I’m excited to share with you all my 5 top prenatal care items! When I found out I was expecting our first baby I was so excited! But then I suddenly felt overwhelmed. I wanted to care for my body -and now a second little body- the very best I could. But I wasn’t sure where to start. I struggled with incredible nausea my first trimester, even after being on medication from my midwives. I had a friend gift me a large container of cod liver oil and other friend recommended beef liver. After a week of taking one each day, my nausea subsided greatly.

Certainly check with your OB or Midwife before adjusting anything in your diet. Here is a list of non-negotiables for me during each of my pregnancies, my 5 top prenatal care items.

1. Cod Liver
2. Beef Liver -I was very skeptical at first but this really helps to keep me feeling “level” during pregnancy.
3. Basic Prenatal Vitamin -There are so many options on the market but I like to opt for the cleaner brands if possible.
4. Electrolytes -I have tried multiple brands but use Liquid IV the most often. We can get a good price at Costco. Drinking lots of water just isn’t enough for me during pregnancy. I can tell a significant boost in my energy when I drink a pack of electrolytes each day.
5. Magnesium -Once again there are so many options but I have used the brand Moon Juice the most often. I put spoonful or two in a glass of water and drink before going to bed. This has helped my leg cramps extremely well in my second and third trimester.

Two other things that have helped me significantly during pregnancy:

• Prenatal Chiropractor -I had bad sciatic nerve and pelvic pain during my first pregnancy. I also threw my hip out of joint just a day before my induction. My chiropractic appointments were instrumental in easing the pain. I did a lot of research for safe chiropractors in the DC area and this one kept coming up in my search: Back to Health Center in Alexandria. I highly recommend their practice.
• Prenatal Massage -I only scheduled one during my first pregnancy but it felt so amazing! Truly a splurge but well worth it to help with some of those join and muscle pains as our body carries another little life and prepares for birth.

I hope My 5 Top Prenatal Care Items help you as you prepare to welcome a little one into your life.