MY Third Trimester Essentials

• Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Sleep Lavender and Vanilla Body Wash and Bubble Bath 

Pregnancy insomnia is no joke! I don't know why it happens. I'm completely exhausted. I mean, it's a struggle just to make my eyes blink, but no matter how hard I try I just can't shut my brain off. Lately, I've been taking advantage of a consistent bedtime routine. Having one really helps me to calm down and unwind. Even if that means I'll only sleep in 2 hour spurts. Something is better than nothing, ok? Anywho, I picked this soap and lotion duo up from Bath and Body Works and I am in love. The lavender vanilla scent isn't overbearing and the soap is cleansing without drying out my already parched and stretched skin. I can feel the stress of the day just melt off me when I suds up and inhale this stuff. Afterwards, I rub on my epsom salt lotion and follow it up with the matching lavender vanilla body cream from this Bath and Body Works line. I'm out like a light within minutes.

• Compression Socks 

I actually bought a pair of compression socks when I was pregnant with The Super Twins and still working as a Nursing Care Partner. Compression Socks are great for keeping your blood circulating properly and preventing or minimizing swelling. They worked great for those long hours in the hospital and they still stand up to the demands of the busy and boisterous Super Twins. I can lift, walk, run and stand for however long the girls demand and I don't have to worry about swelling. I still take advantage of the foot rubs from my Hubby though. If he's offering, I'm accepting.

• Trident Mint Gum 

So good to keep down on gas and upset stomach. I get this really yucky taste in my mouth. I wouldn't say its nausea, but it definitely puts me down. I don't know if it was just a mental thing, but the mint taste either gets rid of the yuckiness or the chewing distracts me enough to get through the day. Either way, totally essential!

• Vicks' Vaporub. 

Pregnancy hormones cause mucous membranes to swell, so it's very common to experience congestion. Rub some vaporub on your chest and inhale. If you're a daredevil rub the ointment right under your nose. I know the directions say not to do this, but I do it anyway. I find that the menthol is great for relieving headaches. What can I say? Toddler tantrums and pregnancy hormones don't always mix and I don't want to keep popping pain relievers.

• Nature trails or a track! 

Do I really need to explain this one? I love a long scenic walk. It relaxes me and I just get lost in my thoughts. Such a great stress-reliever. I've also read that walking is a great low-impact exercise that actually prepares you for the long drawn out task of labor. I have never experienced labor (C-section mama), so I can't give a first-hand testament to this, but it can't hurt.

• Daily Check-ins with Bae

I make sure to constantly take note of how I'm feeling. While it is normal to experience some emotional fluctuations during pregnancy, I KNOW what isn't normal for ME. You should do the same for yourself. If you're constantly crying, feeling isolated, hopeless, overwhelmed, or angry PLEASE mention this to your doctor. He or she can help you get the help you need. Luckily for me, I have a built-in sounding board in my Hubby. I am constantly yapping his head off with what I'm feeling or thinking. He helps me to process what I'm feeling and it helps to make sure I'm not blowing up at him out of built-up frustration. If you don't have this kind of spousal support a friend, parent, or even a journal can suffice.

So, let's wrap this up!

While these were MY 3rd Trimester essentials they most certainly don't have to be a must for you. I love commiserating with my fellow pregnant mamas, so in the comment section below please share some of YOUR essentials. We're in the homestretch now!!!!