Pregnancy is full of exciting and joyous moments, but whether you are carrying your firstborn or your third child, it also comes with an abundance of changes to your lifestyle. From your diet and workout routine to your clothes, moms-to-be have a lot of adjusting to do even before the baby arrives, and it can be both uncomfortable and overwhelming.
All of a sudden, none of your clothes fit. You have acne, and you've never had it in your life! (And where is that pregnancy glow everyone talks about?) You're starving all the time, but the only things you can stomach are carbs and sour candies. You want to work out, but you don't know what moves are prenatal-safe and which ones are not. If any of that sounds familiar, you're certainly not alone. (Trust me, this mom-to-be is right there with you.)
It can be a lot to manage, particularly when you are busy juggling these changes in your life along with a busy career as an entrepreneur and leader within your field. We spoke with eight of our favorite inspiring moms-to-be and new moms to hear their best tips and products to help us get through all three trimesters (and beyond) with a little more ease. From the best soothing ginger teas to belly creams to pre- and postnatal resources, these women were full of amazing ideas.
Photo: Courtesy of Robin Arzon
Favorite workouts to do while pregnant? (Peloton, of course, but tell us more specifically what you've been doing.):
“I created a prenatal program for Peloton specifically for the prenatal population and all of the queens out there. I created cycling classes, including interval-based classes, specifically to prepare women for labor. There are recovery rides for the days that we need to take it a little bit more low-key, and then strength training to get our muscles prepared for what is an intense endurance event. I consider labor to be my 27th marathon—26 traditional marathons, and labor will be my 27th."
Favorite healthy-ish snacks to reach for when hunger strikes?
“I have been loving dates with peanut butter in them. I'll eat that before or after a workout. I find that really re-energizes me, and if the tales are true, dates are always also good for thinning the cervix during the third trimester, so we'll see if that's actually accurate."
Go-to wardrobe staples while pregnant?
“Matching sweat suits in a size up—Peloton has some really cute ones, and those were amazing for Zoom calls. I'm always living in leggings, and trying to find cool pregnancy leggings has actually been a challenge, so I would love advice from the other ladies on what they did. I also love the Skims fuzzy slippers. I actually got myself two pairs—one to wear during pregnancy, and one to wear at the hospital post-baby."
Favorite resources for prenatal?
“I have an amazing doula—Lindsey Bliss—and I've really enjoyed working with her. I also really enjoyed the book The Birth Partner, and my husband has also enjoyed that as well. I think Birth Smarter is an amazing virtual course, and I highly recommend it. They have everything from newborn care to lactation to labor and delivery. I also really enjoyed the book Transformed by Birth by Britta Bushnell. I thought it was a really refreshing take on prenatal advice."
Best advice you were given or want to give to all pregnant women out there to make pregnant life just a little easier?
“The best advice I would give to pregnant women out there to make pregnant life just a little easier is to move. Movement is medicine. I gave myself the 10-minute-a-day rule when I was feeling the fatigue of the first trimester especially. The rule was just to move for 10 minutes, and then if I felt like I didn't want to continue on with the workout, that was OK, but oftentimes after 10 minutes, when the endorphins are flowing, you're feeling better."
Camilla Marcus
Chef and Founder, west~bourne; Advocate + Founding Member, Independent Restaurant Coalition and ROAR
Photo: Courtesy of Camilla Marcus
Favorite healthy-ish snacks to reach for when hunger strikes?
“I rely a lot on bone broth and love dehydrated fruits and homemade west~bourne granola when I need a pick-me-up.I keep west~bourne's coconut chia pudding and usually yellow curry lentils in the refrigerator at all times."
Favorite wellness/beauty ritual or treatment (in-spa or at-home) while pregnant?
“One of the most scientifically grounded pieces of data I rely on is the importance of prenatal vitamins, which I believe in strongly. I just discovered a company called Perelel, which I've loved this time around—they tailor the vitamins to each trimester on subscription to make it easy and custom for the phase of the pregnancy. I also believe deeply in acupuncture and body work to keep blood flow and circulation pumping at a time when your body is changing so rapidly and as a way to keep centered."
Favorite stretch-mark cream or belly oil?
“I am obsessed with everything Erbaviva makes and swear by their belly oil, which I use every night. I am a hippie at heart and am very conscious of what I put on and consume as well as what our children do."
Go-to wardrobe staples while pregnant?
“I don't really buy maternity clothes; I just try to just size up or pick relaxed, loose-fitted clothes (I even wear my husband's pants instead of investing in pricey maternity jeans... I've embraced unbuttoned and unzipped as a real style). Pregnant or not, I live for a well fitted, comfortable jumpsuit. A Piece Apart makes a comfortable, relaxed-fitted linen one that happens to have an elastic waist—so although it's not a pregnancy brand, it's absolutely perfect through my day in and out of the kitchen."
Favorite resources for pre- and post-natal?
“For books, I read Brain Rules for Baby, anything by Janet Lansbury, and The First Forty Days. I'm working with a magical doula named Patti Quintero who runs Uma Mother. She's been such a spiritual guide and center point—something I needed so much, given we moved to L.A. during the pandemic while I was newly pregnant and trying to settle and figure out so much in my life."
Best advice you were given or want to give to all pregnant women out there to make pregnant life just a little easier?
“This is one of the rare times you need to make time for you—to listen to what you need, prioritize your wellness, and take care of yourself in ways that might even feel indulgent. Let go of expectations, any 'shoulds' and judgments—be kind and loving to yourself. There's no right way to do any of this except to embrace the journey and changes, which can be beautiful, filled with growth, and enlightening if you truly embrace how it naturally evolves."
Photo: Courtesy of Nathalie Walton
Favorite pregnancy style hack?
“I was a big fan of everything in The Hatch Collection because the pieces are stylish and you can wear them post-pregnancy. One of my favorite pregnancy hacks was buying Hatch clothes on The Real Real or Poshmark. I also stayed up to date on fashion by purchasing flowy in-season dresses in a larger size. Ganni and Sea NY make beautiful bump-friendly dresses."
Favorite shoes to wear during pregnancy?
“I was (sadly) one of those women whose feet expanded beyond recognition in my third trimester and first weeks of postpartum. Towards the end of pregnancy, the only shoes that fit were Rothy's! They have a great stretch, they're flat, and they are sustainable."
Most used items in your makeup bag while pregnant?
“I used a lot of Tata Harper Skincare during my pregnancy. It was important that I used clean beauty products during pregnancy, and Tata Harper had an impressive line of products."
Favorite wellness/beauty ritual or treatment while pregnant?
“Meditation had such a positive impact on my high-stress pregnancy. I loved Expectful's meditations so much that I left my career in tech to join Expectful."
Favorite resources for prenatal?
“I have to mention Expectful as the best resource for pregnancy. We are the leading meditation and sleep app for hopeful, pregnant, and new mothers. We are constantly adding in new offerings, like Mothers Circles and hypnobirthing (I highly recommend hypnobirthing for easier labor!)."
Best advice you were given or want to give to all pregnant women out there to make pregnant life just a little easier?
“My advice to aspiring mamas is to let go of expectations. On the road to becoming a mother, there is so much that is out of your control. The sooner one can embrace the unpredictability that accompanies creating human life, the more strength one will have to conquer the unforeseen circumstances."
Photo: Courtesy of Megan Roup
When you wake up in the morning, the first things you eat or drink are _________:
“A glass of room-temp water and half a lemon, followed by a French-press Bulletproof ground coffee. My doctor has cleared me to have a cup a day, and I am SO thankful! I also love Seed probiotics in the morning—it really helps regulate my digestion, which has felt a little off during pregnancy."
Favorite wellness/beauty ritual or treatment (in-spa or at-home) while pregnant?
“I recently learned how to Gua sha, and I love the lymphatic drainage tool on my face and chest. I am definitely holding a little more water, and I've noticed a difference from the Gua sha. At night, since I can't use CBD right now, I love The Nue Co's Magnesium spray. You spray it on your skin, and it really helps to wind down and sleep better."
Most used items in your makeup bag while pregnant?
“Since my sleep has been so off, I'd have to say my under-eye concealer. I really love Becca's Under Eye Brightening Corrector and Estée Lauder's Double-Wear Stay Instant Fix Concealer, both work wonders. I also really love Super Goop's Glow Screen—I put that in with my moisturizer, and it gives you the best glow and bonus SPF protection."
Favorite workouts to do while pregnant? Sculpt Society (of course!), but tell us more about your new prenatal program:
“The Sculpt Society App! I have always had pre- and post-natal workouts, but I recently launched an entire The Sculpt Society Pre + Post Natal Program, tailored to each trimester (including the fourth trimester/postnatal). There is a calendar to follow, workouts, stretches, pelvic-floor videos, and meditations. While you're in your second and third trimester, it's important to know what sections of a workout to modify or to be following a pre- and post-natal certified trainer like myself, who can guide you in a safe workout."
Favorite healthy-ish snacks to reach for when hunger strikes?
“I am obsessed with Food from the Ground Up Cauliflower Stalks and Chips—they're a healthier chip option and so good!"
Best advice you were given or want to give to all pregnant women out there to make pregnant life just a little easier?
“The first trimester can be really hard with all-day sickness, low energy, and food/smell aversions. When I told my OB that the only thing I could physically stomach were Skittles and Starbursts, she told me the first trimester is survival mode you do what you need to do."
Photo: Courtesy of Ashleigh Stone
Go-to wardrobe staples while pregnant?
“Hatch Cashmere Joggers—they are so comfy and easy to pair with anything! I wore these throughout my pregnancy and straight into the hospital when I went into labor. Frances Hart also makes beautiful maternity clothing, and I wore my knit dress constantly! It was so comfy, yet looked put together. And near the end of pregnancy, this was a game changer for me. These Lively pajamas are so comfortable, and they truly resulted in much better sleep. I still wear them!"
Favorite shoes to wear during pregnancy?
“In the warmer months, I wore Birkenstock's white AVA sandals from their Arizona Essentials collection. I wore these rubber ones every day during the last three months of pregnancy and even into the hospital to give birth—they double as great shower shoes! I underestimated how hard it is to put your shoes on when you're pregnant, and these worked so well during the end of pregnancy!"
When you wake up in the morning, the first things you eat or drink are _________:
“I drink an amazing ginger tea from The Eastern Philosophy. You can currently only order through DM. I drank this when pregnant to help with nausea, and I still start my morning with it. I also love coffee, and as a new mom, it's essential. Bluestone Lane just launched their biodegradable, Nespresso-compatible pods. I use these every morning, and it makes a delicious cup of coffee at home in seconds."
Favorite wellness/beauty ritual or treatment (in-spa or at-home) while pregnant?
“My favorite beauty ritual was my nightly belly cream application! My husband rubbed Mutha's body butter on my belly every night. (I used Mutha Body Butter and Mutha Body Oil every morning and night throughout pregnancy. I truly believe that this is what helped me avoid stretch marks!) Most spas were closed during my pregnancy, but I got one amazing prenatal massage at Chillhouse. I definitely recommend indulging in as many massages as possible!"
Favorite workouts to do while pregnant?
“When the pandemic hit, I started using New York Pilates' online fitness streaming app called NYP World. I also use obé, which is amazing because they have so many prenatal and postnatal class options. Last by not least, I am an Amanda Kloots die-hard fan, friend, and follower. I've done her classes since she started her fitness brand, and I use her fitness app for dancing and sculpt classes."
Favorite resources for pre- and post-natal?
“I read a few books to help me prepare for baby, including The Gentle Birth Method by Dr. Gowri Motha and Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin—both of which told positive birth stories and allowed me to stay relaxed and look forward to labor and delivery. I also had an amazing group of pregnant women around me, which I am very thankful for. I stayed connected with them through events, workout classes, and Instagram."
Photo: Courtesy of Whitney Tingle
When you wake up in the morning, the first things you eat or drink are _________:
“The first thing I do in the morning is drink a large glass of water (if I can get through a quart first thing, that's a good day) and take The Foundation: Prenatal. These supplement packs have been essential throughout my fertility, prenatal, and postpartum journey. I've been taking them since before I got pregnant, and it's given me such peace of mind knowing that I'm getting all the nutrients needed to support us both!"
Favorite healthy-ish snacks to reach for when hunger strikes?
“So helpful to have healthy snacks on hand, especially during that first trimester. I found that if I kept the hunger at bay, it would also keep the nausea away, as well. My favorite snack to make is the No-Bake Sunflower Bliss Bites from our cookbook Eat Clean Play Dirty. They are filled with tons of plant protein, healthy fats, and nutrient-rich superfoods to nourish you and baby. So easy to make, and taste delicious! They also store in your fridge or freezer for a good amount of time. They make a great snack for birth as well! I also love snacking on our Energy Bars. They've been a staple since they are jam-packed with essential nutrients that support stable energy levels, clarity, and alertness (without the effects of caffeine)."
Favorite workouts to do while pregnant?
“Throughout my pregnancy, I loved taking Fit Pregnancy Club and The Bloom Method classes. Since having Bodhi, I've been trying to dedicate at least 20 minutes a day for some sort of movement, whether it's taking a walk with my family, swimming (I'm currently living in Arizona, where I can swim outdoors year-round), or doing Melissa Wood Health with my Bala Bangles one-pound weights."
Favorite wellness/beauty ritual or treatment (in-spa or at-home) while pregnant?
“Since I haven't been able to see a facialist or do any of the other 'maintenance' activities that I normally do, I have been loving having a simple skin-care routine that nourishes my skin and makes it look and feel great. I absolutely love Living Libations Seabuckthorn Cleansing Moisturizer. I learned that you must follow the instructions for oil cleansing with a washcloth. It's a game changer for my skin! I follow with Vintner's Daughter's Active Treatment Essence and Active Botanical Serum."
Go-to wardrobe staples while pregnant?
“[A] 24/7 Bra by Boob Design—my absolute favorite bra that's great for pregnancy and breastfeeding. So comfy and chic. Monrow Sweatpants—I finally caved and started wearing sweatpants (my 2019 self would have never believed it!). My favorite pair are by Monrow that I bought on Goop. They are super comfy and feel like vintage sweatpants but with an upgrade. Blanqi Maternity Support Tank—a must! Helps support the belly and feels so good on. I would wear it under everything or on its own. Similarly, the Belly Bandit support belt was a must for me, as well!"
Favorite resources for pre- and post-natal?
“I enjoyed the book Why Did No One Tell Me This? The Doulas' (Honest) Guide for Expectant Parents by Natalia Hailes and Ash Spivak. Though I don't think anything fully prepared me for what came post-birth…the hemorrhoids are a real thing. Hypnobabies has a great birth course and also offers meditations which I loved listening to while pregnant. I also feel extremely fortunate to have a close relationship with Dr. Aviva Romm, who is not only a friend, but also on Sakara's Science & Advisory Council. She has some incredible resources on her site and Instagram that I highly recommend."
Photo: Courtesy of Paola Mathé
When you wake up in the morning, the first things you eat or drink are _________:
“I drank coffee during the entire lengths of both of my pregnancies. Just half a cup and plenty of water!"
Favorite workouts to do while pregnant?
“Nothing beats a long walk around the neighborhood or impromptu dance parties in the living room. Those were my only workouts when I was pregnant."
Favorite healthy-ish snacks to reach for when hunger strikes?
“Dark-chocolate-covered almonds are a fave in my household. They always do the trick when I'm craving sweets. I make sure to only eat about five of them. I also like stovetop popcorn, but I'm not sure how healthy that is!"
Favorite stretch-mark cream or belly oil?
“Eu'genia 100 percent Shea Butter (pregnancy formula). I love that this rich butter is so soft and melts into my hands after a few rubs. It comes in an amazing metal container, which means it's sustainable and can be reused for other goodies."
Favorite wellness/beauty ritual or treatment (in-spa or at-home) while pregnant?
“I like to indulge in self-care and made sure to keep that up both during pregnancy and postpartum. My favorite things are applying a good facial mask after my morning shower and exfoliating my body with a good scrub. I also like to apply fresh aloe vera on my hair before my wash days. My 4c hair loves it!"
Most used items in your makeup bag while pregnant?
“I found myself using less and less makeup. If I had to, I'd used one dot of Nars Radiant/Creamy concealer under my eyes to conceal dark circles when I couldn't sleep, half to one pump of foundation (I like Estée Lauder Futurist Foundation), a swipe of Laura Mercier setting powder, eyebrow pencil, and eyebrow gel to set the brows."
Go-to wardrobe staples?
“I wear lots of activewear from Morgan Stewart and Girlfriend—both are incredibly comfortable. My boobs are gigantic, and I have to sleep in bras now. These three brands are the most comfortable and supportive by far: Harper Wilde, Boob Design, and Skims. All the time, I wear tons of LPA, of course, just sized up. I love our catsuits right now, they look great with a baggy cardigan."
Favorite shoes to wear during pregnancy?
“Oh man, I am a Crocs girl now. How damn comfortable...my god!"
Most used items in your makeup bag while pregnant?
“Saie Slip Tint, just Lashfood since I'm not really using mascara, Westman Atelier Concealer, Ilia anything, and my CHANEL blush I've been using since college."
When you wake up in the morning, the first things you eat or drink are _________:
“Owl Venice bone broth with lemon, and a smoothie containing half a banana, flax milk, chia seeds, hemp seeds, flax seeds, Imbibe Collagen, MCT oil, cacao nibs, cocoa powder, and a shot of espresso."
Favorite wellness/beauty ritual or treatment (in-spa or at-home) while pregnant?
“I am super high-functioning, happy, and feeling strong because I train three days a week with Nichelle Hines, get acupuncture weekly, and see a prenatal chiropractor bi-weekly and take a bath in Epsom salt almost every day. I am working more than ever and really can't afford at this point to not feel as good as I can. I also sit on a ball since chairs kill my back. I am going to start seeing Anna at Ricari Studios for lymphatic drainage this week too."
Favorite healthy-ish snacks to reach for when hunger strikes?
“Bone broth, apples with nut butter, and pickles. Also, sorry this is an overshare, but no one talks about being constipated. It can be debilitating with everything else that's going on in your body, so eat flax seeds and take magnesium!"
Top photo: Courtesy of Paola Mathé
Want more stories like this?
The Truth about Postpartum Anxiety During a Pandemic
What's It Really Like to Freeze Your Eggs in a Pandemic?
You Wanted to Get Pregnant—Then the Pandemic Hit. Now What?