If you are pregnant or planning to be, I wish you the most glowing, joyous, and magical first trimester experience. For me, it’s all about surviving the first trimester. I am on baby three, and have yet to experience first trimester goodness. My first trimester days are filled with nausea, vomiting, heartburn, acne, exhaustion, and headaches to name a few. I actually look forward to the labor, and I would do labor a hundred times over instead of the first trimester. Now that I am doing this for the third time, I have a few tips and tricks that allow me to stay sane and survive well enough to continue working and being a (semi) productive household member. Check out some of these tips and be sure to drop any others you would add in the comments!
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First Trimester Nausea: B6 and Unisom Saves My Life
I do not get morning sickness, I get 24/7 nausea. And mine actually gets worse as the day goes on. I do not have the all day vomiting that some women have, so the only medication type thing that I opt to take is the B6 Unisom Combo at night. When I started taking it with my first pregnancy, I swore it did not work. I thought it just made me drowsy. Then one night during the middle of week 8, I forgot to take it and OH MY LANTA. Never missed another dose! Some other nausea remedies that worked for me (partially) were sea bands (leftover from a cruise I took), Preggie Pop drops, lemon water, salty snacks and Pink Stork tea. I also gain an exorbitant amount of weight because I literally cannot have en empty stomach, ever, with my nausea. So I eat to hold off the vomiting. Mostly eggs, fried rice, pancakes, and anything else that has no vegetables and only carbs. You won’t find any shame from this mama!
I work up until the moment I give birth each time to save up my available leave. And I live in the U.S so that hopefully describes the maternity leave situation enough for this post! Because I have to show up at work and vomiting in non-private bathrooms sucks, I do whatever is necessary to make it through the day. If this is you right now, I feel your misery so so deeply. The baby at the end is awesome, but it still sucks, and there is no sugar coating it.
Related: How To Handle Working While Pregnant
Start With Health Now
All the things you need to think about in terms of health during pregnancy start now. Research and ask questions to your doctor and fellow mamas. Start taking a prenatal vitamin if you aren’t already. Pay attention to what you are eating and drinking as many things are not considered safe for that little babe. I personally drank one cup of coffee each day throughout pregnancy, but you need to be aware of your caffeine intake and all the things you normally put into your body. Medicines that are safe can be a big challenge, so be sure to check before taking anything, even things that seem harmless.
This is also the time to look at the the products you use on a regular basis. If you have acne and use a strong face wash, the ingredients may not be safe for pregnancy. Take a look at your makeup. soaps, lotions, detergents and deodorant for ingredients to avoid. You also need to cognizant of cleaning products that you use and start swapping chores with your partner! If you are looking for some non-toxic skin care products for pregnancy, there are tons of fantastic brands out there. I fell in love with Primally Pure products during my pregnancy and still use them now even in postpartum.
Related: Pregnancy Safe Skin Care Routine for Acne
Car Naps Are A Thing
I do not usually take a lunch break so that I can get more work done and get home earlier. But there are days that pregnancy exhaustion is just REAL and strikes about 2:00. I had to learn the art of 45 min car naps, and I am convinced they saved me on my worst days. I only had to use this tactic twice during this third pregnancy, but number two was a doozy for me with the exhaustion. If you get a lunch break or time to yourself during your day, use it as needed. Even if its the only time you decide to take advantage of your lunch break, it’s a great reason. Go to bed earlier, let the night time cleaning routine slide, and enjoy the extra snoozing if you can!
Beat The Worry
Being a mom involves a tremendous amount of anxiety, worry, and guilt. Those feelings can actually start as early as finding out you are expecting! The first trimester is often a time filled with stress and worry. First trimester excitement also brings trepidation, as the first trimester is often the most fragile. You aren’t sure what to expect with this pregnancy, and you have not always received confirmation to alleviate your anxiety. I remember having some bleeding in the first trimester with one of my pregnancies and the worry can be overwhelming.
This is the time you need to have faith and trust your body. This little bundle of joy is filled with promise and the beauty of all the good things to come. Take a breath. Take a walk. Enjoy each moment (as much as you can!) in those first few months with your babe. Your baby will never be this small again and you are on this journey for a reason. I know it seems silly to say, but try not to worry. Focus on the things you can control and enjoy all the excitement of things to come.
Tell Or Don’t Tell: Either Way Is Okay
I know society tells us we cannot announce our pregnancy until the second trimester because of the risks. Society is not the one currently housing that little bean in your belly, and does not have a say in how or when you decide to share your news. If you decide to never share, and show up at a family holiday one year with an extra person in tow, that is excellent. If you want to announce to the world that you are squinting at a dollar store pregnancy test and think you see something, that is also excellent. Trust your instinct, and make each experience enjoyable for yourself. There are literally no rules, so you do you! How and when did you decide to tell with the pregnancy? Are there any crucial survival tips that I missed that you can share?
All the best,
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