Buy, Buy, Buy

18 weeks

Being pregnant certainly comes with a cost these days. I had no idea how many products are to be discontinued once one is with child, and how many extra items need to be purchased. I knew about the obvious things like getting rid of certain cleaning products, staying away from candles with scents, and avoiding paint; but, upon researching, I found the list of what not to use goes much deeper. The first surprise was having to buy all new makeup. At first thought it seems silly because women didn't change their makeup lineup in earlier days, however, makeup of previous days did not contain half the ingredients and preservatives it does now. It is recommended that pregnant women wear mineral make up, so that's what I sport now. I initially saved all my original makeup to use after the pregnancy, but the more I learn about the ingredients in typical makeup products, the less I intend on ever going back to makeup that is not mineral wear. I also had to switch all my lotions, soaps, hair care, and nail polish to avoid a list of ten ingredients that are linked to a variety of health scares, for both mother and baby.  And yesterday I made my first purchase of coco butter lotion. There are no statistics available (based on a couple pregnancy websites and books) to support the idea that using this item keeps one from getting stretch marks, but apparently it's worth using, just in case. I read that 90 percent of women end up with stretch marks after pregnancy, but I usually fall in the minority of medical statistics so hopefully that means I'll be the 10 percent that escapes the marks. My mom didn't get stretch marks so maybe genes will serve me well in that department. Adding to the list of increased costs is shopping organically. After learning about all the ingredients in processed foods (that we cannot even pronounce), I'm convinced eating natural and organic is the way to go from here on out. And of course, maternity clothes add to the cost of pregnancy, too. Luckily I've been able to borrow some clothes from my sister-in-law and find good deals at stores like Target and Ross.  Not being employed has been a bonus in this area sine I don't have to purchase a new professional wardrobe. Now, I just have to decide if I'm going to purchase a maternity swimsuit for Hawaii or bare my little belly bump. 

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