I spent my first trimester of pregnancy sheltering in place at home — these are the items that helped comfort me while struggling with isolation

My sweet husband ordered this iconic book for me the day we found out I was pregnant. We spent the first few weeks voraciously reading it. Not only does it chronicle each stage of pregnancy, but it also answers many common questions and addresses all kinds of concerns. I didn't feel the need to call my doctor's office every day in a panic over minor pains or twinges.

I also like the accompanying free downloadable app. It gives me daily and weekly updates on the baby, and its corresponding fruit or vegetable by size. I enjoyed reading how the baby was growing, developing, or generally just doing in there. The book and app continue to bring me a lot of comfort and ease — so long as I don't jump ahead to birth and delivery before I'm ready to read it.

While I was far from needing maternity clothes in the first trimester, I did need something to wear every day that felt soft and comfortable. My MeUndies pants were my morning and nighttime staples to either start the day or wind it down. The MicroModal fabric is buttery soft and the elastic waistband never felt too snug on my growing midsection. I'm still wearing them nearly every day in my second trimester, and have a larger size ready to go once the time is right.

Read Business Insider's review of MeUndies Lounge Pants

These were my go-to "outside pants" pre-bump. I wore them anytime I stepped out for a walk, doctor's appointment, or wanted to feel put together. The high waist offers nice support over my stomach and the material is thick without feeling too constrictive or hot. The ample stretch means I've been able to wear my regular size well into the start of the second trimester. Sadly, I'll be giving these up soon, but size up and you very well might make it to the third.

I always tend to run warm and that has been especially true lately. Newly pregnant, I struggled to fall asleep or stay asleep many weeks, which made it feel especially frustrating when I heard the refrain, "Sleep now while you can before the baby comes!"

Fortunately, one small fix made a difference: I traded my big heavy duvet for one designed to keep me cool. This lightweight blanket with a soft shell made from 100% eucalyptus has a soothing cooling effect. It's naturally breathable and cool to the touch, and I've been falling asleep more quickly since using it.

Read Business Insider's review of Buffy the Breeze.

I experienced no cravings in early pregnancy, only extreme aversions. Every woman is different, but chicken? Disgusting. I hated the smell of most things, abhorred the idea of meat, and largely subsisted on grilled cheese, macaroni and cheese, or french fries. In other words, I was the picture of health.

Our Vitamix blender has long been a trusty companion in the kitchen, but in early pregnancy, it also ensured I stomached at least some key nutrients. My morning green smoothie was a refreshing highlight and the only fruits and vegetables I managed to keep down. Me, and my fetus, are especially grateful for this worthy appliance that makes everything from smoothies to soups and peanut butter in seconds. A bit pricey, but it's an investment that will last for years. I even plan to use it to make baby food one day.

Unexpectedly finding ourselves at home indefinitely, I've spent quarantine largely indoors. Our apartment is on the smaller side and doesn't include outdoor space so I wanted to ensure the air I was breathing was as clean as we could possibly ensure. We purchased this air purifier, which is the smaller version of Business Insider's best overall pick.

It's affordable and has a slim profile that makes it easy to tuck away in corners or transfer from room to room. When set to low, it's completely silent. Medium is a quiet hum, while the high setting is akin to white noise. I haven't performed any air quality tests, but I'm resting a bit easier knowing we're making an effort to breathe easier, too.

Full disclosure, my husband works at Bombas. But also for the record, I discovered them first and spoke of their greatness, long before he interviewed there.

I typically put these on first thing in the morning. When you're feeling sick, tired, and anxious, comfort is everything and the naturally moisture-wicking material meant my feet always stayed dry and cozy. The quarter merino wool is my favorite style, though they have lighter options for summer and fun seasonal prints.

Read Business Insider's review of Bombas socks.

Maybe it was the end of winter, maybe it was pregnancy, but my skin seemed to erupt overnight into dry, itchy scaly patches. Cerave has long been a dermatologist-recommended solution for my always-sensitive, hive-prone skin. The thick cream is silky soft, absorbent, and offers quick relief without harsh chemicals or irritants.

Now that I'm experiencing a growing belly in my second trimester, I pair this cream with Pipette's Belly Bundle, a combo of moisturizing lotion and soothing oil intended to relieve itch associated with stretching skin and to help prevent stretch marks. I'll be reporting back soon on its efficacy.

Back to being cozy. Snowe's super plush robe was my favorite post-shower cocoon. The thick terry cotton kept me dry and comfy, and the tie was easily adjustable to my changing waistline.

It's quite warm, one of its highlights, though I've recently switched to Allswell's stonewashed waffle-weave robe for spring and summer. The latter is also made from 100% cotton and has a quick-drying effect, even though it's not nearly as thick as Snowe's version. Every time I put it on, I feel like I've just checked into a sumptuous hotel spa. I chose the silver grey as opposed to gleaming white, because, well, I'm having a baby.

Read Business Insider's review of the Snowe robe.