10 Items Every Pregnant Woman Needs During Her Pregnancy

Congratulations! Nothing compares to the emotional ups and downs as excitement and happiness wage war with discomfort and fear. You're pregnant. You've got the doctor visits scheduled. You've got time. So you think. Those months go by far faster than you would've ever imagined. So here's a no-nonsense, no-holds-barred, list of recommended items to get you through the next nine months.

1. A good pair of slippers. You might want to either get the stretchy multiple-size type or buy them half a size larger. Your feet will swell. Your current favorite sneakers will become uncomfortable and rub. Get slippers to live in while at home.

2. A support bra. Actually you'll need more than one as the pregnancy progresses and your breasts enlarge. But it beats squeezing them into something smaller. And forget about the underwire. You'll end up ripping it out.

3. Massage oil. While your partner may like this idea, thinking it's for him, this is for your benefit. Your back will ache in the last trimester. Sleep will be fleeting at times. The massage oil helps ease those aching lower back muscles and relaxes you. Best immediately before going to sleep. K-Y makes a wonderful massage oil.

4. An appointment book or small calender. Doctors and nurses affectionately call it "placenta brain". You will become scatter brained and forgetful. It's a right of passage for the pregnant women. It's okay; don't fret. Just be prepared by writing down all appointments, lunch dates, birthdays, test dates, etc. You might find it handy to also write in when all major bills are due....

5. Underwear. You can either splurge for the maternity underwear, or just buy a size or two larger -- as your belly grows. Wear them the first few days after a vaginal birth and then chuck them. You'll end up ruining a pair or two anyway and it sure beats the one-size-fits-all that the hospital provides.

6. Panty Liners. In the third trimester, when baby's head is pushing on your bladder, you'll appreciate these. Wear one every day. Besides the bladder leakage, pregnancy comes with all other sorts of wonderful yucky discharges. Be prepared.