A curated list of essentials that actually help from a mom and product designer.

First Trimester

Prenatal Vitamin // The most important thing is that you get a folate supplement. I chose the raw food vitamin, apparently easier to absorb.
Big water bottle with the straw lid // It is hard to drink enough water in general, now you need even more. Cut down on refilling a small bottle or glass a million times a day. Get this big thing (and the straw top) and drink two a day. Your water will stay cold.
Almond oil // If you find your skin is stretching (feeling itchy skin on your boobs). Other oils can help as well; the important thing is to massage them into your skin and to avoid anything with Vitamin A(retinol/retinoids) while pregnant.
Stretchy Bra // Your boobs might be changing in size a lot, and we don’t know what size we’re landing on, or for how long. So stretch is key. Comfort is queen. They can still be cute though.

Second Trimester

Pillows // One under your belly, and another, regular pillow between your legs. For heartburn, it helps to elevate your head and shoulders as well.
Leggings // Yes it’s time. You can hold off on maternity clothes for a long time. But at some point you’re going to stop fitting into jeans. I bought leggings and then cute cheap clothes from ASOS and thrifting.

Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth // This book will help you get into a positive mindset about labor no matter how you choose to do your birth. I buy it for all my pregnant friends.
Baby bed // Your baby needs a safe place to sleep, newborns often sleep in co-sleepers (touching the parent’s bed), in their parents beds (see safe sleep guidelines), or in a bassinet in the room with you for about the first 6 months.
Mattress cover // Incase your water breaks, it’s good to have this on already. Really essential if you have a home birth.
Headspace for Pregnancy // This is all I did to prepare for my second birth. I knew I just needed to practice tapping into calm and breathing to get through labor (those are the essential skills for giving birth).

Warm bathrobe // Pack a warm bathrobe and socks for the hospital. The tens machine can go in your pocket, you can easily get in and out of it and still do medical checks and skin to skin while staying cozy.