The Best Maternity Items Under $25 That'll be Your Pregnancy Must-Haves

Pregnancy typically stretches through three seasons, which usually means three different types of weather—making layering key when dressing your bump. Plus, when you’re pregnant, your body temperature can yo-yo between super chilly and sweltering hot in what feels like minutes. A layering tank, which can be worn under another top like a sweater or on its own, makes it easy to bundle up or cool off when needed. And if you’re building a maternity capsule wardrobe (another way to save bucks on maternity clothes), layering tanks are essential. A bonus: they also offer bump support and create a smoothing effect underneath your clothes. One or two of these ribbed tanks can last your entire pregnancy.

Does rubbing your belly with oil really help to prevent stretch marks? According to Dr. Jocelyn Gandelman, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC, who we talked to about the best belly oils, stretch marks are mostly genetic but belly oil massages can help your skin stay moisturized and potentially improve elasticity (in theory). We love Bio-Oil because it’s lightweight, has a delightfully delicate citrus scent and is loaded with vitamins and plant extracts that help smooth and hydrate your stretching skin and reduce itching.

If there’s one item of maternity clothing you should buy, it’s maternity leggings. This over-the-bump pair is ultra comfy and designed to fit from bump to baby. Live in a cooler climate? Add a pair of fleece leggings to your rotation too.

If you’re not ready for a trial separation from your pre-pregnancy wardrobe, this belly band can give you some extra time with your favorite clothes. Wear it under your shirt to add extra belly coverage or over your unbuttoned jeans to help hold them up.

The list of do’s and don’ts during pregnancy is quite long. Emily Oster, an economist, professor and mom of two turned data-driven parenting expert, can help you understand everything from can you eat lunch meat to the reasoning behind the litany of genetic testing through science. Oster’s other title, Crib Sheet, can also help you navigate the early years of parenthood through the lens of science.

Keep your blood flowing and alleviate swelling with a pair (or three) of compression socks. These are especially key if you plan on flying and are prone to swollen legs and feet (whether you’re pregnant or not).

When we talked to Dr. Franziska Haydanek, OB-GYN and mom of three, about the best nursing bras, she told us that during pregnancy, while your breasts are likely to go up a size or two, your ribcage actually expands too. A larger bust combined with a widening ribcage means your regular bra might feel more like a zip tie than support. If you don’t want to buy all-new bras just yet—because that can be a pricey endeavor—this bra extender will do the trick.

Keeping up with your water intake during pregnancy is essential, so having a BPA-free, double-wall insulated water bottle, like this one, helps keep you sipping all day long.

These foldable, breathable maternity underwear provide under- or over-the-belly comfort, whichever you prefer. They’re great for postpartum recovery too.

A facial for your belly may sound unnecessary but, when you’re hitting your third trimester and you need a little pick-me-up, this hydrating belly mask is such a treat.

Between the morning (eh, all-day) sickness, round ligament pain and exhaustion, that promised pregnancy glow might be feeling a little elusive. This soothing face mist seals in hydration, and if you store it in the fridge, it’ll feel like a two-second cold plunge with every spritz.

And speaking of morning sickness, there’s nothing fun about meeting the day (or evening) with a wave of nausea. This specially formulated herbal tea uses organic and natural ingredients like ginger root to help alleviate the symptoms of morning sickness.

And if the thought of drinking something sounds unpleasant, these acupressure bands are a wearable alternative that may help relieve nausea. They’re also designed to be discreet if you’re keeping your pregnancy under wraps.

Pregnancy belts act like a bra for your bump, giving you extra support and lift to take some of the pressure off of your back. This one is our pick for the best affordable maternity belt.

A little black dress is a capsule wardrobe essential because you can style it so many different ways. Pair it with a jacket when it’s chilly, wear it with sandals when it’s warm or toss a T-shirt over it to switch it up—the possibilities are endless.

When you have achy, swollen feet, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of kicking off your shoes at the end of the day and sliding into a pair of cushy slippers. This pair is also machine washable so they’ll always be fresh.

Becoming hyper-aware of what you put in and on your body during pregnancy is a normal part of the process. If you want to find a good one-to-one swap from traditional nail polish, Zoya polish is free of toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and formaldehyde, and this four-pack comes in beautiful neutral colors.

It can be challenging to get a good night’s sleep when you’re pregnant. This comfy eye mask helps to block out light and give you a better shot at longer, sounder sleep.

Speaking of sleep, when you’ve given up on constantly repositioning rolled-up towels under your belly, you’ll realize that this is the best $20 you can spend for a better night’s sleep. Our top pick for a wedge pregnancy pillow, the firm foam gives you targeted support and since it’s so compact, you can easily take it on the go.