Pregnancy is such a unique journey, and having the right essentials can make it more comfortable. I bought most of my things second‑hand from Facebook Marketplace — many people recommended it, and there’s definitely a strong culture around it here in NZ.
Below are the things that made a real difference for me, plus the videos, apps, and small routines that supported me through each trimester.
First‑Trimester Survival Essentials
The first trimester is its own adventure — exciting, exhausting, and often a bit secret.
- Ginger tea or ginger lollies for nausea
- Light snacks (crackers, toast, nuts) to keep blood sugar stable
- Electrolyte drinks for days when water feels impossible
- A good water bottle you can sip from constantly
- Sick bags for the car (very real, very useful)
- Loose, comfy clothes for bloating days
These little things made the early weeks so much more manageable.
Core Essentials
- Prenatal vitamins Especially folic acid, iron, and calcium. I used Elevit.
- Pregnancy belt Great for supporting your belly and lower back in later months.
- Comfortable maternity clothing Stretchy leggings, maternity jeans, breathable tops. Facebook Marketplace was amazing. My partner’s T‑shirts worked until about 7 months — after that I was too big, haha.
- Supportive bras Soft, non‑wired bras or nursing bras. I used nursing bras during pregnancy and found them super practical.
- Maternity pillow I didn’t buy a special one — a regular pillow between my knees worked perfectly.
- Hydration & snacks Keep water and snacks nearby. Sugar cravings were real.
- Skincare Moisturizers or oils for dry skin or stretch marks. Coconut oil and body butter felt soothing even though I still got stretch marks.
- Flat, supportive shoes Your feet will thank you.
- Medical essentials A blood pressure monitor (if recommended) and a folder for antenatal records.
- Yoga ball Honestly a lifesaver. More comfortable than the couch, and bouncing eased my back pain.
- Raspberry leaf tea Often recommended from around 35–36 weeks.
Exercise & Movement
Staying active made pregnancy more comfortable for me and helped with recovery later.
- Daily walks 15–30 minutes depending on your energy. Even in bad weather, a little rain never hurt — just avoid slippery conditions.
- Yoga Gentle stretching, especially for the lower back. Wearing a belly belt helped too.
- Swimming or water walking If walking feels heavy, water exercise is incredible.
- Massage If your partner or someone close is good at it, take advantage.
Videos & Online Resources I Loved
These were my go‑to sources throughout pregnancy — informative, calming, and sometimes even fun.
- Weekly pregnancy updates This short weekly video became a ritual. My husband and I loved the tune and the cute illustrations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4UPKPv7v38&list=PLB4m-wBnvnQdPJzTGQSG75KQsuQdQbWng&index=6
- In‑depth pregnancy information Clear, helpful explanations without feeling overwhelming: https://www.youtube.com/@DianaInThePink
- Prenatal workouts & postpartum yoga My favourite for gentle movement during pregnancy and recovery afterwards: https://www.youtube.com/@PregnancyandPostpartumTV
Apps & Digital Tools
A few digital helpers that made life easier:
📝 Google Keep (my go‑to)
I used Google Keep to jot down questions for my midwife, track symptoms, and keep little reminders. Simple and perfect.
📅 Pregnancy tracking apps
Great for weekly updates and understanding what’s happening in your body.
- Pregnancy+
- Ovia Pregnancy
- What to Expect
⏱️ Contraction timers (for later on)
- Freya Hypnobirthing Timer
- Full Term Contraction Timer
🧘♀️ Meditation & calm apps
- Insight Timer
- Calm
- Headspace
NZ‑specific resources
- Plunket support and advice: https://www.plunket.org.nz/
- PlunketLine (0800 933 922) — free 24/7 nurse advice
- Find Your Midwife NZ:
https://www.findyourmidwife.co.nz/(findyourmidwife.co.nz in Bing)
🎧 Podcasts That Helped Me Stay Calm
Positive Pregnancy, Birth & Motherhood – by Pop That Mumma Her voice is incredibly calming, and the episodes helped me feel grounded and confident. Perfect for walks or winding down before bed.
💛 Mental & Emotional Support
Pregnancy isn’t just physical — it’s emotional, hormonal, and sometimes overwhelming.
- Journaling or a pregnancy diary
- Meditation or breathing exercises
- Talking openly with your midwife about worries
- Resting without guilt
- Letting yourself slow down when your body asks for it
A little emotional care goes a long way.
🤝 Partner Support Essentials
Pregnancy is easier when your partner is involved.
- Watching the weekly pregnancy videos together
- Helping with housework when fatigue hits
- Giving back rubs or foot massages
- Coming to appointments or classes
- Checking in emotionally, not just practically
Small gestures make you feel supported and connected.
NZ‑Specific Tips
A few things that are especially helpful if you’re in New Zealand:
- Free midwife care
- Free or low‑cost antenatal classes
- Plunket support after birth
- Facebook Marketplace and local buy/sell groups
- TENS machine hire (very popular for labour)
- Local pools for pregnancy‑friendly exercise
NZ is genuinely supportive for pregnancy and postpartum.
🎓 Learning & Community
Antenatal classes In NZ, there are free and paid options. They’re a great way to learn about pregnancy, labour, and postpartum — and you might meet people you’ll want to stay in touch with.
💕 Lifestyle & Self‑Care
Pregnancy is also a time to enjoy yourself before the baby arrives.
Watch movies, go to comedy nights, have date nights, eat out, do the things you love while you still have the time and flexibility. Once the baby comes, you’ll miss these activities for a while if you don’t have help.
Final Thought
Pregnancy is about listening to your body and finding what works for you. Essentials don’t have to be expensive — second‑hand options, simple comforts, and small routines can make a huge difference. Essentials don’t have to be expensive — second-hand options, simple comforts, and small routines can make a huge difference.
You can also read more about my experience in My Pregnancy Journey.
