How to Survive the First Trimester

You’ve just found out you’re pregnant and you’re super excited! And then… all the horrible pregnancy symptoms hit you!

Nausea, vomiting, extreme fatigue, sensitive sense of smell.

Even though you’re thrilled to be pregnant, the reality is that this pregnancy thing may be more challenging in the beginning than you had imagined.

Like a lot of moms, you’re wondering how to survive the first trimester.

I get it! I missed 5 days of work when I first found out I was pregnant after NEVER missing a day in 6 years. True story. I want to share some of the best advice I was given, and some helpful tips for the first trimester of pregnancy from my own pregnancy experiences.

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First Trimester Pregnancy Advice for Mom’s to Be

Eat when you first wake up.

I had no idea how much of a difference this simple tip could make. I was so incredibly sick that I ended up needing medication for several weeks, but I was able to slowly wean off of the meds and this was one of the best things for me.

By eating right when I woke up, I was able to get some food on my stomach before I attempted to start my day. Some people swear by two things when it comes to nausea. The first is Preggie Pops. They’re a hard candy with essential oils that, for a lot of women, help to ease nausea. The other thing a lot of women use during the first trimester for nausea is anti-nausea bracelets. Maybe worth a shot!

Stay hydrated, even if you’re puking.

I know several people who struggled with staying hydrated in the first trimester. But the reality is that if you don’t want to end up in the ER hooked to an IV, you MUST figure out a way to stay hydrated. Obviously, the goal would be to be drinking lots of water, but sometimes you have to drink whatever your stomach will allow. If you think you’d do better with flavor, maybe try some Gatorade or even Pedialyte for adults.

Rest every free moment you have.

You really don’t understand the amount of sleep you lose until you have your baby at home for the first month or so. Take my advice, and sleep as much as you can while you’re pregnant. That first trimester is especially exhausting as your body is in the beginning process of adjusting to new hormones and starting to grow a tiny human. If you want the bottom line on how to survive the first trimester- REST!

Don’t overdo it.

If you find yourself completely exhausted to the point of tears at the end of the workday, it may be time to slow down. This pregnancy thing can take a toll on your body and you need to listen to what it’s telling you. If it’s screaming, “SLOW DOWN”, then stop completely and rest.

Have a support system in place.

One of the things I am most grateful for during my first trimester was my support system. Family, friends, and especially your friends at work are super important for surviving your first trimester. Family and friends get the special treat of putting up with your craziness, but if you plan to work during your pregnancy, you’ll want the people you work with on your team too.

Exercise any chance you have the energy.

If you exercise at all, then you know that you often feel more energized after you exercise. I know this is true for me. Once I convince myself to muster up the energy to workout, I usually feel better after I get my workout in. This was the same for me during my pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Even if you can’t get a workout in, going for a walk and getting some fresh air may be just what you need.

Related Post: What to Wear During Labor and Birth (that’s not the ugly hospital gown!)

Ask your midwife or OB-GYN for help.

If you’re struggling with the day-to-day, talk to your physician. They’re there to not only support and take care of you physically but also to support you and answer any questions you have about the day-to-day struggles and questions you have. They truly are one of your greatest resources during your pregnancy, so use them!

Wear a bra that is comfortable and actually fits.

One of the first changes you’ll likely notice in your first trimester is that your breasts are going to start feeling larger and fuller. And although this sounds like a fun and exciting thing to a lot of women (and quite honestly their spouses too), you may notice some discomfort with the bras you’ve always worn. Buy a new bra or two to help you get through your pregnancy. If you plan to breastfeed, I would highly suggest that you check out my suggestions on the best nursing bras!

Don’t stress about the number on the scale.

So many women begin to worry about the scale from the moment they find out they are pregnant. If you’re not ill your entire pregnancy, you’re going to gain some weight. But, for the most part, as long as you keep it within reach, you have the potential to lose it relatively quickly. I had one pregnancy that I lost all my baby weight within 3 weeks. This isn’t always the case, but it’s possible. Just maintain a healthy diet, keep a simple exercise schedule, and if you’re concerned about weight gain, talk to your doctor. And, check out this information on weight gain during pregnancy and where it’s all going.

Talk to your employer.

THIS! Even though it may not seem important, you need to let your employer know ASAP when you’re pregnant. My employer was one of the first people I had to tell, mainly because I was so sick. But I also needed them to work with me on being flexible when I was pregnant and also with doctor’s appointments.

Survive the First Trimester

Finding out you’re pregnant may be a great joy or even the surprise of a lifetime, but the first trimester and the side effects you experience can be rough sometimes. If you find yourself trying to figure out how to survive the first trimester, I hope some of these tips for newly pregnant moms will help you out.

Want to get ahead? Here is what the hospital will supply after you give birth. You’ll know what to bring, and what baby items you can leave at home!