The first trimester of pregnancy is difficult, tiresome, nerve wracking. However, you can get through the first trimester of pregnancy with these tips and tricks. If you’re newly pregnant and feel terrible, or maybe lucky to not have any symptoms, my first trimester survival kit will have at least one item you can’t live without. Here are my First Trimester Must Haves.
First Trimester Must Haves
Morning sickness is a pregnancy symptom not all women are lucky enough to experience. But, if you have first trimester nausea, I send you my love. It’s not fun, nor is it something I would ever wish upon my worst enemy.
For your Stomach during First Trimester
The way I survive pregnancy morning sickness is frequent carb snacking, sometimes a seltzer, and peppermint gum. As far as cravings go, it is okay to indulge as long as its in moderation. Some of my all-time favorite pregnancy cravings have been restaurant chicken tenders, grocery store bakery apple pie, and the entire Taco Bell menu. If food makes you gag, I’ve heard Nausea Candies, Gin Gins, and Preggie Pops are also great ways to curb pregnancy nausea.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Pregnant women must stay hydrated at all times. Dehydration can lead to complications such as cramps, contractions, Charlie horses, dizziness and more. I highly recommend buying a great water bottle to make sure you drink enough water during the day and never leave home without it!
What Your Mind Needs during First Trimester
If you haven’t found a support group – do it now. From sporadic spotting to waiting on bloodwork to weird aches and pains, the first trimester can be very scary. It’s also okay to feel miserable and lazy – and to want to talk about it! It is helpful to have someone to talk to, such as women who’ve experienced pregnancy or are pregnant at the same time. Social media is a great place to find groups for pregnant women, but I recommend looking in your area first. My OB office always has group meetings posted on their bulletin board.
Once you find out you’re definitely pregnant, download a pregnancy app. I use the Bump and What to Expect apps on my phone. I love being able to see who is developing inside during each week of my pregnancy. However, I highly recommend you stay away from pregnancy message boards within these apps. Pregnancy groups on social media can be filled with paranoid pregnant women or negative stories too – so be cautious.
Instead of always looking for answers to pregnancy question on message boards, read a book! One of my favorite books is The Girlfriends’ Guide to Pregnancy. This book is truly one of the most real accounts of pregnancy that I have ever read. Plus, it will surely make you laugh.
Do you have Pregnancy Anxiety or Depression? Consult your OB-GYN or a Mental Health Professional.
Check out THIS POST: 10 Must Reads for Pregnant Women
Things your Body needs during First Trimester
Your body will need a lot of items throughout pregnancy to ensure you and the baby stay healthy and comfortable.
PRENATAL VITAMINS: During my second pregnancy my doctor prescribed prenatal vitamins to be sent to my home once a month, for free! They were pretty fantastic, but made me nauseous if taken any other time but bedtime. For my third pregnancy I am going to take these pregnancy vitamins or this prentala vitamin.
SKINCARE: Bio-Oil and Palmer’s Cocoa Butter
are my favorite pregnancy skin care products. I like to be on the proactive side when it comes to preventing stretch marks. Plus, there’s something about the surge of hormones that dries out my skin during pregnancy.
CLOTHES: Hair ties are necessary if you’re spending a lot of time dry-heaving and stretchy pants are a must if you feel as bloated as I did. My favorite leggings for pregnancy are the Zella Mamasana Maternity Leggings and Lululemon Align High Waist.
Finally, order a heating pad! My electric heating pad is my best friend during (and after) pregnancy. With all the cramping, stretching, aching and pulling that may happen during the first trimester, heating pads are a must have for pregnancy.
What is it about bagels that make morning sickness better?? They were the only things that I could eat in the morning.
Any recommendations for “must have” registry items or “don’t really need it” registry items? Since you have experience 🙂