Maternity Essentials Checklist: What to Prepare

Introduction

Once you find out you're expecting, it's natural to wonder what you need to prepare. If you're living in Ho Chi Minh City, figuring out what to bring from Japan versus what you can buy locally is especially important.

This article covers maternity essentials for each trimester in a handy checklist format. We also share how easy each item is to find in HCMC, so you can plan ahead with confidence.

Early Pregnancy (Months 1-4): What to Prepare

Health Management Items

• Folic acid supplements: An essential nutrient in early pregnancy. Japanese-brand supplements offer extra peace of mind
• Mother-child health booklet case: Handy for managing checkup records at HCMC hospitals. Many moms bring their booklet issued in Japan
• Thermometer: Useful for tracking basal body temperature and overall health. A women's basal thermometer is especially convenient

Morning Sickness Relief

• Sickness bags: A must-have for outings. Very useful during Grab rides in HCMC
• Face masks: For times when you're sensitive to smells. Also helps at markets and local areas
• Sour candy or gum: Can help ease morning sickness symptoms
• Bottle straw caps: A handy accessory that lets you drink water while lying down

Maternity Wear (Prepare Early)

• Maternity innerwear: Switching to less constrictive innerwear before your bump shows makes things much more comfortable
• Wire-free bras: When your breasts start feeling tender, switch to a wireless maternity bra

Mid-Pregnancy (Months 5-7): What to Prepare

Maternity Wear

• Maternity pants/skirts: Choose styles with elastic or adjustable waistbands
• Maternity dresses: Perfect for HCMC's heat. One piece and you're good to go
• Nursing-friendly tops: Picking designs that work postpartum too saves money
• Maternity swimwear: For moms who use apartment pool facilities in HCMC

Body Care

• Stretch mark prevention cream/oil: Start daily moisturizing as your belly grows to maintain skin elasticity
• Body pillow: Supports side sleeping. As your belly gets bigger, sleeping on your back becomes uncomfortable, so get one early
• Maternity compression socks: Helps with swelling. Even in hot HCMC, they protect against cold in air-conditioned rooms

Support Items

• Belly band/maternity belt: Supports your belly from underneath and reduces strain on your back. Japan has traditional belly wraps (obi), but belt types are easier to use
• Maternity cushion: For desk workers. Reduces back strain
• Folic acid + iron + calcium supplements: From mid-pregnancy, your need for iron and calcium increases

Late Pregnancy (Months 8-10): What to Prepare

Hospital Bag Prep

• Hospital bag: Have it ready by weeks 34-36 for peace of mind (see our hospital bag article for details)
• Postpartum underwear: Front-opening type, convenient for postpartum checkups
• Nursing pajamas: Front-opening design for easy breastfeeding

Postpartum Items

• Nursing bras: Types with openable cups are very convenient
• Breast pads: Available in disposable and washable types
• Pelvic support belt: For postpartum pelvic recovery. Some types can be used from late pregnancy
• Donut cushion: Helps with pain when sitting after delivery

What You Can Buy in HCMC vs. What to Bring from Japan

Available in HCMC

• General maternity wear (local and international brands)
• Basic supplements (available at pharmacies and drugstores)
• Body care products (wide range from local to international brands)
• Strollers, car seats, and other large baby gear

Best to Bring from or Order from Japan

• Japanese-brand supplements: Japanese folic acid supplements are well-regarded for their balanced formulations
• Stretch mark prevention cream: Japanese hypoallergenic types offer consistent quality
• Belly band/maternity belt: A uniquely Japanese product that's hard to find equivalent abroad
• Mother-child booklet case: Sized to fit the Japanese-issued booklet
• Postpartum underwear/nursing pajamas: Japanese products are highly functional and practical
• Pelvic support belt: Japanese brands offer superior fit

When to Buy Maternity Essentials

Stage	What to Prepare
Early pregnancy (months 1-4)	Supplements, morning sickness remedies, maternity innerwear
Mid-pregnancy (months 5-7)	Maternity wear, body care products, belly band, body pillow
Late pregnancy (months 8-10)	Hospital bag, postpartum items, pelvic belt
1 month before due date (around week 36)	Final hospital bag check, baby items ready to go

Wrapping Up

You don't need to buy everything at once. Prepare gradually as your pregnancy progresses. Many items are available in HCMC, but combining them with trusted Japanese-quality products will help you feel more at ease throughout your pregnancy journey.

Looking for Japanese maternity goods and supplements? Download the Farmi app to browse. Farmi delivers quality Japanese products right to your door in HCMC.

Note: This article and some images were created with the assistance of AI (artificial intelligence) and reviewed by our editorial team before publication.