14 HELPFUL TIPS TO SURVIVE THE FIRST TRIMESTER

Congratulations on your pregnancy! In this article find everything you need to know on how to survive and come out of the first trimester feeling strong.

So, you just found out the big news. You are PREGNANT! Congratulations. Now, what’s next after that. My first pregnancy felt to me like an absolutely new chapter in my life which took me to strange new places like the OBGYN, childbirth classes, nursery shopping and a lot more. Being pregnant is really exciting and you have a lot to do but there are also a lot of strange pregnancy pains and discomforts that can really push you to feel down and make you lose the excitement of it all.

In my case, I was lucky, with my first pregnancy I made it to 6 weeks without any morning sickness. But then one day at work, I ordered a bean lentil soup (which is my favourite), but at that moment standing in the cafeteria with the bean soup in my hand, all I wanted to do was rush to the nearest bathroom and throw up. I could not stand the smell. It was terrible.

That was the start, from there I discovered a new me during my pregnancy which would easily get triggered by the smell of onions, heating oil on a pan and a lot many more which would instantly throw me out but things like chocolates, yogurts were my favourite things to eat during these times.

So, although I did have a few discomforts in my first trimester, there were also a lot of exciting things that happened in the first trimester like planning the grand pregnancy reveal for family and friends to getting to see the baby for the first time in my sono.

And to make sure that you enjoy and make the most of the first trimester, I have created a list of these helpful tips that will help you survive the first trimester as well as come out of it strongly.

Pin this post to keep it handy all the time!

1. Don’t stay empty stomach

I had often found that being on empty stomach would often make me feel sick and I would want to throw up. Although the concept of eating for two during pregnancy is complete misinformation. All a pregnant mom has to make sure is that she is eating a healthy and a balanced diet and usually just taking in 300-350 calories more than your regular diet can provide the extra nutrients that your baby will need.

I found having a few handy snacks like this and this in my purse, helped me to keep full and beat the morning sickness.

2. Find remedies for morning sickness that work for you

Although how painful and uncomfortable the morning sickness is, but there is no alternative to it. For some pregnant women, it would only last them for the first trimester but for some, they would have to go through the terrible morning sickness, throughout the pregnancy.

Finding your method to find relief from this situation can go a long way in having a healthy pregnancy. For me, it was ginger tea that really helped me keep the morning sickness at bay. You can try these ginger candies which have been very effective in treating nausea. Also, you can buy these citrus candles and keep them in your room. The aroma of these candles can also help treat nausea to a great extent.

3. Make the morning sickness kit

It is a great idea to create a morning sickness kit to keep it on your bedside table or carry it in your bag. You can keep a few ginger candies, lemon drops, a few crackers, hair ties and whatever works for you.

4. Take prune juice for constipation

My biggest saviour for constipation. As your body is going through new changes and doing a lot of work internally to grow the baby, there is a big chance that you might find it difficult to poop. In that case, prune juice can be your biggest relief. Although make sure to consult with your doctor before consuming it.

Also, I am a big fan of Bump box. You can check this bump box for the 1^st trimester. I had received it as a gift from a friend of mine and loved all the goodies that came in the box. There are a ton of options to chose from for a pregnant or a new mom.

5. Sleep as your body needs

Personally, I found it really hard to lay on my bed during the day and nap. But then during my pregnancy, I found that the more I slept the more I felt better.

Although in the first trimester it’s really hard to tell, but your body is doing a ton of work to grow that baby within you and hence it needs all the rest to rejuvenate and keep doing what it has to do at its best.

One of my most favourite pregnancy possession was my pregnancy pillow. This pillow grew with me during the pregnancy and helped me find relief with the morning sickness, support to my growing belly and relief from my swollen ankles pain in the third trimester. Along with this it also helped me post-delivery helping me find relief with the c-section pain. You can grab one for 50% off here with the code Totallymom50 for all my readers.

6. Wear a comfortable bra

One of my first pregnancy symptoms were nipple tenderness and breast changes. If you are in the same boat, then try wearing a softer, more comfortable bra. Tight clothing can feel restricting and cause you more pain.

Target has some great nursing bras options like this seamless bra or this wire-free bra or my favourite this one with a little back support.

7. Drink a lot of water

Keeping hydrated as much as you can while you are pregnant is very important for the mom as well as for the baby. During pregnancy it is recommended to take in at least 10 glasses of water and hence carrying a water bottle with you all the time can help you keep track of your water intake. I really liked this water flask, which kept my water cold the entire time and they are available in so many colours to choose from. Some other water bottle options are.

8. Find OBGYN

The most important and very first thing to do when you find out you are pregnant. Having a good care provider for yourself can help you find answers to a lot of questions that you might be looking for.

Also being able to share all your pregnancy discomforts with your doctor, will feel like a great vent and help you relax and enjoy your pregnancy to the best.

9. Keep exercising if you can

It is so important to keep moving throughout the pregnancy. It helps find relief from pregnancy discomforts like indigestion and bloating and also it keeps your mood elevated and pumped up throughout. Also exercising regularly throughout the pregnancy has been cited to help in easy delivery of the baby as the mom was active throughout the pregnancy.

The Belly Only Pregnancy Program is an online fitness program for expecting moms. The program offers a workout plan for each trimester, a nutrition guide, and information on how to protect your core and pelvic floor during pregnancy.

10. Relax! Take a breath

You are growing a human! And that’s a big task, so cut yourself some slack. It’s important to stay active during pregnancy, do your job, do your household chores but at the same time do give yourself some grace.

It’s absolutely all rite during pregnancy to just lay on the couch, eat your favourite snack or watch Netflix! You deserve it and you should do it. It will help you relax and enjoy your pregnancy all the more.

11. Plan the big reveal

Instead of just focusing on all the pregnancy discomforts, focus on exciting things like the grand reveal party for all family and friends that can help you take your mind off the morning sickness. There are a lot of creative ideas available on the net on how to plan the big reveal party like this one.

Spend time planning your reveal party and enjoy the excitement that comes with carrying a little one.

12. Document your pregnancy

I remember when I was pregnant my husband gifted me this pregnancy keepsake book to journal my pregnancy. I loved writing in it, and I used to click instant photos of my growing belly with this camera and stick it in my book. It was a wonderful keepsake and I still often love looking back at the book and reliving those precious moments like the first kick or the first time I heard my daughter’s heartbeat. Some more options for pregnancy keepsake books are.

13. Enjoy your small belly

Celebrate your small belly that might have started to show up a little. It’s the first real sign that there is life in your belly and you are soon going to be a mom.

Also, make sure to get a good pregnancy shot with your growing belly every week. I found these pregnancy photo props ideas so cute. They come in a lot of variety and I loved documenting my pregnancy in my keepsake book by clicking pictures with these photo props of my growing belly. Some great options for photo prop available are.

14. Too emotional! It’s just the hormones

Lastly, feeling too emotional in your pregnancy. Well, it’s not your husband or your kids but it’s your changing body hormones. So don’t worry!

It’s ok to feel too emotional during this time. All you have to do is let those emotions keep flowing soon you will be out of it. I had gone through a phase like that where for no reason I would have tears rolling down my cheeks during my pregnancy and it felt terrible, but I did get out of it and love being a mom to my little girl today.

Lastly, remember no matter how uncomfortable this pregnancy might feel right now, once you meet your baby in the end, it will all be worth it. Holding your happy and healthy baby in your arms will be your happiest moment.