I’m a Mum of 3. These Pregnancy Buys Saved My Life

I’m a Mum of 3. These Pregnancy Buys Saved My Life

Anneliese, 28, is a full-time customer service advisor from Guernsey who worked right up until taking maternity leave for each of her pregnancies.

Being a mum of three, I’ve been through pregnancy a few times, and let me tell you – each one had its unique challenges. Over the years, I’ve learned what really works and what doesn’t when it comes to getting ready for a new baby. As any expectant mum knows, the journey can be a whirlwind of excitement, anticipation, and, let’s face it, a lot of stress. But one thing that always helped me navigate the ups and downs of pregnancy was having the right antenatal products. Whether it’s during the antenatal appointments, keeping up with pregnancy care, or tackling those late-night cravings, the right products made all the difference.

In this article, I’m going to share the pregnancy essentials that truly saved my life and made my journey smoother. If you’re a first-time mum or have more little ones on the way, these recommendations might just be what you need to make your antenatal care journey easier.

Let’s start with something that I consider a lifesaver during all three of my pregnancies: a good pregnancy pillow. Trust me, the struggle of trying to get comfortable at night when you’ve got a baby belly that’s growing at a rapid pace is REAL. After trying various techniques and props, I finally invested in a U-shaped pillow, and it completely changed the game.

This antenatal support pillow helped me sleep better, provided support for my back, and relieved pressure from my hips. It made those 3 a.m. bathroom runs a little less painful because I didn’t have to fight with the pillow to roll over. If you’re getting close to your antenatal appointments and haven’t picked one up yet, I highly recommend it. It’s worth every penny!

Where to buy: You can find pregnancy pillows from brands like John Lewis, Mothercare, and Amazon UK. They come in all shapes and sizes, but my personal favourite is the Lalora one that wraps around the whole body. It feels like a big hug, and who doesn’t need that during pregnancy?

2. A Good Quality TENS Machine

A TENS machine (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) was a game-changer during my labours. But I also used it throughout my pregnancies to help manage back pain, which is a common discomfort during the antenatal period. It’s safe to use during pregnancy, and many women swear by it for relaxation during pregnancy and easing muscle tension.

I’ve dealt with severe back pain in all three of my pregnancies, so being able to use a TENS machine to relieve that pain was a godsend. It works by sending electrical pulses to your muscles and nerves, which helps reduce pain signals and increases endorphin production – the body’s natural painkillers.

Where to buy: You can purchase a TENS machine from most pharmacies, or online from retailers like Boots, Argos, or Amazon UK. Some hospitals even offer them for hire. I like the Boots Maternity TENS Unit.

3. A High-Quality Antenatal Vitamin Supplement

Taking the right vitamins is critical during pregnancy. I learned the hard way that not all antenatal vitamins are created equal. After some trial and error, I found that a high-quality vitamin supplement was one of the most important aspects of my pregnancy care routine. Whether it’s to boost energy levels, maintain healthy blood flow, or support my baby’s development, a reliable prenatal vitamin made me feel so much better.

I knew that folic acid (a key ingredient in many antenatal vitamins) was essential for both my health and my baby’s so a brand that I could tolerate taking frequently was a must. If you’re unsure which supplement to go for, be sure to speak with your GP during your antenatal appointments, as they may recommend specific products suited to your needs.

Where to buy: You can get antenatal vitamins from most pharmacies, health food stores, or online retailers. Some of my favourites are Pregnacare and Seven Seas.

4. A Relaxing Antenatal Massage

During pregnancy, your body goes through so many changes – and sometimes, all you want is a little antenatal massage to help ease the tension. Whether it’s massage for pregnancy to relieve back pain or relaxation during pregnancy to reduce stress, I found that regular massages were incredibly beneficial. Prenatal massages are specifically designed to target the areas most affected by pregnancy, such as your back, shoulders, and legs.

In my third pregnancy, I was in desperate need of relief for the constant lower back pain that plagued me. Scheduling regular pregnancy massage sessions helped with the pain and relaxed me during those long, tiring weeks. Plus, it was a great way to bond with my baby as I took time to focus on my own well-being.

Where to get one: Many spas and antenatal clinics offer prenatal massage. You can search for pregnancy massage classes or antenatal yoga classes near you, or check with your local antenatal education centre for recommendations. I went for The Elemis Expert Peaceful Pregnancy Massage at the House of Elemis in Mayfair during a recent city break to London, but Elemis offers this massage around the UK.

5. Maternity Wear That Actually Fits

By the time I was pregnant with my third baby, I was over squeezing into ill-fitting maternity clothes. I knew that having maternity wear that was comfortable, practical, and stylish was crucial to making it through the pregnancy. For me, the most important features were comfort (no one wants tight clothes cutting into your stomach), breathability, and the ability to wear the clothes after giving birth.

I invested in a few key pieces like comfortable maternity leggings, a good pair of supportive bras, and loose tops that could grow with my bump. The antenatal shopping process doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but it’s worth putting some thought into what you’ll actually wear every day.

Where to buy: Popular UK stores for maternity wear include H&M, Mamas & Papas, ASOS, and Next. Online retailers like JoJo Maman Bébé also have a great range of affordable, stylish maternity clothing.

6. A High-Quality Birth Plan Journal

As someone who loves organisation, I highly recommend having a birth plan journal. This was an essential tool for me during my third pregnancy. It wasn’t just about writing down the basics like my due date and antenatal appointments; it was a space to jot down thoughts about antenatal care options, ideas for prenatal care, and even my preferences for labour and delivery. Having everything in one place helped me feel more in control as I approached the big day.

Some journals even have sections to record questions for your midwife or notes from antenatal clinic visits, which I found super helpful. A good antenatal education tool that gives you peace of mind can really make a difference in how you prepare for your baby’s arrival.

Where to buy: You can find birth plan journals at bookshops like Waterstones, online retailers like Amazon UK, or specialty websites like Bump Baby & You.

7. A Baby Carrier or Sling

As a busy mum, having a hands-free way to carry my baby around was crucial. I can’t tell you how much I relied on my baby carrier during the early months. It gave me the ability to comfort my baby while still having my hands free to tackle other tasks. Plus, it provided antenatal support for my baby’s developing spine and hips.

From the moment my babies were born, I loved using a sling to keep them close while still getting things done around the house. It’s a practical investment that you’ll use far beyond the antenatal stage, which makes it even more valuable.

Where to buy: Brands like Ergobaby, BabyBjörn, and Hippychick offer great baby carriers and slings. Check out John Lewis or Mothercare for in-store fittings.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the antenatal products that saved my life as a mum of three. Pregnancy can be challenging, but the right products can help make it more comfortable and enjoyable. Whether it’s getting the right antenatal support during your antenatal care appointments, managing back pain with prenatal massage, or ensuring you’re well-prepared with the right antenatal vitamins, these essentials truly made my pregnancies easier to navigate. I hope my recommendations help you feel more prepared as you head into your own journey.