Third Trimester Must Haves

As I'm almost done being pregnant(wow that felt weird to type) I decided to make a list of third trimester must haves. Just like this one I did for the second trimester. The third trimester can be the ultimate challenge out of all the trimesters. With the aches and pains, lack of sleep, huge belly, and the urge to pee ALL THE TIME. But you have to remember, you're in the final home stretch and soon it will all be a distant memory when you're holding your sweet little baby. 

If you got through the first trimester, you can get through the third! 


These are things that I have found helpful for me in these last few months.   



Third Trimester Must Haves

1. Vitamin E Oil- I have noticed that my belly is the most itchy thing ever in the last trimester, which obviously makes sense because that's when it stretches the most. Along with it being itchy, it'll feel super sore, almost bruised and putting lotion on just makes it worse. The oil is nice because it just glides on. I use this morning and night. And sometimes throughout the day if it's bothering me. Currently I don't have any stretch marks! Hopefully that continues. 

2. Yoga Pants and Comfy Shirts- When I'm at home, I live in comfortable pants and shirts. You have a growing belly that is uncomfortable most of the time, so it's a good idea to invest in comfortable but cute clothes. Plus you will want them after the baby is here.

3. Flip Flops- If you're lucky like me, and get to be pregnant during the summer, shoes will become pretty hot and uncomfortable. Also since swelling happens during these last months you will want shoes that don't squeeze your feet. Also, have you ever tried to tie shoes while being 8-9 months pregnant? It's almost impossible and it's better to just go with shoes that slip on. 

4. Raspberry Leaf Tea- There is a lot of information about the benefits of drinking this tea in  your third trimester. First of all, NO it does NOT bring on labor...it seriously bothers me so much when people say it does. It tones and prepares your uterus for delivery and can help shorten labor. Now for some it doesn't work, which is fine. Of course I haven't found out if it works for me or not. If it does, great, if it doesn't, great. At least I tried! 

5. Tums- Horrible heartburn...need I say more? 

6. Cheese Sticks- Or any healthy snack. Because when you have a growing baby taking up all of the room, there's not much space for your stomach. And eating big meals just doesn't sound as appealing. It's best to stock up and healthy snacks! My favorite is cheese sticks because they have calcium and protein. 

7. Kleenex- I carry tissues with me everywhere because my nose is constantly running. Between allergies and pregnancy related symptoms I don't have much of a break. Most pregnant woman complain of stuffy & runny noses in their third trimester. So it's best to have these handy. 

8. Cute Water Bottle- I have such an unquenchable thirst, I feel like I can't drink enough. Apparently it's normal this late in pregnancy. So I got a cute water bottle since I would be using it 24/7. Plus it's super important to stay hydrated. 

9. A Treat- You've dealt with morning sickness, fatigued, embarrassing symptoms, and etc. You deserve to treat yourself. My treat of choice would be Starbucks. I crave their iced coffees ALL the time. I tried making them at home, but it's just not the same. My little girl is addicted to Starbucks...and she isn't even born yet! I don't have one everyday, but probably once a week. 

Is Starbucks Gluten Free?

There is just something about warmer weather that makes me want Starbucks Frappes. They are once again loaded with sugar and soy(for me) but I can’t seem to stay away!! I know the dangers of soy…but Starbucks recently had their Half Price Happy Hour this past week. And I gave in. I’ll be very honest, my drink was pure amazing goodness. Do I regret giving in? No. Okay, maybe just a little. I recently posted a healthier version of a Starbucks Chai Tea Latte. I have gotten questions asking if I know if Starbucks has anything gluten free. To answer these questions, I had to dig deep because there isn’t much real info right from Starbucks.
So I emailed Starbucks asking them what coffee, syrups, and their soy milk contain gluten. Their response back was very vague and they said they cannot say anything is completely 100% gluten free. This is because of cross contamination can be very likely.

Well that wasn’t much of answer for me. So I dug deeper….

Some people have been having reactions even when they choose soy over dairy milk. I myself, *knock on wood* haven’t had any reaction to any Starbucks drinks. I do know that anything labeled “sauce” has dairy in it. Yes, I discovered that the hard way too. Thank you Starbucks for not informing people that they contain dairy! As for the soy milk containing gluten, this isn’t very clear. Some say there is, some say there isn’t. Most Starbucks use Silk Soy milk, which doesn’t contain any gluten. But some Starbucks locations do use their “brand” of soy milk. So if you are unsure. Just ask to see the label….they can’t say no if you ask.

For their syrups. I have read the ingredients and nothing leads to the fact that they have any gluten in them. Some have said that they have gotten sick from having the syrups and say there is gluten. But I have to disagree with that one. They are made of pure sugar, water, and flavoring. Yes, very unhealthy. But no gluten containing ingredients.

I believe that Starbucks is an okay place if you aren’t extremely sensitive to gluten. This is because there could be cross contamination. Starbucks Chips used in their java chip drinks could have trace amounts of gluten, and if the blenders weren’t properly cleaned, they could effect someone who is more sensitive.

Of course all of their baked goods have gluten. There’s no doubt about it. So don’t go into Starbucks looking for a gluten free baked good. You won’t find one there.

If you find yourself getting sick after having Starbucks, then check to see what your drink contains and go from there. Maybe some people get sick from the syrup, soy, or dairy and just don’t know it.
My advice would be if you do have Celiac Disease, then it’s best to avoid Starbucks for your own health.
Since Starbucks can’t promise that they are a gluten free facility, it’s unsafe for people who have Celiac, or are extremely sensitive to gluten.
I try my best to not get Starbucks, and create my own drinks at home. I’m thankful I haven’t had a reaction to anything yet. But I am only gluten intolerant which means small amounts don’t effect me. But if you want gluten out of your system. Drinking Starbucks isn’t the wisest choice.

If you have any more info or thoughts. Please share! I’m still doing my research and trying to find answers. I hope this helps for now!