Second Trimester Pregnancy Must-Haves

The Neotech Care Maternity Support Belt features an adjustable abdominal pad that connects to a support band to ease strain on your lower back — a savior as your belly begins to expand and pull on your muscles and ligaments. This band, a What to Expect community favorite, is also one of the most size-friendly bands on the market. (It can accommodate bumps up to 60.5 inches.) Adding to the list of enviable features, it’s made with super-breathable fabric, so you can comfortably wear the belt even on the hottest days.

Sizing: Small, 33 to 40 inches; medium, 38 to 44 inches; large, 42 to 49 inches; XL, 46 to 54 inches; XXL, 52 to 60.5 inches

As your baby gets bigger and your belly begins to stretch, you might find yourself experiencing some itching and discomfort. Fortunately, using a gentle moisturizer or belly butter can help relieve this discomfort. Tons of moms are huge fans of this lotion from Palmers for all the moisture it provides — it even won a Pregnancy-Safe Beauty Award! It’s incredibly soothing, which makes sense given that it’s packed with shea butter, collagen, argan oil and more. You’ll appreciate how soft and hydrated your skin feels after slathering it on.

Size: 8.5 fluid ounces

Your breasts can grow considerably during pregnancy, so it’s important that you give them the right support. Picking up a comfy new bra — properly fitted, of course — can help relieve some of the pressure from your growing breasts.

This pick from Kindred Bravely — which moms swear by for its comfort, support and seamless design — is also a nursing bra, so it will come in handy if you're breastfeeding after baby is born. Kindred Bravely’s bras are constantly recommended by parents in the What to Expect community, and it’s easy to see why. This bra, for instance, has super-soft fabric, has fully adjustable straps and a four-hook closure. It also comes in five neutral colors that’ll work with any outfit: beige, black, gray, mocha and twilight.

Sizes: S-XXXL, S Busty-XXXL Busty (fits sizes 30B - 46I)

Material: 93 percent nylon and 7 percent spandex for regular sizes, 90 percent nylon and 10 percent spandex for busty sizes

Nasal congestion starts to kick in during the second trimester (you can thank pregnancy hormones for that), increasing the odds that you may snore. That same congestion can make getting a good night’s sleep difficult. If it does, you’ll want to pick up a pack or two of nasal strips, which make breathing easier without using decongestants that aren’t always pregnancy-approved.

These nasal strips from Breathe Right get the stamp of approval from several moms-to-be in the What to Expect community because of how efficiently they work. Plus, these are infused with lavender to help you drift off to dreamland (although you can get unscented strips, too!).

Count: 26

As your belly gets bigger, you’re likely to experience a lot of discomfort while trying to sleep. A pregnancy body pillow can help provide the support your growing bump needs so you can get plenty of Zzz’s before baby arrives. The Leachco Snoogle is special in that it wraps around and conforms to your entire body to provide the ultimate support. (And if a full body pillow is too big for your needs, a pregnancy pillow wedge can also help support your stomach during slumber.)

Weight: 5 pounds

Dimensions: 58.75 x 25.5 x 7.75 inches

We know, we know — you’re probably already making a hundred trips a day to the bathroom, but staying hydrated is vital to your and baby’s health, so keep sipping on that water! A large water bottle can help you get the recommended eight to 12 cups per day in stylish fashion.

Moms in the What to Expect community are obsessed with Yetis, and for good reason. They keep your water cold all day, are dishwasher-safe and feel practically indestructible. They’re also available in tons of colors, sizes and styles so you can get the bottle that’s perfect for you.

Volume: 26 ounces (also available in sizes ranging from 12 ounces-1 gallon)

Weight: 1.4 pounds (empty)

Dimensions: 3.4 x 10.9 inches

Now that your belly is beginning to expand, it’s a good time to invest in a pair of everyday maternity jeans that will grow with you. And this pair by famed Levi Strauss & Co. proves you don’t have to spend a fortune on designer denim to look and feel good. The denim is comfortable, as is the baby bump panel that supports your belly and actually keeps the pants up. Also nice: the go-with-anything classic blue wash.

Sizes: XS-XL

Material: 80 percent cotton, 18 percent polyester, 2 percent elastane

If you’re experiencing round ligament pain (which is common during the second trimester), hot water bottles provide some much-needed relief. Plus, they tend to be safer than heating pads, since they won’t overheat and pose a burn risk.

Tons of moms-to-be turn to this hot water bottle from Home Top. It comes with a cozy fleece cover to help protect your skin, too. All you have to do is fill the bottle with warm water, let it heat up and rest it on the affected area.

Capacity: 2 liters

As your belly gets bigger and bigger, it becomes increasingly difficult to bend down to tie your shoes. Do yourself a big favor, and swap your regular sneaks out for slip-ons that are just as structured and comfortable to walk in. This pair from Skechers features a knit mesh fabric that’s ultra-breathable and lightweight, but they still have plenty of cushioning, so you can go for miles if you want to. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy them even after you welcome your little one, making them a worthy investment.

Material: Ortholite comfort foam insole, mesh upper, recycled rubber