Second Trimester Serenity & Surprises: A Complete Guide to Pregnancy Must-Haves and Preparing for Baby

Here’s my second trimester recap covering all the feelings, thoughts, ramblings, and some pregnancy must-haves for any other preggo mamas out there!

Well, my friends, we are officially wrapping up the second trimester in a little over a week! It’s truly insane to witness how quickly this pregnancy is flying by. Some days, it feels like an eternity until we meet our baby boy, yet other days, the weeks speed past in a blur. This trimester, often called the “golden trimester,” has indeed brought moments of calm and increased energy, but it hasn’t been without its unique set of challenges and profound transformations.

We are deeply immersed in full house prep mode, and tasks are getting crossed off our list all over the place! The nursery is steadily coming together, featuring essential furniture pieces like a new glider chair that I find myself wanting to sink into every spare second. Decorations are slowly being added, painting a beautiful picture of the cozy haven we’re creating for our little one. This nesting instinct has truly taken over, turning our home into a whirlwind of organization and anticipation, all fueled by the incredible excitement of welcoming our son.

My office has been strategically relocated to make ample room for the nursery, and I’m actually really enjoying the new space. It offers a fresh perspective and the added benefit of having all my work essentials consolidated into one efficient room. Plus, and perhaps most importantly during pregnancy, I’m now even closer to the kitchen snacks, which is an undeniably convenient perk for those frequent cravings and hunger pangs!

Our baby shower is also just around the corner, coinciding with my birthday this month, providing us with a plethora of delightful reasons to celebrate. I am particularly thrilled about having the nursery completely finished soon. Since we’re opting for a socially distanced shower to ensure everyone’s safety, my main goal is to have the nursery fully decorated and ready so that our loved ones can catch a glimpse through the window and share in our excitement. It’s a wonderful way to include everyone, even if we can’t gather in a traditional setting.

My partner, ‘The Man,’ has been instrumental in making all these preparations possible. His unwavering support and eagerness to help get everything finished as soon as possible have been a true blessing. I can already envision the immense relief it will bring to have the nursery completed well before we even begin to fret about labor and delivery. It’s comforting to know that this significant task will be behind us, allowing us to focus on the final stages of pregnancy. In fact, it has already become a wonderfully cozy spot for Mochi (our pet, I presume) and me to relax and hang out.

The second trimester, while often lauded as the easiest, has been a mix of good days and some challenging ones. Towards the very end, I’ve definitely started to hit a wall. Sleeping has become significantly more difficult, my back is constantly aching, and exhaustion creeps in much faster than before. Even simple tasks like climbing a full flight of stairs too quickly leave me feeling winded. These physical changes, coupled with the mental adjustments that come with anticipating a new arrival, highlight the profound journey pregnancy truly is. It’s a constant reminder of the incredible work my body is doing.

With all the remarkable changes your body (and mind!) goes through during this period, I’ve compiled another comprehensive list of my pregnancy must-haves, just as I did for my first trimester. This list is a collection of everything I’ve been absolutely loving and relying on over the past few months to navigate this beautiful, albeit sometimes challenging, stage of pregnancy. These essentials have truly made a difference in my comfort and well-being.

Apps for a Connected and Prepared Pregnancy

In today’s digital age, a few well-chosen apps can significantly streamline the pregnancy journey, from tracking baby’s development to preparing for postpartum life. These have been invaluable to me during the second trimester and beyond:

• Babylist: For our baby registry, I used Babylist, and I absolutely adore it. Its interface is incredibly user-friendly, allowing you to seamlessly add items from virtually any website on the internet. What makes it truly stand out is its robust categorization system, which keeps everything organized. You can even create your own custom categories to perfectly suit your needs, making gift management a breeze for both you and your loved ones.
• PFM (Kegel Trainer): If you’re pregnant, you’re likely aware of the immense importance of kegel exercises for pelvic floor health, both during pregnancy and for postpartum recovery. That’s why I’ve been diligently using PFM, an ingenious app that sends discreet daily reminders for quick, one-minute exercise sessions. It’s incredibly effective for maintaining consistency without drawing attention, contributing significantly to a healthier pregnancy and smoother recovery.
• Count The Kicks: In preparation for the upcoming third trimester, a crucial period for monitoring fetal movement, I’ve proactively downloaded Count The Kicks. While I haven’t used it extensively yet, its intuitive simplicity for tracking baby’s movements is already very appealing. Monitoring kick counts is a vital way to ensure your baby’s well-being, and this app promises to make that process straightforward and stress-free.
• BabyConnect: This app truly looks like it has every single feature I could possibly want post-baby to help track feedings, diaper changes, sleep patterns, pumping sessions, and so much more. This particular app does come with a small one-time cost ($4.99), but considering my Type A personality and desire for meticulous organization, it’s an investment well worth making to have all this crucial information consolidated in one convenient place. It promises to be a lifesaver for tracking all those newborn details.

Books: Escaping into Stories During Pregnancy

I’ve been devouring audiobooks at an astonishing rate lately, particularly as I tackle the immense task of reorganizing our entire house and getting ahead on meal prepping. Given how much I’ve relied on them for distraction and entertainment, books are unequivocally on my list of pregnancy must-haves. They offer a much-needed mental escape during both the mundane and overwhelming moments. Here are some of my top picks that have kept me company:

• The Goldfinch – This book is truly SO AMAZING. I decided to pick it up on Audible, especially after seeing it was adapted into a movie on Amazon Prime, and I’m incredibly glad I did. Donna Tartt’s intricate storytelling and immersive world-building made it the perfect long-form escape during those endless hours of organizing. I haven’t watched the movie yet, but I definitely will once I finish the book!
• Stillhouse Lake – I just embarked on this thrilling series, and it’s absolutely fantastic! As a huge aficionado of psychological thrillers, I can attest that this one is exceptionally good. It’s the perfect page-turner to completely lose myself in, offering a much-needed mental break from all things baby-related.
• City of Girls – I FINALLY got around to reading this novel by Elizabeth Gilbert, and I am so relieved I wasn’t disappointed. Her magical storytelling is captivating, transporting you to a different era. I particularly thought the narrator for the audio version did an outstanding job, truly bringing the characters and narrative to life.
• Tell Me Lies – This is a shorter book and an Audible exclusive, but it’s a fabulous thriller. If you appreciate psychological thrillers that get straight to the point and keep you on the edge, this is a wonderfully quick and engaging listen. Perfect for when you need a dose of suspense without committing to a massive tome.
• The Perfect Nanny – Another gripping thriller! Are you perhaps sensing that I went through a bit of a thriller phase at the start of my second trimester? It was probably not the BEST choice while being pregnant and starting to seriously contemplate childcare post-birth, given its dark themes. Nonetheless, it’s a really well-crafted and incredibly good thriller that kept me hooked despite the slight irony of its subject matter!

Maternity Clothes: Comfort and Style Essentials

Comfort has become my absolute priority during the second trimester, but that doesn’t mean sacrificing style entirely. Finding versatile and cozy clothing items that adapt to my growing bump has been key. These pieces have been on heavy rotation and truly made a difference in my daily comfort and confidence:

• Headbands: In my world right now, headbands are where it’s AT. As much as I would love to muster the energy to style my hair every single day, the truth is, I simply do NOT have it. Knowing this trend is only set to continue, I decided to invest in some new headbands that are both practical and chic. I particularly love these plain elastic headbands because they effortlessly pair with any outfit. Additionally, these sweater ones are incredibly cute and offer the added bonus of doubling as earmuffs – definitely pregnancy must-haves as we transition into colder weather.
• Comfy Levi Jeans: I’ve been practically living in these comfy Levi maternity jeans throughout this entire pregnancy. They continue to fit perfectly and remain just as comfortable as the day I bought them. The stretch and support they offer are ideal for a growing bump. I’m actually planning on purchasing a second pair, perhaps a bit longer and in black, specifically for the winter months to maximize their wear.
• Body Con Dress: I acquired this versatile body con dress early in the second trimester, and I absolutely LOVE IT. There’s a strong possibility I’ll be getting it in a couple of different colors for the third trimester because it’s simply perfect. It pairs beautifully with cardigans, and you can even throw a large t-shirt over it and tie a knot just above the belly for a more casual look. I even wore it to a friend’s baby shower on a particularly hot day, accessorizing it with a light floral shawl. It’s incredibly cute and adapts to so many occasions.
• Comfy Casual Pants: These comfy casual maternity pants are truly AMAZING. If it were socially acceptable, I would wear them all the time. I literally just bought three more pairs! Forget jeans unless I absolutely HAVE to look presentable for some specific reason. My current mantra is: I want COMFY THINGS! These pants are a revelation in maternity wear, providing unparalleled comfort for everyday wear.

Random Essentials for Pregnancy Comfort & Self-Care

Sometimes, it’s the unexpected or seemingly small things that make the biggest difference on the list of pregnancy must-haves. These random items have significantly enhanced my comfort and well-being during this trimester, proving that a little self-care goes a long way:

• Mama Mio Body Butter: This body butter is pure GOLD. I’ve been diligently applying it, and so far, I haven’t seen any new stretch marks appear (*knocks on wood*). Beyond its effectiveness, it smells absolutely divine, turning a routine application into a lovely, sensory experience that feels like a small act of pampering each day.
• Knitted Chenille Throw: As we embarked on the task of redoing our living room and I busied myself decorating everything for fall, I stumbled upon this incredible knitted chenille throw. This is hands down the softest blanket I have ever owned, and it comes in a range of truly beautiful colors. It’s become my go-to for cozying up on the couch, especially during those moments when I need a little extra comfort and warmth.
• Gooseneck Electric Kettle: Thanks to a wonderful friend, I’ve recently fallen into the delightful habit of having afternoon tea. To elevate this new ritual, I invested in this gorgeous gooseneck electric kettle. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it also allows us to dive into the world of pour-over coffee. My partner, Will, is already a coffee connoisseur, and I’d really love to join him, if only to establish a consistent morning ritual that helps me start the day feeling calm and grounded. Its elegant design is just a bonus!
• Belly Band: As many of you who have been pregnant or are currently pregnant know, the back pain is a very REAL and often debilitating symptom. To combat this, I got this supportive belly band, which has been incredibly helpful, particularly when I’m spending extended periods in the kitchen cooking in the afternoons. While I still experience some discomfort, the combination of the band’s support, warm compresses, and my partner’s helpful massages makes the pain much more manageable, allowing me to continue with daily activities.

Food Things: Cravings and Aversions of the Second Trimester

Everyone is always curious about pregnancy cravings and aversions, so here’s a transparent rundown of my culinary experiences during this trimester. It’s fascinating how much your palate can change when you’re growing a human!

• Food Cravings: My number one, undeniable craving has been Nutella, Nutella, and more NUTELLA! Seriously, the creamy, chocolatey hazelnut spread has been an absolute obsession. Beyond that, pretty much all things sweet are on my radar, including classic comfort foods like Oreos, the tangy kick of Sour Patch Kids, and the chewy goodness of Milk Duds. More broadly, I’m officially STARVING all the time. It feels like my body is constantly demanding sustenance, and I literally want to eat everything in the house at all times. The hunger is insatiable, making snacks a constant necessity!
• Food Aversions: Thankfully, there’s nothing out of the ordinary to report here, which is truly awesome! Unlike the sometimes intense aversions of the first trimester, I’m grateful to be able to enjoy a flexible diet again. This means I can largely eat what I want without feeling nauseous or repulsed by certain foods, which is a welcome relief and makes meal planning much easier.

And that wraps up my second trimester recap! It’s been a journey filled with rapid changes, joyful preparations, and a few physical challenges, but ultimately, an incredibly special time. We’re counting down the days until we meet our little one, and I’m already looking forward to sharing the third trimester experience with you all. Stay tuned for more updates, and remember to prioritize self-care and embrace every moment of this miraculous journey!