Morning sickness, extreme fatigue, and food aversions. Are these destined to be our new realities during the first trimester of pregnancy? Thankfully, the short answer is no. The first trimester of any pregnancy can be overwhelming and a bit scary. There are many changes happening within our bodies in a short amount of time. Keep reading for important tips on how to navigate the first pivotal weeks of pregnancy.
Each woman and pregnancy is unique and there is no rule book for making it through the next nine months. However, there are things you can do to ensure your first season of pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible.
- Step one is to schedule an appointment with an OB Provider who you feel will take care of you and your baby. If you just saw those two pink lines and haven’t had a chance to find a provider, you can find a great actionable guide here.
- Finding a prenatal vitamin is vital to both mama and baby’s health during this time of rapid development. A baby’s neural tube and nervous system develop quickly over these first few weeks. A quality prenatal vitamin will include all the extra vitamins and minerals needed to help your baby grow. These vitamins also support mama’s hormones, which could result in a bit more energy and a bit less morning sickness. We count that as a win for sure. Sometimes mamas don’t like to take prenatals because of morning sickness. If this is you, we encourage you to try a different one until you find one that works for you. You can also try taking them with a snack in the evenings before bed. If you’re pregnant, our registered nurses will provide you with a one-month supply of prenatal vitamins at your appointment.
- Start your day with a high-protein breakfast. This helps regulate your blood sugar while setting you up for a great start to your day. Some suggestions would be:
- Greek yogurt with fresh fruit and granola
- An egg, scrambled or however you like it
- A slice of avocado toast
- Focus on eating small meals throughout the day instead of consuming three large meals. This helps keep your blood sugar in check and should help keep your energy levels up.
- Keep saltine crackers by your bed. You’ll have something to snack on when you wake up, which may help with morning sickness. Our nurses at The Pregnancy Network recommend eating a carbohydrate—and protein-rich snack before bed, such as an apple and peanut butter. They also recommend ginger tea, Ginger Ale, and Ginger chews for easing morning sickness.
- Get moving. Aim to walk for at least 5 minutes per day.
- Get plenty of rest. First-trimester fatigue can be, well, exhausting. Listen to your body when it tells you it needs rest. Growing a tiny human takes a lot of energy.
- Limit your sugar intake.
- Stay hydrated. This one is so important, especially for mamas battling morning sickness. Keep a bottle of water nearby, and do your best to take small sips throughout the day.
Most importantly, remember you’re not alone in your pregnancy. Here at The Pregnancy Network, we are your tribe. Check out all the FREE resources we offer to empower you throughout your pregnancy here.
Just a few services we offer include:
- Limited OB Ultrasounds
- Prenatal vitamins
- Parenting classes
And so much more.
You’ve got this mama!
This information was reviewed by the licensed nurses at The Pregnancy Network.
Emily Greene
Emily Greene is the Development and Communications Coordinator at The Pregnancy Network.