If you have ever been pregnant, or are even thinking about having kids, then you most likely have wondered how bad the first trimester really is and how you’ll get through it. I am here to tell you that every woman is different but it’s better to be prepared than to be sick and hopeless.
I wouldn’t call myself an expert, but now after being pregnant three times (four if you count my angel baby), I feel like I got a handle on how to ease that first trimester dread.
Below you will find my top fourteen must haves to survive the difficult first trimester.
DISCLAIMER: Every woman is different, therefore some or all of these may not work for everyone. This is based off of my own experience and research. As always, ask your provider or a professional if it is safe for you to use any of these remedies.
1. Ginger Lemon Tea
I learned really quick to keep ginger tea on hand when I was pregnant with my first. I swear by ginger and its magical healing properties to subside and take away nausea. I prefer to add lemon to my ginger tea as it helps take away the nausea even more and makes it easier to drink (if you don’t like ginger). Here is my favorite brand.
2. Peppermint and Lemon essential oils
You all know I swear by my essential oils. I remember when I was pregnant with Jasper I would not leave the house without peppermint oil in my purse. Simply smelling this oil always did the trick when I was in a pinch. I prefer to place a drop of it on my tongue as I found it to be the most effective. I do this with Lemon as well- simply smelling this oil can do the trick! I use Young Living essential oils.
These were an item I heard a lot about but never believed they worked until I gave them a try with my second pregnancy. I felt like I constantly needed to have something in my mouth, whether it was candy or gum, I couldn’t stand to be without it. I decided to try these and ya’ll, I went through a container in less than a week. Not only do they taste so good, but they temporarily relieved any nausea I had. I used them between meals or when I was busy with Jasper.
4. Gum
Before I discovered the magic of Preggie Pop Drops, I would chew gum constantly (and I still do). I prefer traditional mint flavored gum, but any flavor of your liking will do. It always helps with any heart burn, reflux, and that metallic taste women sometimes get in their mouth when pregnant.
5. B6 Vitamin
I researched the crap out of morning sickness remedies before I ever got pregnant. I hate feeling sick and I really hate vomit, so I was prepared to do anything to prevent it. I kept coming across B6 vitamins and how effective they were. So, after my own research, which I advise everyone else to do, I decided to give them a go. Best decision EVER. Your B vitamins get depleted when you become pregnant, specifically B6, causing you to become nauseous mixed with all of the hormonal changes. I took no more than 100mg a day.
6. Unisom (in combo with B6)
For my current pregnancy Unisom in combination with b6 every night was the only thing that made me somewhat functional during the day. It is important that you get the Unisom with doxylamine (the SleepTabs) because that is the ingredient needed to make them work! Again, check with your provider before taking this.
7. Gummy Prenatals
When you’re nauseous and/or throwing up the last thing you want to do is swallow a horse pill. I know I sucked at this in my first trimester. I resorted to gummies instead and I will never go back. I prefer the OLLY brand because the serving size is two, so I would take one in the morning and one at night. Once any and all morning sickness was gone I switched back to my original ones in pill form.
8. Heating pad
I know there is a lot of controversial conversations on heating pads and pregnancy but again, please research this for yourself. It is safe as long as your body temperature doesn’t rise. This saved me so many nights when I was awake feeling so sick. I’d sip on some ginger lemon tea and lay my heating pad over my stomach. Find it on Amazon here.
9. Eat what you can, when you can
Chances are you will have strong aversions to foods you used to love and crave only specific things. That’s okay! Listen to your body! Whatever you can stomach and keep down, eat it and eat about every two hours (assuming it’s a snack or small meal). Eating before you get out of bed in the morning helps too. I would keep a box of plain Cheerios by my bed to snack on throughout the night and in the morning. Bananas are another great option.
10. Sleep
Easier said than done, I know. Making sure I got plenty of rest is what always kept me going. With my first, I would take a long nap every afternoon after work and then go to bed at a decent time. With my second, I would nap when Jasper went down for his first nap in the morning. My current pregnancy was a little harder as I have two toddlers running around but we made quiet time a priority in the afternoons! Rest when you can, it doesn’t have to be a nap.
11. Exercise
The last thing you probably want to do is exercise, but trust me on this one, it helps. Even going for a walk or doing some stretches goes a long way. It subsides any nausea and gives you energy.
12. Fresh air and sunshine
Fresh air always made me feel better and it still does even if I’m not pregnant. Going for a walk, opening a window, or sitting outside always helped take my mind off feeling crappy.
13. Ice cubes/chips
During this pregnancy water was repulsive to me up until I was over halfway through my pregnancy. Staying hydrated is very important so I resorted to sucking/eating ice cubes!
14. When in doubt, call your provider
The first trimester is HARD. If you feel like you’ve tried everything under the sun to remain functional but can’t seem to find any relief- call your provider. Your provider can typically prescribe you something for nausea. This may vary upon woman to woman.
I hope this helps any of you mamas out there! Please feel free to share what worked for you during your pregnancy!
DevonJade 
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