Pregnancy comes with tons of reading, researching, and prepping. You probably check your What to Expect app daily, learning everything from baby size to weird new symptoms. But beyond the obvious tips and medical musts, there are some underrated, lesser-shared nuggets of advice that can really make a difference.
We’ve rounded up 19 smart, helpful, and super real tips you’ll want to share with your fellow moms-to-be. Bookmark this list—and trust us, you’ll want to revisit it.
1. Moisturize Like a Maniac (Starting Now!)
- Start using 100% raw shea butter on your belly, breasts, hips, and back.
- Moisturize morning and night—yes, even your nipples.
- Shea butter promotes skin elasticity, locks in moisture, and reduces itchiness.
- Avoid products with filler oils or synthetic ingredients.
💡 Stretch marks can be hereditary, but this routine helps minimize and soothe them.
2. Don't Wait—Boost That Fiber
- Iron supplements = constipation. A cruel pregnancy fact.
- Load up on fiber-rich foods or supplements in the third trimester.
- Drink 2–3 liters of water daily to prevent hemorrhoids.
- Stock your hospital bag with Tucks pads or witch hazel wipes—thank us later.
3. Yes, You Should Try Perineal Massage
- Around 34–36 weeks, start gentle perineal massages with natural oil.
- Helps increase elasticity and may prevent tearing or the need for an episiotomy.
- Your provider may even do this during labor, so it’s good to know what’s what.
4. Hydrate More Than You Think
- Aim for at least 2 liters of water per day.
- Keeps swelling down and helps maintain that pregnancy glow.
- Mix things up with coconut water, green juice, or spa water.
5. Indulge Wisely: Cravings & Sweets
- Eat what you love—but choose better-for-you versions.
- Craving burgers? Go Shake Shack over McDonald’s.
- Want a shake? Make one at home with coconut ice cream or organic ingredients.
- Avoid excess sodium and overly processed food when you can.
- Always check in with your provider if you're managing gestational diabetes.
6. Self-Care Isn’t Extra—It’s Essential
- Pregnancy is the perfect time to slow down and care for yourself.
- Apply face masks, hydrate your skin, book a massage, or treat yourself to a mani.
- Go on date nights, meet friends, and nourish your mental health.
- Bonus: your postpartum self will thank you for the TLC.
7. Nesting = Prep Mode: Embrace It
- Use that nesting energy to clean, organize, and set up systems.
- Pack your hospital bag early.
- Sort baby gear into labeled clear bins by age range.
- Think beyond newborn size—they grow fast!
8. Prioritize Dental Health
- Hormonal shifts make you more prone to gingivitis and gum issues.
- Brush and floss thoroughly—twice a day minimum.
- Use a pregnancy-safe mouthwash and see your dentist if needed.
9. Pee Often—and Lean Forward
- Never “hold it”—and when you go, lean forward to fully empty your bladder.This helps prevent UTIs, which are common and sometimes silent.
- Keep sipping water, even if it means more bathroom trips.
10. Take an Infant CPR Class (Over a Birth Class)
- Birth classes are great—but infant CPR is crucial.
- Many emergencies happen unexpectedly, and CPR skills save lives.
- Try to attend a baby care basics class with your partner—it’s a great bonding experience.
11. Buy Nursing Clothes, Not Just Maternity
- Stretchy clothes are great, but nursing tops/tanks are even better.
- Choose styles that work from bump to baby.
- Easy nursing access = less stress, especially during cluster feeds.
- If you plan to breastfeed or pump, learn and prep ahead—not after birth.
12. Cord Blood: Research Early
- You must register before baby arrives (ideally by 36–38 weeks).
- You can privately bank or donate your baby’s cord blood and tissue.
- Kits must be brought to the hospital and can’t be ordered last minute.
13. Test Baby Products Before Birth
- Babies can be sensitive to wipes, diapers, lotions, and more. Stock a variety of hypoallergenic wipes and trial-size products.
- Accept all the samples and gifts that may allow you to test products. Choose your favorites.
- Have your Amazon subscribe & save ready so essentials can auto-deliver.
14. Set Up Grocery & Meal Delivery
- Grocery delivery apps = lifesavers. Use Prime Now, Instacart, etc.
- Consider meal prep subscriptions for smoothies, healthy lunches, and snacks.
- If you enjoy grape salad... Wine delivery? Also a good idea (for postpartum, of course 🍷).
15. Wax Before Baby
- BE AWARE your skin is thinner and very super sensitive if you are pregnant so some places will not wax you. If you like being hair-free, get your waxing done before due date week. Professionals know how to handle sensitive skin and awkward angles, although you may not be able to get a wax at some places. Armpits too!
- You won’t have time later—and it's just one less thing if you do it now.
- Cosider just personally trimming to avoid pain and problems with waxing if you are pregnant.
- ALWAYS consult your doctor first since skin is sensitive during this time.
16. Assemble Baby Gear in Advance
- Get the swivel bassinet, monitor, car seat, and swing all set up.
- Test everything now—assembly takes longer than you think.
- Pro tip: remove packaging, wash baby clothes, and load diapers ahead of time.
17. Learn Your Breast Pump (Before Baby Comes)
- Don’t leave it in the box!
- Watch YouTube videos to learn how to assemble, use, and clean your pump.
- Insurance may cover your pump—get it ordered early.
18. Create a Car Diaper Caddy
- Skip the 20-lb diaper bag every time you leave the house.
- Keep a caddy in the car with:
- Diapers, wipes, cream
- Extra outfit, socks, blanket
- Nose cleaner, toy, emergency supplies
- Just carry a mini bag or big mom tote with daily essentials and restock from your car.
19. It's OKAY to hold your baby all the time!
You CAN NOT spoil a baby.
It's their biological need to be held and close to mom.
Remember, this child was inside of your for months and is new to the world. Don't stop holding them and yep...they will like to be held a lot. It's okay!
20. Don't Focus on How to Bounce Back
Losing weight and having a plan...throw some of that out the door. Be prepared to be all-in with your child and know that what you are doing to care and love them is the most important job.
It's ok to not get back into your old jeans right away. The right time will come.
Focus on bonding, finding routines, and feeding and playing with your child. Incorporate stroller walks and getting outdoors to keep you healthy without hyperfocusing on weight loss.
21. Buy a few Pumping and Nursing T Shirts
You can pack 1-2 in your hospital or home birth bag and have it handy upon babies arrival.
Yes, baby will want to latch as soon as they are skin to skin with you after being born. Baby naturally will try to find the breast to suckle.
Having a nursing t shirt or nursing tops is perfect for welcoming visitors while not having to stop nursing your baby.
Discover nursing tops and easy nursing t shirts here for support once baby arrives.
No pregnancy journey is the same, but some advice is timeless and golden. The best way to prep? Plan smart, laugh through the weird stuff, and lean on your village. You’ve got this, mama.
If you found this list helpful, share it with another mom-to-be who could use a few real-deal tips.
Fascinating article.This article contains good advice. I wish to learn more ideas about pregnancy and I’m so glad to have bumped in your blog. It given me some great ideas of things to work on. Thank you.
Being pregnant is one of the best thing that takes a vital role in a woman’s life. Thank you for this nice article! As part of being healthy while pregnant you can take probiotics. It is said to be safe even during pregnancy and has many benefits.