Pregnancy Favorites Part 1

A few days ago, my sister-in-law, who is also currently pregnant, posted a lovely piece on her blog, Make It Blissful, about cravings. I loved it because I could just relate with her in so many ways. My previous two pregnancies and this current one have made me crave for different kinds of food. Some I don’t even usually look for. I don’t remember how many times I’ve sent my husband out in the middle of the night to get me something to satisfy a particular craving.

I actually find it fascinating, amusing even, how the body of a pregnant woman acquires very specific desires at very specific times. She could badly want a plate of baby back ribs today but find it so repelling the very next day. The cravings come and go, some linger longer than others, but they’re there. Sometimes it’s not even for food but a desire to be in a certain place, have a certain experience, even listen to a certain type of music.

All of this talk about pregnancy and cravings made me look back at the last six months and come up with a list of things (Not all food, mind you! ) that have become my personal favorites because they help make my pregnancy less stressful and more pleasant; less burdensome and more enjoyable.

You’ll notice that most of these things are not exclusively for the pregnant. They’re really just my own list of random things I’ve come to like during this pregnancy. So whether or not you’re expecting, you might find a thing or two you realize you need or want too!

1. Marks & Spencer Lemonade/Ginger Soda (Not in photo)

This was most helpful during my first trimester when I was feeling nauseated all the time. Even water made me want to throw up so I always looked for soda or something fizzy. Soda water is always expensive and soft drinks are usually caffeinated so Kayo would get this for me all the time. It’s cheap at P60 for a 1 liter bottle and it’s made with real lemon juice (or ginger). It still contains sugar, but it’s better than having a Coca Cola. I swear, even just a shot of this made me so happy.

2. Pinkberry Frozen Yogurt

This isn’t new but I’ve only discovered it a couple of months ago and I find it to be the best frozen yogurt I’ve had in the city. My favorite is the strawberry flavored yogurt topped with my other favorites: fresh strawberry, mango, kiwi, cherry. It’s one sour party in my mouth that I just love!

3. I’m Expecting Mobile App (Android/iOS)

I think by this third child, I’ve read enough pregnancy books already. Ok, maybe I have not read them all yet, but by this time I have already discovered that they pretty much say the same thing. Nonetheless, I like knowing what’s going on inside my tummy. I like to keep track of the changes. This simple app in my phone keeps me updated. It also helps me keep track of my weight and the baby’s size. As of this writing, the little widget tells me the baby is the size of a zucchini!

4. Cavendish & Harvey Sugar Free Fruit Drops

This was another hit during my first trimester. I don’t know what it is exactly, perhaps it’s the sourness, but these fruit drops helped me get rid of the sick feeling, specially when I had to be in a vehicle for an extended period of time. These are available in Santi’s Deli.

5. Fetish Foot Spa at The Spa

Let’s face it, being pregnant is a joyous time but it can also wear me down. My body is working double time and it can be exhausting even if I don’t deliberately do anything tiring. So a treat is something I think I deserve once in a while. Kayo took me to The Spa when I was four months pregnant and had me get a luxurious foot spa which I absolutely enjoyed! The relaxing treatment was heavenly and it didn’t cost a fortune. I think it’s very reasonable at P450 for one hour of delightful feet pampering.

I hope you enjoyed that! Keep posted for part 2 of this list. It’s going to be more about my maternity clothing favorites and looking good big-bellied.

How about you? What are your pregnancy favorites? 🙂