Bigger boobs.  Expanded belly.  Varicose veins. Back pain.  Though it’s an exciting moment in time, pregnancy is often uncomfortable.  Happily, there are numerous products designed to lend an extra dose of support to moms-to-be.

Here, my handy-dandy list of groovy gear to help you look and feel your best during trimesters one through four.

Trimester 1

Invisibump by Invisibelt for Liz Lange, $20

A clear belt that help pants and skirts stay fastened when you are in between bloat and belly phase of pregnancy

Ingrid & Isabel Bellaband, $26

Super simple. Super chic. Bellaband holds up unbuttoned waistbands and loose maternity wear. Great for trimester 4 as well!

Trimester 2 & 3

Belevation Support Brief and Boyshort, $20 each

Smoothing support, breathable, four-way stretch undies for comfort during pregnancy

Upsie Belly by Belly Bandit, $69.95

Worn during pregnancy, helps evenly distribute pregnancy weight by taking pressure of your back, hips and legs–also increases range of motion
Will be available in October at Bellybandit.com

Belabumbum Copacabana Nursing Bra, $36

Feel sexy in a comfortable, super supportive lace nursing bra

Spanx Bra-lellujah Underwire Contour Front Closure Bra, $62

Elastic-free, all hosiery design creates smooth, supportive and comfortable fit during all stages of pregnancy.

Bella Materna Smooth Underwire Nursing T shirt Bra, $72

Full coverage and full support bra that can be worn throughout pregnancy

Wacoal Bodysuede Ultra Underwire Bra, $60

Maximum support and coverage for full bust and full figures

Bella Materna Anytime Nursing Camisole, $76

Maternity through nursing–provides bra-like support and pull aside nursing access.  Italian microfiber accommodates growing belly, moisture wicking and comfort.

Prenatal Cradle, $58

For serious back and abdomen support, ideal for carrying multiples and improves posture

A Pea in The Pod Tummy Tube, $26

Wear pre-maternity pants longer, add extra support to maternity wear and wear pos- baby pants sooner

Trimester 4

Belly Bandit Original, $45.95

The unique powerful stretch and compress technology is created for a post-pregnancy body geared to shrink your new shape

Cezara Belly Support Panty, $60

Specially designed to protect, cushion and compress Cesarean scars after delivery or when pregnant again.

A Pea in the Pod Control Nursing Cami, $35

Holds in your belly and hips after giving birth.  Great to wear alone or layer under other shirts.

Forget boring gym workouts. Pilates is my poison. The precise, controlled movements developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920’s strengthen, tone and align the body by using one’s own body weight. These non weight bearing exercises are ideal for pregnant women to keep the body strong and the metabolism firing. Another benefit of Pilates? It will make you the star of the delivery room. When the good doctor tells you to “push!” pilates’ practitioners will understand how to tense their ”kegels” and use their core muscles to bear down.  But, prenatal pilates must be done with a certified expert. I spoke with my trainer RANDI WHITMAN of FROG TEMPLE PILATES  (her instructors have undergone intensive prenatal and postpartum certification  and are specialists in the field)  to spotlight the many benefits of pre-natal pilates.

Amy 8 months pregnant at Frog Temple Pilates

“Pilates during pregnancy is about maintaining a woman’s previous level of fitness, staying strong and flexible for all 3 trimesters of pregnancy. We focus on what a woman can do as opposed to what she cannot do. At Frog Temple Pilates Center, our aim is not only to keep the pregnant body healthy and fit during pregnancy, but preparing her for the demands of labor and delivery,  as well as shortening recovery time postpartum.

1.     Prenatal pilates promotes good posture, strength and flexibility for the growing body.

2.      Prenatal pilates prepares the body for the demands of labor and delivery.

3.      Prenatal and postpartum pilates prevents common aches and pains such as lower back  and joint pain.

4.      Pilates exercises help to shorten recovery time postpartum, helping to get your body back quicker, both inside and out.

5.      Pilates postpartum teaches realigning the pelvis, strengthening the pelvic floor, and strengthening  all the weakened surrounding muscles we need to stabilize and rehabilitate the body.

For more information:
Frog Temple Pilates
773.489.0890