Like any self-respecting millennial, one of the first things I researched when I found out I was pregnant was basically, “is there an app for that?” Of course there are several apps available for all different aspects of pregnancy. From reminders to take my prenatal vitamins, to step by step interactive instructions on how to perform pelvic floor exercises, I have been experimenting with a lot of different programs. Here are a few that have been making this crazy journey a little bit easier …
Top, pants and hat: Target; Sandals: Sperry; Sunglasses: Karen Walker
Suitcase: DVF; Beach Bag: Vintage
Ovia
This has to be my favorite pregnancy app, and for a totally ridiculous reason. You know those apps that tell you that “You’re baby is the size of a mango”? This app allows you to choose from four different categories. I particularly love waking up on Saturdays to Ovia telling me that my baby is the size of a Crêpes Suzette or some other French pastry. You can also choose from the traditional fruits & vegetables, weird but adorable animals, and fun & games. The app shows you how large your baby’s hands and feet are now, and how they compare to when they’ll be born.
Of course, this free app also provides expectant mothers with updates on the baby’s development, nutrition tips, and articles on what to expect at each OBGYN appointment.
Nurture
At the end of each day, I get an alert on my phone to fill out my daily log on this easy to use app. Not only does the log keep track of any symptoms I am experiencing so that I can share anything I’m concerned about with my OBGYN at my next visit, but it also reminds me to take my prenatal vitamin, drink my water, get in some exercise and practice my kegels to prepare for the big push.
Baby 2 Body
Which brings me to the Baby 2 Body app. This app is free but much of their content requires a monthly subscription, as does Nurture. I just use it for the free features, like the pelvic floor exercise function. You can choose to practice for one, three or five minutes and it walks you through some simple exercises that will strengthen those deep muscles that will help you to eventually give birth. I like to practice them when I am coming home on the train. Of course if anyone reading this is on my train, they’ll probably never want to look me in the eye again on the way out of Boston.
Mind the Bump
I believe that to get a complete picture of your health you need to take account for your body and your mind and so for the past few years I have tried to integrate meditation into my daily routine. I love Headspace, but Mind the Bump has been particularly helpful through this pregnancy because of its focus on managing and accepting change. connecting with your partner and baby and patience (something for which I am not known for). I realize that as crazy as life is now, it’s only going to get crazier with a baby. I need to establish a routine of self care for my body, soul and mind before I had another role to my plate.
The Bump
Also a comprehensive website, The Bump app is an incredible resource of information for everything from traveling to developing countries while pregnant, to alternative birth methods, to how to dress your baby bump with inspiration from style bloggers. You can also create your baby registry through the app which I plan on using when I actually get around to doing that. (Yes, Mama, I promise I am going to get to it soon!)
Are there any apps that you found helpful during pregnancy? I am always looking for suggestions!
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