12 Best Pregnancy Safe Skincare Products – 2024 (Mom-Tested!)
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.Pregnancy often brings skin issues like stretch marks, dark spots, and melasma. I struggled with similar skin conditions after my kids were born, which is why I’ve researched and tested the best pregnancy-safe skincare products to address these concerns! My list of 12 best products is perfect for expecting mothers looking for safe and effective solutions for their skin care during and after pregnancy. In this guide, I’ll help you find the best options for your pregnancy or postpartum skincare needs!
There are certain things you can expect from your pregnancy: milestones and memories, lots of changes to your body, and everyone talks about that “pregnancy glow”!
In my experience, along with that “glow”, pregnancy is also likely to bring on stretch marks, dark spots (source), melasma (source) and dry nipples (source)! 90% of women are more likely to experience hormonal skin changes during pregnancy (source) due to the overproduction of melanin (source).
So how can you safely tackle common skin care issues like melasma, stretch marks and dry nipples during pregnancy and into postpartum? I’ve tried and tested a bunch of products – so you can find the right skincare products that will actually work to address some of these issues!
In this guide I’ll review in detail my 12 best pregnancy-safe skin care products, and I’ll also give you an overview of what ingredients to look for and avoid when searching for pregnancy-safe skincare.
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But First, A Disclaimer
As a board-certified health coach and certified nutritionist, I support products that are rooted in science and that are evidence-based. For the purpose of this pregnancy skincare guide, I’m reviewing products that I have carefully researched, and in many cases, tested personally. I’ve chosen them to target common skin concerns during pregnancy, like melasma, stretch marks, and dryness. I evaluated each product for effectiveness, safety for pregnancy and breastfeeding, and overall quality.
Though I may receive a commission (at no extra expense to you) if you purchase through some of the affiliate links provided, I only recommend products I’ve researched, evaluated, consulted experts on, and would feel comfortable using. I assure you that my product recommendations prioritize your well-being and are not influenced by potential commissions. And by purchasing any of these products from the links below, you help keep this blog running, so thanks for your support!
Please note that while these recommendations are based on thorough vetting and testing, individual results may vary. The information shared in this post is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard or delay in seeking professional medical advice because of something you read here and always consult with your doctor before choosing a skincare product during pregnancy. All product prices are accurate at the time of this publication but are subject to change.
Skincare Ingredients To Avoid: What Skincare Products Aren’t Pregnancy-Safe?
Finding the right products to tackle your skincare issues during your pregnancy can be a chore. What you used to love for your skin before the baby bump might not be safe for your pregnancy skincare routine anymore.
There has been quite a bit of research around what skincare ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. In general unsafe skincare products for pregnancy include:
- Topical retinoids (also known as tretinoins), or any vitamin-A derivative, such as retinol (source)
- Hydroquinone (source)
- Beta hydroxy acid / BHA and salicylic acid (source 1, source 2)
- Acne medications (source)
- Parabens (source)
- Oxybenzone (commonly found in chemical sunscreens – source)
I recommend chatting with your medical professional or dermatologist about what skincare products are safe to use while pregnant – so you can shop with full confidence.
Skin Care Ingredients To Look For
While most skincare products don’t need approval from the Food And Drug Administration before going to market (source), manufacturers do have to make sure they’re safe. And the FDA is always monitoring product safety on a reactive basis.
In general, these skin care ingredients are considered safe to use during pregnancy (source):
- Azelaic acid
- Glycolic acid / alpha hydroxy acids
- Salicylic acid
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Niacinamide
- Hyaluronic acid
- Glycerin
- Titanium dioxide or zinc oxide (commonly found in mineral sunscreen)
The 12 Best Pregnancy Safe Skincare Products In 2024
To avoid spending your time squinting at the backs of bottles in Sephora, I’ve made a list of my favorite pregnancy-safe skincare products to help you out.
My list of products is specially vetted. I’ve found the best of the best to help get rid of common skin issues, namely acne, stretch marks, melasma, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and dry nipples. And, they are all made with skincare ingredients that are completely safe for your skin during pregnancy and breastfeeding!
The Best Skincare For Melasma, Acne, Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots
If you’re suffering from melasma, hyperpigmentation or dark spots (welcome to the club!), you’re going to want skincare products that are chock-full of exfoliating acids, rejuvenating antioxidants and skin-plumping hydrators that have safe and clean ingredients.
Basically, when trying skincare products during pregnancy, I wanted something that would do the job without compromising on safety!
While there are individual products you could buy to treat each of these issues separately, I’ve found the best all-in-one product to help brighten, hydrate, and reduce pigmentation, melasma and acne both for when you’re pregnant and into postpartum too!
Lion Pose: Unspotted 4x Acid Jelly Night Serum
Because the usual tried-and-true products (such as retinol and salicylic acid) aren’t recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, Lion Pose’s Acid Jelly Night Serum is a safer solution.
This serum contains a 15% concentration of azelaic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid and tranexamic acid. I love exfoliators for their brightening, plumping and regenerating approach, and I love them even more because they’re safe to use during pregnancy (and beyond).
The ingredients in this serum include:
- Azelaic acid: An approved substitute for hydroquinone, salicylic acid, and benzyl peroxide. The acid’s anti-microbial, comedolytic, and anti-inflammatory effects help to even out the skin tone and prevent more acne (source) without the dryness or irritation that’s commonly caused by harsher ingredients like vitamin C (source). Azelaic also helps to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and rosacea (source). This acid is praised as being the safest ingredient for getting rid of ‘pregnancy mask’ (source).
- Glycolic and lactic acids (or AHAs) are also beneficial in smoothing and evening skin tone without compromising the skin’s moisture barrier during pregnancy (source). Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) peel the top layer of skin (gently – you won’t feel a thing when your dead skin cells slough off, I promise!), keeping your skin glowing, even-toned, and those pores nice and tight. The perfect combination for your pregnancy skincare routine!
- Tranexamic acid merges beautifully with its glycolic and lactic counterparts by tackling melasma (source). It’s excellent in a night serum (when your skin is less likely to be exposed to the sun). These acids combine to regenerate your skin cells, brightening and evening your skin tone while you sleep.
- Glutathione, the ‘master antioxidant’ commonly used to treat melasma (source), paired with hyaluronic acid, the humectant for healing, hydration and overall healthy skin (source), is a potent combination to brighten and even out the skin and prevent breakouts without compromising on the skin’s moisture barrier.
When it comes to lightening hyperpigmentation and dark spots during pregnancy, there’s no better pregnancy-safe product.
Price: $79 (both on Lion Pose’s website and at Sephora)
Where To Buy: Lion Pose’s Website, Sephora
Pros
Clinically tested for safety.
Developed with a team of board-certified dermatologists.
Designed specifically by moms for moms, ensuring safety and peace of mind during pregnancy, breastfeeding and postpartum use.
Potent formula: Thanks to the combination of their 4 active acids, this product actually works! I personally saw a major reduction in my dark spots after a couple months of use.
Contains 100% pregnancy-safe skincare ingredients, renowned for their efficacy in combating hyperpigmentation, acne, melasma and dark spots.
Versatile – can be used to address multiple skin concerns at once.
Strong customer feedback – regarded as a must-have product for pregnancy skincare routines.
Cons
Price point: While this serum is more expensive than others, the ingredients are such high quality that I feel it balances out. It also lasts for at least 6 weeks when used daily.
AHAs can increase sun sensitivity: I recommend a thick layer of sunscreen the next morning after using any AHA product to protect your skin from the sun. Lion Pose has a sunscreen and serum duo that works perfectly to remedy this.
Skincare For Stretch Marks
Oh, stretch marks. I have a love-hate relationship with them. While they can be a beautiful reminder of how amazing our bodies are while we stretch to conceive our babies, it’s totally okay to want to prevent them.
Stretch marks are scars caused by our skin stretching, then shrinking quickly (source) – causing our collagen and elastin to rupture!
When considering creams to help prevent and reduce stretch marks, it’s important to remember that, while your genetics may not be able to prevent you from getting your battle scars (this is often dependent on your family history, degree of stress on your skin and fluctuating hormone levels – source) you can reduce their appearance.
You’re going to want safe-for-pregnancy products that contain a lot of nourishing fats, ceramides to keep the skin barrier healthy and hydrated (source), and lovely omegas to keep your skin supple and elastic.
Vitamin E has also been proven to help maintain moisture and elasticity during your pregnancy (source), alongside hyaluronic acid and centella (a medicinal herb specially used to help prevent stretch marks as well as dryness and irritation – source) to strengthen your skin barrier (source) making it an absolute must for your pregnancy skincare routine.
Here are some of my favorite products for reducing the appearance of stretch marks:
Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy
I love this cream because it contains cepalin botanical extract, hyaluronic acid and centella asiatica extract to reduce the look of stretch marks (source) while hydrating and moisturizing the skin. Best of all, it’s a great bargain AND can show results in as little as 4 weeks.
Mederma’s formula is especially great because it uses nourishing botanical ingredients, clinically proven to reduce stretch marks and lock in moisture.
Additionally, their triple action formula can help speed up the natural scar healing process, by penetrating beneath the surface of the skin to lock in moisture, help collagen production and renew skin cells. It also helps to reduce discoloration overall – always a plus.
Not only is it safe to use during pregnancy, you can use it while you’re breastfeeding also!
Price: $22.38 on Amazon
Pros
Paraben free
Affordable
Recommended brand of stretch mark treatments among dermatologists and pharmacists
Hydrates, improves texture and reduces discoloration
Clinically tested by Mederma
Cons
Some customers don’t like the smell of this product
Some people with sensitive skin may experience irritation or allergic reactions to certain ingredients in the cream
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks
Tried and tested, this reliable lotion by Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula can help prevent stretch marks without breaking the bank! If possible, I recommend using it from the very first trimester. Prevention is key when it comes to stretch marks.
Palmer’s is a long-standing brand (over 180 years old!) with a great reputation, which you can see from all of the positive reviews on Amazon and other websites!
Enriched with cocoa butter, triglyceride fats and vitamin E to keep your pregnancy skin healthy, fat-soluble and smooth, this lotion hydrates and nourishes the skin, improving its elasticity and minimizing the appearance of stretch marks while being a pregnancy-safe skincare product.
Price: $5.11 on Amazon
Pros
Strong customer loyalty and satisfaction
Enriched with cocoa butter, triglyceride fats, and vitamin E, known for their skin-nourishing properties
Hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested
Affordable
Free from mineral oil, parabens, phthalates, and fragrance allergens
Creates a protective moisture barrier for expanding bellies
Cons
Variable results: While effective for many, results may vary depending on individual skin types and genetic predispositions
Scent sensitivity – the fragrance of cocoa butter may not be appealing to all users
Glow Organics Pre Organic Belly Butter
I love this organic, vegan and cruelty-free body butter that’s full of healing ceramides in the form of healthy fats, vitamin E, fatty acids and omega 6. These all help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks (source) while keeping your skin nourished and irritation-free during your pregnancy.
It’s perfect for eco-conscious mamas looking for ethical skincare options, since this company is committed to producing only the best, safest products to use during pregnancy.
Composed of shea butter, cocoa butter and organic oils, this is the perfect body butter for moisturizing and preventing stretch marks from appearing on the skin from the start. I especially recommend using it for moisturizing and preventing the formation of stretch marks in your first trimester and throughout the early stages of pregnancy.
Price: $24.99 on Amazon
Where To Buy: Amazon
Pros
Organic
Vegan and cruelty-free
Great for sensitive skin
Customer reviews say it works!
Free from parabens, synthetics, dyes, phthalates, sulfates, and artificial fragrance
Great for preventing stretch marks
Affordable
Cons
While this product does not have any fragrance added, some people may not prefer the natural scent of shea butter or cocoa butter
This body butter is quite thick, and some may prefer a lighter / more liquid lotion during pregnancy
Clarins Body Partner Stretch Mark Firming Cream
This luxurious cream boasts a unique blend of plant-based ingredients, such as organic green banana extract and Centella Asiatica, to maintain skin elasticity and reduce the look of stretch marks (source).
This Phyto Stretch complex (the combination of the centella and green banana extract) targets the length, width, depth and color of stretch marks with its silky formula.
Clarins has over 60 years in the business of plant-based beauty, so you can rest assured that their products will be both gentle on your skin and will actually work!
The company boasts that the product is tested and recommended by pregnant women and is considered to be the holy grail of stretch mark prevention and a must-have for your pregnancy skincare routine.
Price: $68 on Amazon
Pros
Plant based ingredients
Strong customer reviews
Fragrance-free; colorant-free
Consumer tested (90% of people reported improved elasticity)
Cons
On the more expensive side compared to some of the other products on this list
May be challenging to find or purchase outside of online distributors
Mamma Mio Tummy Rub Butter
This cream is rich in antioxidants and omegas to help keep the skin supple and visibly reduce stretch marks. Plus, it contains a blend of avocado, inchi and argan oils—full of omega 3s, 6s and 9s – which have great pregnancy and postpartum skincare benefits (source) and a long-lasting hydration effect.
Mamma Mio claims that their Omega Skin Stretch Complex will help keep your skin healthy, prevent stretch marks and help combat itchiness.
Oh, and also has ceramides to keep the skin’s moisture barrier protected. I love a strong, healthy skin barrier!
I recommend applying this twice daily, throughout your pregnancy for best results. Keep in mind, while this is a lotion like consistency, this is not meant to be used on your face.
Price: $34 on Amazon
Pros
Clinically proven to increase skin elasticity
Created by moms, for moms
Provides long-lasting hydration
Easy to apply and massage into the skin, great texture
Cons
While some may appreciate the scent of the cream, others may find it overpowering or unpleasant.
Those who prefer lighter, fast-absorbing formulas may find the creamy texture of the product less practical.
Mustela Stretch Marks Cream
This moisturizing, creamy and nourishing butter is full of vitamin E and ceramide-filled oils (shea, cocoa, jojoba, avocado, to name a few!).
It’s fantastic for maintaining the skin’s elasticity, and I also found it perfect for eliminating itch and irritation. This cream is also deeply nourishing to the skin, and helps promote overall skin health.
I love that you can get it in a fragrance-free option and that it’s 100% safe to add to your pregnancy skincare routine.
97% of this cream is formulated with ingredients of natural origin including avocado peptide. It’s also tested by dermatologists
Price: $21.99 on Amazon
Pros
Fragrance-free
Affordable
Clean ingredients
Breastfeeding compatible
EWG verified
Climate Pledge friendly
No parabens or phthalates
Cons
Some users may find the cream leaves a greasy residue
Those who prefer lighter textures may find the creamy consistency too rich or heavy for their liking, particularly if they need a product that absorbs quickly
Skincare For Dry Nipples
Contrary to what you might have thought, you don’t need to be breastfeeding to suffer from dry, irritated nipples. As your body changes during pregnancy, you’ll find your breasts begin to expand. This is probably caused by hormones – namely progesterone (source), the culprit for bigger breasts. And sore, often dry, sometimes itchy nipples as a consequence.
In my experience, the best nipple creams are cooling, alleviate discomfort, and are easy to apply. I’ve found that soothing skincare ingredients that are safe for use during pregnancy, like calendula (source) and beeswax, help alleviate itch (source). They pair well with occlusives like butter, oils and lanolin to decrease dryness and dehydration (source), making it easy to integrate into your pregnancy skincare routine.
I’m thrilled to share with you my favorite creams that are safe to use throughout your pregnancy, well into your breastfeeding journey (and maybe even beyond as a lip balm. Waste not!). I love easy-to-use, practical packaging too. And, with my selection, you can rest assured: a little goes a long way.
Do note: while a lot of these nipple creams may be marketed for breastfeeding moms, you can use these creams safely throughout your pregnancy.
Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream
Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream is a trusted companion for expectant mothers and beyond. It is one of the most popular nipple creams, and rightfully so, as this nipple cream is a lifesaver throughout your pregnancy – and well after, too! I used this when I was breastfeeding and found it to be a lifesaver.
Lanolin is the main ingredient in this soothing cream and acts as a protective emollient (source), keeping nipples moisturized and shielded from irritation and chafing. It is clinically tested, doctor-approved, and lanolin is safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding skincare (source). It’s versatile and protective, the perfect pregnancy staple for any postpartum skincare needs. It also doubles up as a lip balm!
Price: $8.99 on Amazon
Pros
Clinically tested and approved by doctors for use during breastfeeding
Safe for sensitive skin
Safe for baby and mom (no need to remove before breastfeeding)
Hypoallergenic
Climate neutral certified, ethically sourced
Strong customer reviews
Affordable
Free of petroleum, parabens, additives, and preservatives
Cons
Some may find the cream’s consistency too thick or sticky
Won’t work for anyone who has a lanolin sensitivity
Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter
If you’re looking for a lanolin-free pregnancy and breastfeeding-safe nipple cream that’s organic, cruelty-free, AND versatile, Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter is a top choice! I love it because it is made with healing herbal calendula to soothe dryness and itchiness, and it also has multi-purpose use and can double as a lip balm! I love a good mom hack!
If you’re looking for one product that does it all, or if you have sensitive skin and need something lanolin-free, this is the perfect product for you.
Price: $25.98 on Amazon
Pros
USDA Organic and Non-GMO
Safe for babies – no need to wipe off before nursing
Clinically tested
Made without petroleum or preservatives
The first lanolin-free nipple cream in the US (good for those with a sensitivity to lanolin)
Simple, clean ingredients
An eco-conscioius, ethical skincare option that prioritizes sustainability and animal welfare
Cons
Some users may not prefer the natural scent of calendula
Some customers have mentioned that the texture is too thick
Hatch Nipple and Rescue Balm
If you’re looking for something luxurious (and don’t mind the steeper price point), I love this rescue balm. Filled with rich, tropical butter, mango, acai, pomegranate and calendula, you’re getting all your hydrating and healing alongside a healthy dose of antioxidants. Bonus points, it smells absolutely de-li-cious!
I also love a versatile product. Your rescue balm can be used not just on your nipples but also on your lips and cuticles and even for minor abrasions, insect bites and burns. It really is an all-in-one product!
Price: $28 on Amazon
Pros
Super versatile – works as a nipple balm, lip balm, and more
Dermatologist tested
Free of lanolin, parabens, dyes and artificial fragrances
Works before, during and after pregnancy
Cons
More expensive than some of the other nipple balms on this list
Some users report not liking the scent
Some users report that it’s too greasy
Honest Mama Calm Your Nip Balm
I love this balm because it’s made of naturally derived, organic ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, beeswax, shea butter and jojoba seed extract to soothe and moisturize your nipples.
Aloe, in particular, is a wonderful ingredient for capturing and keeping moisture in the skin (source). It not only keeps dryness at bay but also pairs wonderfully with the other occlusives in the product to trap hydration in the skin.
Just like the other nipple creams on my list, the Honest Company cream is safe for mom and baby, so you don’t have to wipe it off before nursing.
Price: $10.49 on Amazon
Where To Buy: Amazon, Target, Walmart
Pros
Natural and organic
Affordable
Versatile – can be used for nipple care or any other parts of the body that need hydration
Unscented and hypoallergenic
Dermatologist tested
Made without petrolatum, lanolin, silicones, PEGs, phthalates and synthetic fragrances
Cons
Can be greasy
Some customers may not like the texture
Motherlove Organic Nipple Cream
Last but not least, this award-winning cream is one of my favorites – not just because it’s the prettiest packaging ever. This organic nipple cream has a combination of antioxidant-rich fruit oils, moisture-sealing shea butter and beeswax, healing calendula, and inflammation-soothing marshmallow root extract (source).
Founded over 30 years ago by a mom, Motherlove is dedicated to making products to support moms in all stages of new motherhood.
I love it for its unique combination of organic ingredients. The marshmallow root extract is a game-changer, helping to soothe itchy skin. Marshmallow’s high mucilage content also makes it extra-hydrating (source). It swells up when it touches water, providing a protective layer to the mucous membrane. This is my favorite addition to a pregnancy skincare routine.
Price: $15.99 on Amazon
Pros
USDA Certified Organic
Safe for ingestion
doubles as diaper rash ointment
Cruelty Free! No animal testing or by-products
NO Lanolin, Petroleum, Artificial fragrance or coloring
Cons
This cream can be on the thicker side, which some people may not prefer
Some may not prefer the scent
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re dealing with melasma, stretch marks or dry nipples, I’m hope my extensive (tried and true!) pregnancy-safe skincare products guide helped you find the best products for your pregnancy and post-partum needs!
Whether you’re choosing a lotion, balm, serum, or all of the above, you can have peace of mind choosing any of the products on my list, knowing that you’re picking some of the best-of-the-best out there.
Do note, while I’ve curated these 12 products based on my own experiences and research, I still recommend you conduct your own ingredient analysis.
Please also consult your healthcare professional and choose the products you feel confident using. After all, when it comes to pregnancy-safe skincare, your comfort and peace of mind are paramount. And as always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. I respond to every question I get!
Hi!
I came looking for a great prenatal vitamin. When I got to the bottom of the article it says my Top 2 vitamins are: and then it says enjoy the ride. Any chance you could tell me your suggestions for vitamins? I was taking the myKind Organic but the holy basil has me nervous!
Many thanks!
Hi Kristen! Oh how strange! I’m not sure what happened there but the table with my top 2 vitamins should be back in the post now! To your question – my top Prenatal vitamin is from Raise Them Well – it doesn’t have the holy basil that MyKind Organics does and it has really good ingredients! But actually, MyKind Organics is my #2 prenatal vitamin. That’s the vitamin I took when I was pregnant with both of my kids and I had no issues. To your point – the holy basil could be concerning but my OB was totally fine with it and said it shouldn’t be an issue. That said, you should consult with your OB to find out whether they’d prefer you take Raise Them Well or MyKind Organics! Hope that helps!
I’m glad you mentioned that yoga or walking are good exercised during pregnancy because they don’t cause too much of an increased heart rate. My husband and I are looking for an OB-GYN in our area because we’ve decided to try and get pregnant and want the help of a professional right from the start. Thanks for teaching me these tips I can use to stay as healthy and comfortable as possible once I’m pregnant!
Hi Rebecca! Absolutely! I hope your pregnancy journey is smooth and easy!
I thought it was interesting when you explained that it is important for women who are pregnant to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night. In addition to that, I would think that it would be important for women to find an OBGYN to work with as soon as they find out they are pregnant. That way they can make sure that their body will be in good health during the entire process.
Agreed! Working with an OBGYN or Midwife is a given! 🙂
Hi Anjali
There’s much to say about this article. Wonderful information. It’s so nice to have your articles to go to for solid advice.
I read your every single content. Every time I follow your activity and try to work same. and got some success but still, now I’m a bit far away to follow it regularly, There has any way to chat with you like Email or social media. If you give me a few minutes, then it will help me to avoid my mistake in many aspects.
Cheers,
Rashmi Arora
Hi Rashmi! I’m so glad you found this post helpful! I’d be happy to chat with you more – feel free to email me at pickyeats@gmail.com and we can find a time. Thanks!
I was insanely picky while Pregnant and probably not eating as healthy as I should be! LOL
I found a great cookbook however that really helped me throughout my pregnancy! It was Called Full Belly: Good Eats for a Healthy Pregnancy. It was amazing and I totally recommend it to everyone (Pregnant or not). I got my copy from Chapters, but it seems to be cheaper on Amazon!
Thanks for the rec Dallas! I’ll have to check it out!
Hi Anjali! Thank you so much for providing this wonderful resource for everyone! I would love to know your rankings on prenatal supplements. I truly enjoyed reading all the updates and information about the baby formulas. I used that post as a reference when I was going through a hard time not being able to nurse my baby. Also, aside from prenatal vitamins, do you recommend taking anything else with it like DHA?
Hi Sasha! I’m so glad you found my posts helpful, and I’m sorry to hear you had a hard time nursing (although it’s great you were able to use my formula post as a reference – hopefully you were able to find a formula that worked for your little one!) For prenatal supplements – I used one prescribed by my doctor because I’m vegetarian and wanted to make sure I was getting enough iron in a gentle way that didn’t mess up my digestion. But my absolute favorite brand for prenatal supplements that you can get at any health food store is My Kind Organics (by GardenofLife). Their ingredients are amazing (organic, non GMO), their vitamins are certified vegan & gluten-free, and their vitamin sources are from real organic whole foods (nothing synthetic) so they are easy to absorb! I’d highly recommend them. I take their women’s multivitamin now even though I’m not pregnant anymore 🙂 And yes, I did take DHA when I was pregnant — it came with the prenatal from my doctor. Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions!
I have a great resource suggestion. I just came across a new book that’s really awesome called “The Wonder Within You” by Carey Wickersham. It’s an awesome combination of week-to-week pregnancy information, what’s going on with the baby, “Did you know?” plus health advice about what to eat, cravings, nutrition, etc, BUT also with awesome 3D/4D pictures and videos you can link or QR with your phone to and see what your baby looks like at each week stage. Even better than the typical week-to-week books, and so personal! It’s got mom stories and even a journal/note section to write your personal memories and letters to your baby. The pregnancy information is as up-to-date as it gets and it’s such a great keepsake. I want to get one for everybody I know who is expecting! Check it out…TheWonderWithinYou.com.
Thanks for the suggestion Heather!
Thanks for the great tips Anjali! It is important to have a healthy vegetarian pregnancy (although some people keep asking us if we are still vegetarian now that we are pregnant!). I would love to see more pregnancy/baby vegetarian articles/recipes in your blog. I am now 31 weeks and I have a very large tummy (people think I am due very soon or ask me if I am having twins!). But doctor says baby and I are healthy, so I do not worry too much about the bump size 🙂
I wish you a great birth and healthy baby! And congratulations for the great blog!
Hi Thay! No problem at all! I’m so glad you found this helpful 🙂 Congrats btw on your pregnancy! You are at the home stretch — 9 weeks to go! Definitely don’t worry about the bump size if your doctor says that you’re healthy. Honestly, your doctor’s opinion is the only one that really matters. For pregnancy recipes — honestly I didn’t do anything different, I just ate a bit more at each meal and incorporated a couple sources of healthy protein (Greek Yogurt, String Cheese, etc.) in between meals. So all of the recipes on my blog would be great for pregnancy. Regarding baby food recipes and healthy baby / veggie baby tips – I will absolutely be posting about that as I experiment and learn with my new baby girl! I wish you a wonderful pregnancy and birth as well, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions!
You own so many colors of V-neck tees! Haha
Haha yup! I bought like a bunch of them from Target when I found out I was pregnant — because they are stretchy and aren’t just for maternity wear, are affordable, and are great as workout shirts too 🙂
Love the tips! I will definitely keep you in mind in my future lol
And your baby belly is so cute and growing!!!!!
Aww hehe thanks Eisha!! 🙂
Thank you for posting this! I’m 24 weeks pregnant and not “huge”, but I feel like it’s because I’ve been eating healthy and staying active. My doctor says the baby and I are healthy, but people on the street remark that I’m not a blimp (like that’s a bad thing?). Your tips and pictures made me feel normal 🙂
Awww I’m so glad this post helped you Laura! And I totally empathize with you – I’ve gotten the same comments about my size (which initially made me anxious about whether me and the baby were healthy) but I think it’s also because I’ve been eating healthy and staying active (like you!) Honestly, the most important thing is what your doctor says – and if he/she says you’re healthy, and you’re feeling great, that’s all that matters! Hope you have a wonderful rest of your pregnancy – stay well! 🙂
These are great tips! Can you believe how close it is getting?! I’ll be 28 weeks tomorrow, and though 12 weeks still seems like a long time to me, I’m sure it will fly. I’m not a vegetarian, but don’t eat a lot of meat, so string cheese and greek yogurt has been my savoirs. I think string cheese is a great midnight snack too, for those nights you wake up and cannot fall back asleep because your stomach is growling. Good luck in your last trimester!
Thanks Michelle!! I know – I feel the same way as you do! 12 weeks still seems pretty far away to me too 🙂 Totally with you on the string cheese and Greek Yogurt – honestly I have no idea what I’d do about protein without them! Hope you have a healthy and smooth last trimester as well — our babies are going to have birthdays very close to each other!