you fight them!

If you haven’t already started, now is a great time to start a pregnancy journal to commemorate the excitement you feel. One day, you might even want to share it with your child.

So without further ado, here are my second-trimester must-haves and essentials!

22 Second-Trimester Must-Haves

1. Ecavus Pack 3pcs Women’s Layering Maternity Tank Top

When you try to figure out what you need for your second trimester, you really need to start with your wardrobe, especially if this is your first pregnancy.

This is the period when you begin to pop, making your pre-pregnancy clothes too snug and uncomfortable.

At the same time, buying a brand new maternity wardrobe is out of the question for most pregnant moms, so you need to be smart about your choices.

Depending on the season and your lifestyle, I recommend starting off with a couple of casual tank tops.

These tops by Ecavus are comfy enough for everyday wear and perfect to layer under a cute jacket or button-down shirt.

They’re available in sizes small through extra-large and come in packs of three. You can also pick from different color combinations to suit your personal style.

The tank tops are made from soft jersey material that can stretch to adjust to your growing belly, so you’ll be able to wear them during your third trimester too.

The ruched sides add a stylish touch and create a beautiful shape.

2. Leachco Snoogle Chic Jersey Total Body Pillow

It’s no secret that sleep can become difficult in your second trimester of pregnancy.

To avoid shuffling around pillows and blankets in your sleep only to wake up more tired than before, getting a pregnancy body pillow should be at the top of your list of priorities.

The Leachco Snoogle pregnancy pillow is a classic among pregnant women and with good reason – it provides excellent support to manage back pain, while also propping up your baby bump.

And regardless of which direction you turn during the night, you’ll still get an equal amount of support.

It comes with a removable cover that you can wash separately as needed.

The best part about body pillows such as these is that you can continue using them during your postpartum recovery and beyond, so think of it as a long-term investment for better sleep!

However, be mindful of the size of your own bed and compare it to the dimensions of the body pillow to make sure you’ll have enough room for it.

3. Hiccapop Pregnancy Pillow Wedge

If you don’t have enough room in your bed for a full-sized pregnancy pillow, this neat little pillow wedge by Hiccapop will do the trick.

The two sides of the wedge offer different kinds of support.

One features memory foam for gentle support and the other is more firm.

You can put the wedge under your belly bump or between your knees – whatever makes you more comfortable.

As is the case with the Leachco Snoogle, the Hiccapop pillow wedge also has a removable cover you can machine-wash. It’s made from a plush material you’ll simply love!

The compact size of the Hiccapop pillow wedge makes it easy to pack when you’re traveling, and there’s even a handy storage bag included with the pillow – that’s why it’s one of my top second-trimester must-haves.

4. The Birth Ball – Birthing Ball For Pregnancy & Labor

Now that you are feeling better and more energized, it’s the perfect time to think about doing a few low-impact, pregnancy-safe exercises every day with the help of a birthing ball (also known as an exercise ball).

How much exercise you get every day will depend on how active you were pre-pregnancy and your doctor’s advice, of course.

A birthing ball can be used in a variety of exercises to strengthen your muscles and ease the pains that come with pregnancy, such as back pain.

To save you time looking up workouts online, this birthing ball includes an exercise booklet.

Exercises are divided by pregnancy stages, and it even includes postpartum exercises.

I love that the birthing ball comes with a pair of non-slip socks to make exercising safe.

Plus, you’ll get a free hand pump that assists you with quickly setting up the ball anywhere you’d like.

There are two sizes available – which one you need to get depends on your height. If you’re under 5’8”, you’ll need the 26 inch (65 cm) model. If you’re taller than 5’9”, you’ll need the 30 inch (75 cm) one.

5. Kindred Bravely Bamboo Maternity Hipster Panties

While you’re in your first trimester, your pre-pregnancy underwear will still fit without you feeling uncomfortable.

But as your belly grows and you gain weight, you might find that your old panties are now tight in all the wrong places and keep digging into your skin.

That’s why I recommend getting a few pairs of maternity panties that are tailored to adjust to your growing bump and changing body.

Kindred Bravely makes these super-soft bamboo panties that come in classic beige and black.

They’re available in sizes small/medium through XX-large/3X-large. The best part is, you can continue wearing them as you recover from labor. And, because they are low-cut, they make for great C-section underwear too.

6. Ecavus Pack 3pcs Women’s Maternity Long-Sleeved Shirt

When it comes to maternity clothes, long-sleeved shirts are one of my second-trimester must-haves.

Perfect for work and running errands, these simple shirts by Ecavus are very versatile.

The stretchy fabric can adjust to your growing belly but you can also continue wearing them after you give birth.

The ruched sides create a lovely shape and the oval neckline provides enough coverage in the chest area.

The shirts are available in sizes small through extra-large, and they come in packs of three. You can pick from different colors and patterns, too.

7. Kindred Bravely Emmaline Maternity & Nursing Robe

Although you might consider it to still be a little early to think about what you’ll pack in your hospital bag, I totally recommend getting a comfy maternity robe that you can wear during your pregnancy and bring to the hospital to wear after you give birth.

The Emmaline robe is a wonderful mix of comfort and functionality, as it can be used as a nursing robe too.

The fabric is mostly modal, which makes the robe very breathable. You can adjust the fit using the tie in the front and I love that they’ve added pockets.

This robe comes in a stylish grey and an elegant black color. It’s available in sizes small/medium, large/extra-large, and XX-large/3X-large.

8. TriLASTIN Maternity Stretch Mark Prevention Cream

They say that stretch marks are mostly genetic, so if the women in your family have them, you’re likely to get them as well – and no amount of lotion or body oil will help!

But, I tend to believe that even though genetics play an integral role in how your skin adjusts to pregnancy, you should still regularly apply creams to keep your skin nourished.

The TriLASTIN cream is specially formulated to prevent stretch marks and according to Amazon reviews, it’s pretty successful at it, making it one of my favorite second-trimester must-haves.

It’s made from different essential oils – and doesn’t rely on any questionable chemicals or parabens – to achieve the best results and prevent itchiness. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll be happy to know that TriLASTIN is hypoallergenic.

You can apply the cream as often as you’d like, especially after taking a shower when your skin needs an extra moisture boost. I also love that the cream hasn’t been tested on animals!

9. Belly Butter – 100% Organic By Glow Organics

An alternative to conventional stretch mark creams is belly butter, another type of moisturizer that should help you ward off stretch marks and dry, itchy skin.

The Glow Organics belly butter is made from organic ingredients and doesn’t include any harmful chemicals such as parabens or fragrance.

During pregnancy, many women can be put off by different smells – especially in the first trimester when morning sickness kicks in.

If you’re still sensitive to smells in the second trimester, then you’ll love the fact that this belly butter is unscented.

You can apply it to your belly, boobs, thighs – any area where you’ve noticed that the dreaded marks have started appearing on your skin!

Like the TriLASTIN cream above, this belly butter has great reviews when it comes to stretch marks prevention – it’s just a matter of whether you prefer conventional creams or skin butter.

10. Smallshow Women’s Maternity T-Shirt

A comfy and stylish T-shirt is a pregnancy must -have, whether you’re chilling at home or running all over town.

The tees by Smallshow are casual enough for everyday wear but you can dress them up with a blazer or an elegant jacket if you have a business meeting, for example.

I love the ruched sides, which create a lovely silhouette and help you feel confident in your new body.

The T-shirts are available in sizes small through XX-large and they come in a pack of three.

The material is mostly rayon with a small percentage of spandex, which means that you’ll find these shirts to be very breathable and comfortable to wear.

11. NEOtech Care Maternity Belt

If you’re a first-time mom, you might be wondering if you actually need a belly band or if it’s just another unnecessary gadget.

The truth is, a belly band is a real lifesaver once your baby bump gets bigger and the pain in your lower back and pelvis kicks in.

When you wrap a band around your belly, it helps to evenly distribute the weight and ease any pain or discomfort you might be feeling.

With your belly supported, you’ll feel much more comfortable going out for a walk or running errands. A belly band can also be used after you give birth, to provide support to your stomach as it recovers.

This band is made from a gentle and breathable material so you’re not sweating up a storm while wearing it. It comes in a variety of sizes – from small to XX-large.

12. Takeya Actives Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle With Straw Lid

Staying hydrated during your pregnancy is not just important for your overall health but also for the prevention of uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms, such as constipation.

You should be drinking at least 10 cups of water a day but it can be easy to forget all about drinking water with our busy day-to-day lives.

Having a practical water bottle on hand wherever you’re going will help you drink enough water and avoid dehydration.

This stainless steel water bottle by Takeya is insulated and even comes with a straw so drinking is easy while your driving, for example.

It comes in so many different colors that you’re guaranteed to find a shade you love, and different sizes are available too.

The bottle is BPA-free and is designed with a neat handle for carrying. If you love your drinks cold, this water bottle will keep it cool for as long as 24 hours.

13. Motherhood Maternity Women’s Maternity Jeans

Although it’s possible for you to wear your pre-pregnancy jeans for a while, at some point I recommend investing in a pair or two of maternity jeans.

Nothing too fancy – just a pair of jeans that fits right and doesn’t dig into your skin.

When you’re shopping for jeans online, it can be hard to tell how they’ll fit and whether they’ll be too short or too long.

That’s why I love this model by Motherhood Maternity that has different sizes such as a regular small, a long small, and a petite small.

The part that covers your baby pump is stretchy so you’ll easily be able to wear these jeans throughout your pregnancy. And they’re machine washable too!

14. Women’s Maternity Leggings

Leggings are one of my absolute favorite second-trimester must-haves!

I’m sure you already have a couple of pairs in your closet (who doesn’t?) but you’ll need something stretchier and more tailored to your baby bump than the leggings you were wearing to your yoga classes pre-pregnancy.

I love these leggings because they come in a pack of two and the colors are neutral enough for you to mix and match them with different tops and jackets.

They’re perfect for grocery store runs or simply lounging on your couch and reading books.

The material is 95 percent cotton and the rest is spandex, so there’s a fair amount of stretch to these leggings.

They are durable and hold up well over time, which means you’ll be able to wear them for the remainder of your pregnancy.

And most importantly, the material is not see-through!

15. Ekouaer 3 in 1 Labor Delivery And Nursing Pajama Set

Sleep can get pretty challenging at this stage of your pregnancy, especially if your little one likes to kick up a storm right when you’re about to go to bed.

A good set of PJs can do wonders when it comes to making you and your bump feel more comfortable.

This cute set includes a top with ruffled sleeves and a pair of drawstring shorts that you can adjust to your current size.

The material is stretchy and breathable, allowing you to sleep without waking up because you’re too hot.

The set is available in sizes small through extra-large, and there are a variety of styles available too.

Jeans and leggings are great – but sometimes you

16. Hello Miz Women’s Floral Ruffle Off Shoulder Maternity Dress

want to look a little fancier, whether it’s for a baby shower or a dinner party with friends.

For such occasions, I always recommend wearing a dress because it’s so much more comfortable than any other garment, and your baby bump will look super cute!

This dress by Hello Miz is a great option for special occasions, especially if you’re planning a pregnancy photoshoot and want to wear something you’ll feel beautiful in. It has a front wrap so you can tie it as tightly as you’d like.

It comes in sizes small through extra-large. Plus, you can pick from more than a dozen lovely designs, ranging from floral patterns to simple solid colors.

The material is mostly polyester with a small percentage of spandex.

17. Growing You: Keepsake Pregnancy Journal And Memory Book For Mom And Baby

If you haven’t done so already, now is the perfect time to start writing your pregnancy journal.

During the first trimester, you might have felt too sick to focus on anything else but as the second trimester is usually easier than the first, I definitely recommend finding some free time to journal.

Growing You is a beautiful and classic journal that is a perfect choice if you’re planning on gifting it one day to your baby boy or girl.

Apart from including plenty of space for you to write about your pregnancy journey, you can also add photos of your little one.

Whether you’re a veteran journaler or haven’t written in a diary since childhood, you’ll love this journal as it includes prompts to help you start writing.

The design is gender-neutral and the binding is spiral, so writing won’t be difficult. This also allows you to remove any pages you don’t need or would like to skip.

18. Real Food For Pregnancy: The Science And Wisdom Of Optimal Prenatal Nutrition

Although I’m sure you’re already taking prenatal vitamins of some kind, it’s also important for your nutrition to be healthy, balanced, and adapted to the fact that you’re currently growing a tiny human.

With the busy lives we lead, it can be difficult to change your diet or make sure you’re eating right.

And with so much confusing, complicated, and conflicting information online and in the real world, it’s hard to know what the correct advice is.

The author of this highly-praised nutrition book, Lily Nichols, writes about the kind of food you should eat during your pregnancy and why.

Plus, all the information is presented in a way that’s easy for anyone to understand.

I also love that this book includes recipes to help you get started with eating right and providing your little one with all the nutrition she needs!

19. BOBS From Skechers Women’s Plush Fashion Slip-On Flat

As your belly bump gets bigger, walking around in your favorite pair of sandals suddenly isn’t so comfortable anymore.

Now is the perfect time to invest in a pair or two of comfortable shoes for pregnancy that will be gentle to your swollen feet.

Slip-on shoes, such as the BOBS, are terrific for pregnant ladies because you can put them on without having to bend over.

This model comes in more than a dozen colors so you can pick the best one to suit your personal style.

At first glance, these shoes don’t look too comfy.

However, they come with a memory foam sole, which means they are very gentle on the feet and you’ll love wearing them – especially because of how flexible they are.

The BOBS shoes are a great choice for everyday wear, particularly if you don’t like wearing sneakers often.

20. SRC Pregnancy Shorts

If you’re getting sick and tired of feeling achy all over, then these shorts are the solution for you!

They are tailor-made for women who struggle with all sorts of pain in the later stages of their pregnancy.

For example, they can minimize the pain in your lower back throughout the day by providing compression without feeling too tight. Plus, the material is very breathable.

The shorts are available in sizes extra-small through XX-large.

21. Women’s Maternity Bra

Regardless of your bra size, your breasts are likely to grow during your pregnancy, especially during the second trimester when you’ll probably need to purchase a maternity or a nursing bra.

You might not be planning on breastfeeding – and that’s okay – but I still recommend wearing a nursing bra as it will provide you with enough support and comfort during your pregnancy.

These bras are wire-free and made from a soft material that won’t dig into your skin.

What’s more, the material can stretch in case your breasts get bigger as your pregnancy progresses.

The back of the bra features a 4-hook closure for extra support for your breasts.

The bras are available in sets of three, and they come in different colors such as baby blue, beige, and black.

New moms really love how comfortable they are and you can’t beat the affordable price!

22. Dr. Teal’s Lavender Epsom Salt

At this stage of your pregnancy, you might also get uncomfortable leg cramps.

Unfortunately, these cramps usually come at night when you’re trying to get some precious sleep.

Although it’s still unknown why pregnant women tend to get leg cramps more frequently, you can take a warm bath with Epsom salt to try and prevent them.

Dr. Teal’s Pure Epsom Salt includes lavender to help you wind down at the end of the day and improve your sleep.

Final Thoughts

The first three months of your pregnancy can be very uncomfortable – the exhaustion and nausea, coupled with the hormones, make for a difficult time. Thankfully, you’ll start feeling better in the following three months!

Now that your body is changing in earnest, you’ll slowly need to start thinking about maternity clothes.

While your old outfits might hold up for a few weeks, soon your belly will just get too big – don’t wait until the last minute to order a pair of maternity leggings!

When it comes to sleeping, don’t forget about getting a body pillow to support your belly in bed. It does wonders for easing back pain and when you’re well-rested, you can have a more productive day.

If your bed is too small for a full-size pregnancy pillow, then a simple pillow wedge will do the trick.

You might want to invest in an additional pair of shoes – slip on models are a personal favorite of mine as you won’t have to bend down and it will save you time getting out the door.

Finally, when you’re pregnant, you should feel beautiful – so don’t hesitate to treat yourself to a lovely maternity dress and celebrate your gorgeous new shape!

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