Pregnancy is one of those milestone experiences that you look forward to your whole life. Yet, no one tells you when you’re little just how exhausting it actually is. By the time you find out you’re pregnant, you’re already halfway through the first trimester. But, just because it seems shorter doesn’t mean you’re past the worst of it. If you’re a first time mom, you may not know what to expect! Whether you’re having morning sickness, aches and pains, fatigue, or heartburn… there are things you can do to make yourself more comfortable. To help you get through the weeks ahead, here is a complete first trimester survival guide detailing everything you’ll need!
A First Trimester Survival Guide
For Your Health
Prenatal Vitamins – Prenatal vitamins are a vital part of keeping yourself healthy during your first trimester! Ultimately, your baby will always get what they need from you. By taking a prenatal vitamin, it ensures you are getting everything you need. To ensure you’re getting what you and your baby need, start taking a prenatal vitamin ASAP!
Tip: Make sure what you choose has Omega 3, folic acid, and DHA to support your child’s development.
Water Bottle – One of the more frustrating parts about your first trimester is the constipation you can face. It’s important to stay hydrated and keep your fluid intake high so that you don’t get any “backup” along the way!
Oral Antioxidant – A lesser-known fact about pregnancy is how irritated and sore your gums can get. Something I swear by is using an oral antioxidant! I used one throughout my entire pregnancy to stay comfortable and I could always tell if I forgot.
Electric Toothbrush – If you don’t already use one, I suggest investing in an electric toothbrush. Like I said above, your gums become ultra-sensitive when you’re pregnant and are prone to bleeding and soreness. An electric toothbrush is ideal for treating your gums with the utmost care.
For Your Symptoms
Carbonated Drinks – Both in and out of pregnancy, Lacroix is my go-to drink for all occasions. Anything carbonated can help with your stomach upset. Whether it’s sparkling water, ginger ale, or even soda… Whatever your preference, having some on hand will be helpful.
Salty Snacks – Eating small, consistent meals and snacks throughout the day will help keep your nausea at bay. Saltines, Goldfish crackers, etc. For moments of nausea, bland is best.
Tip: Keeping a sleeve of saltine crackers on hand at all times will help ensure you’re prepared! Store them in your purse, your desk at work, your car, your bedroom, etc. You never know when your nausea will hit! This is one of the best tips I will give you on in this trimester survival guide.
Nausea Pops & Chews – Something else that’s helpful for nausea are nausea lollipops and ginger candies!
Here are a few other options:
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Tums – With a combination of hormonal changes in the body and the added pressure your growing babe is putting on your stomach, you’re more prone to indigestion during pregnancy. A favorite go-to of mine are Tums! They are pregnancy safe and come in a variety of flavors and sizes.
For Your Comfort
An updated wardrobe is more of a second trimester investment. However, because you’re going to likely be taking a lot of naps, here are a few things you’ll need going forward in your first trimester:
Compression Socks – To keep your circulation moving, invest in a pair of compression socks! They’re great for when you’re going to be sitting, laying, or standing for long periods to ensure your legs remain refreshed. With some women, the more they grow and become “top heavy”, the more pressure it puts on their legs. Compression socks will be beneficial in all trimesters to come, so investing in them early on is good.
Jumpsuits & Pajamas – My favorite item I bought in when I was pregnant was a maternity jumpsuit! You barely have a stomach in your first trimester, but it’s still something comfortable that you can grow with. At the least for around-the-house wear, I highly recommend getting one!
For Your Skin
Belly Butter – To help keep your skin hydrated and stretch marks at bay, you’ll need to invest in a good belly oil and/or rub. While genetics are a contributing factor here, every little thing you do can still help. I used the classic cocoa butter when I was pregnant and came out with one small mark on my back, so it works really well!
Body Lotion – While it’s important to keep your belly hydrated, you will find that the rest of your body is going to need some TLC, too! I was surprised just how dry my skin got during pregnancy, so keeping body lotion on hand will help ensure you stay comfortable.
Non-Toxic Skincare – Try to stick to the basics, and use as little as possible when pregnant. You should avoid the following products specifically:
Retinyl Palmitate (Retinol), or Vitamin A Derivatives
Instead, try: Vitamin C, Glycolic Acid, Azelaic Acid, or Hyaluronic Aid
Chemical Sunscreens
Instead, try: Mineral sunscreens like Sun Bum, Supergoop, Earth Mama, and Coola
This article gives a lot of information on what to avoid during pregnancy and even has brand and product recommendations!
Non-Toxic Makeup – Ilia Beauty is a staple in my beauty routine! They combine skincare and makeup together, while also remaining clean, conscious, and sustainable.
For Your Hair
Silk Pillowcase – With the first trimester comes a lot of fatigue, so investing in something to help care for your hair while you sleep is a must! Silk pillowcases are great for preventing tangling and friction on your hair up to 43%. It has also been shown to reduce tugging on facial skin. With the combination of being delicate on your hair and anti-aging for your skin, do I need to say more?
Cloth or Silk Scrunchies – Scrunchies are great for preventing breakage while you sleep. They don’t leave a crease in your hair and cause no breakage compared to elastic bands. I personally have hair that extends down my back, so I enjoy sleeping with my hair up and off of my neck. Whether it be cloth, or silk, scrunchies are great ways to ensure that your hair stays crease-free and healthy!
Non-Toxic Shampoo & Conditioner – I used Bondi Boost throughout my pregnancy and after to help repair my hair postpartum! They use Aloe Vera leaf juice, which fills it with lots of amino acids and vitamins to boost health.
Non-Toxic Hair Products – I’ve been a cult-follower of Gisou hair products for a while now and the Gisou Hair Oil is my favorite all-time favorite product! It a great multi-purpose product, being great for both pre-styling and finishing. I use it primarily as a hair detangler!
Read more: 8 Hacks for Healthy, Longer Hair
I hope this helps you get through to your second trimester in the most comfortable way possible. Is there anything you’ve used during your first trimester that I should try next time around?
