Your Guide to Natural Pregnancy Care

As magical as pregnancy is, it can be a little overwhelming seeing your body change so quickly. During pregnancy it's important to adapt your beauty and health routines to match your body's (and baby's) new needs. With so many things changing at once it can be difficult to know where to begin, whether it's your first pregnancy or not! With the help of our Nourished Life Naturopath, Mel, I have come up with some recommendations for natural pregnancy care products to help make things as easy as possible.

Which natural products to use during pregnancy

It's important to remember that every single pregnancy is different. If you're ever unsure about a product, I suggest checking with your health care professional to give you the go ahead. The biggest changes are of course going to happen to your shape, so I recommend using a stretch mark prevention lotion or oil from day one. It can also be a good idea to start using a body oil even if you're not pregnant yet, just to help give your skin a head start. Perfume is also something you need to consider, so try swapping your regular fragrance for a much gentler one that's safe for pregnancy. Pregnancy teas are also wonderful to help settle nausea and even support you into nursing.

Best natural skin care for pregnancy

Skin Juice Healthy Pregnancy Pod - Juice Treat To Go
The Skin Juice Healthy Pregnancy Pod - Juice Treat To Go is such a great set as you get three pregnancy-specific skin care products in one box. This collection includes a Mummy's Tummy Moisturising Body Wash, Mummy's Tummy Stretch Mark Prevention Cream and Green Juice Recovery Balm, all formulated for mums-to-be who need extra hydration. This makes a beautiful gift too!

Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil
The Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil is a popular favourite to help keep mums to be skin feeling great! This product may help to prevent the formation of stretch marks around the stomach, bottom, thighs and breasts through regular massage Containing Almond Oil, Arnica Extract and Wheat Germ Oil, this formula has been dermatologically tested to show 77% smoother skin after four months of use.(*brand claim)

Pai The Gemini Stretch Mark Dual-System
Another great body oil for mums-to-be is the Pai The Gemini Stretch Mark Dual-System. Pai uses an innovative two-step system to harness the different benefits of creams and oils. Used in the morning, the hydrating cream drives moisture into the skin, and in the evening, the rich, replenishing oil nourishes the skin to help keep it supple and healthy.

PURE Papaya Renew Cream
The PURE Papaya Renew Cream is great if you prefer a thicker cream rather than an oil texture. This rich cream has a beautiful citrus fragrance. It contains deeply moisturising Paw Paw, Macadamia, Sweet Almond and Rosehip, and is vegan and gluten free.

Badger Pregnant Belly Butter
Another great option for those looking for more of a creamy consistency, the Badger Pregnant Belly Butter works as an all-over intensive overnight treatment or spot treatment for particular areas of concern. This creamy butter has a delicious chocolate scent from nourishing Cocoa Butter, and melts upon contact with the warmth of your skin into a rich balm. It's also certified organic and vegan.

Best natural teas for pregnancy

Pukka Motherkind Pregnancy Tea
Containing Raspberry Leaf, Nettle, Chamomile, Peppermint and Shatavari, which are all herbs traditionally used during pregnancy, the Pukka Motherkind Pregnancy Tea is a delicious blend which works to support the body in preparation for birth. As with teas and supplements containing Raspberry Leaf, this tea should only be consumed during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, but can be enjoyed up to four times per day.

Weleda Nursing Tea
A great tea for brand new mums is the Weleda Nursing Tea, which may help supports lactation as well as soothing digestion for both mum and bub. The organic herbs in this tea, including Anise, Fennel, Caraway and Lemon Verbena provide benefits which transfer to the baby through breast milk.

Natural deodorant and perfume for pregnancy

Black Chicken Axilla Deodorant Paste - Barrier Booster
Recommended by our Nourished Life Naturopath Mel, the Black Chicken Axilla Deodorant Paste - Barrier Booster can be used during pregnancy to provide reliable protection against body odour. This bicarb-free deodorant works to absorb moisture and destroy bacteria, but still allows your skin and sweat glands to function as normal instead of blocking them. This Australian made, vegan and gluten free paste can be applied directly to underarms for day-long protection.