This trimester has been the toughest for sure for me. I’m actually surprised I’m saying this because I was sick for the entire first trimester (and then some) but it’s true. My body is fatigued, in pain, and I’ve been dealing with all sorts of annoying health things that the doctors can only explain as “one of those weird things that is just part of pregnancy”. That’s what you want to hear after waiting in urgent care for hours because they were worried it was pre-term labor,  right? Anyway, I have 10 days left until due date but as I’ve learned, this baby will come in his own time. Sully came a week early and Elouise came a week late, so who knows what this kiddo is going to do. Maybe he’ll actually come on his due date? We shall see! In the meantime I rounded up the things I’ve been gravitating toward this trimester.

1. Organic Dates: This may sound like a weird one, but just trust me. There have been studies done that show that women who consume 6 dates a day starting at 36 weeks show all of these benefits when it’s time for labor. They even found that women consuming them in later in pregnancy will still show benefits. To be honest, I am not the biggest fan of dates but I found a recipe for these vegan energy bites that have 6 ingredients, are no bake, and free from refined sugar. They are called No-Bake Vanilla Cake Bites and they legit taste like cake. SO flipping good.
2. Bai Antioxidant Cocofusion Drink: We actually bought a variety pack of Bai drinks and my husband is not a fan of coconut. So, out of default the coconut ones became mine, and I was hooked! I love the flavor and really love that they have antioxidants and no artificial sugar (and only 2g of sugar in the whole bottle). They are the perfect thing for me to grab when my afternoon sweet tooth hits, which is basically every day lol.
3. Peri Spray: Ah Peri spray, my friends this one is a game changer. I used the nasty chemical numbing spray after Elouise without knowing that there were any other options out there. After Sully I didn’t actually need any numbing spray, but I definitely used those witch hazel pads the hospital sends home with you. I wouldn’t necessarily call those “nasty” but they are basic. This DIY spray made with Essential Oils is not only cooling and soothing, but it has all sorts of benefits for your skin. I started using it (when I remember) around 36 weeks. Typically I’ll apply down there, you know where a baby is going to come out, once a day but any love you give to that area before baby will be beneficial. Then this spray doubles and your spray after giving birth as well. It will help with the pain and also the healing so it’s a double whammy in one little bottle! You can find all sorts of DIY recipes online but I’ll be sharing mine on the blog soon!
4. Rainbow Light Trimester 3 Prenatal Vitamins: I shared about my love for the new line of Rainbow Light Prenatal Vitamins in my 2nd Trimester Must Haves. I love the raw formula and the fact that they include a whole food blend and probiotics. The third trimester ones are designed specifically with the needs of each trimester in mind.
5. Valor Essential Oil Blend: This is a blend of essential oils specific to Young Living. It is called “liquid courage” by it’s regular users and that’s because it’s an amazing blend of oils that provide emotional support. It’s considered a grounding oil and can provide courage, ease anxiety, boost your mood, and balance your spirits. Now, I used to think this sort of stuff was mumbo jumbo. I loved oils for helping me sleep, boost my immune system, and replace toxic products in my home, but the emotional support side of things felt a bit out there. That is until I did research on the science behind oils and the brain and how they can directly connect to our emotions. Then came Valor and I was hooked. I use this every day to start off on the right foot and throughout the day if I’m feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
6. Labor Prep Tea: This is an organic and caffeine free tea that is delicious. It’s pretty common knowledge that red raspberry leaf tea is recommend at the end of pregnancy and this tea uses that plus other herbs and nutrients to help support your body pre-labor. It can even help tone your uterus and get things ready for delivery!