Finding out that you’re pregnant can be one of the most exciting things that can happen to you.
However you can become overwhelmed with all the pregnancy symptoms!
Even though I only have one child (and one on the way) this is my 5th pregnancy and each one has been different.
So it’s safe to say everyone has different experiences……you’ll probably hear everyone’s story once you announce your pregnancy so be prepared for that!
If you’re someone who unfortunately experiences pregnancy symptoms then the first trimester is probably the worst!
It starts from your first week up until the 12th……and feels like forever!
Your baby grows the most in this trimester, during this time the embryo turns into a tiny little fetus and your body is working overtime so that probably explains why you’re so sleepy!
I’ve put together a list of tips for surviving your first trimester of pregnancy.
I hope some of them will be of use to you!
Table of Contents
25 Tips For Surviving The First Trimester
1. Confirm Your Pregnancy
This may seem pretty obvious to some people but it’s always best to be 100% sure you’re pregnant.
It would save a lot of heartbreak if you double-check that you got that positive test.
Sometimes the cheaper tests can be hard to read, whenever I’ve done a test and had a positive result I tend to invest in a more expensive test like an electronic clear blue test that can estimate how many weeks you are also.
2. Organize A Midwife Appointment
Once you’re sure you are expecting, it’s time to tell your doctor and get a midwife appointment booked in.
I did this by ringing my surgery and letting them know I’m pregnant.
They will then arrange an appointment for you to see them and this normally happens during your first trimester and usually before your 12-week scan.
3. Cut Out The Bad Stuff
We all know that we need to keep as healthy as possible during pregnancy so when you find out you’re pregnant it’s best to cut out the alcohol and cigarettes.
I understand some people may find this hard but try and think about that little life inside you.
You wouldn’t want to give a baby a cigarette or a glass of wine so it’s no different when the babies in your stomach.
4. Eat A Healthy Balanced Diet
Eating a healthy rainbow of foods during your pregnancy will benefit you and your baby greatly.
It will keep you feeling happier, healthier and your baby will have a great start in life.
I completely understand the feeling in your first trimester when you don’t want to eat because you feel sick, your taste and sense of smell have changed or heightened and you’ve gone off all your favorite foods.
So try and stick to foods that are healthier than junk food and eat little and often.
Some examples of foods that are good for morning sickness are:
- Crackers
- Herbal teas
- Ginger
- Raw vegetables
- Lemon water
- Toast
- Nuts
And so on.
If your morning sickness is really awful just eat what you can and don’t be so hard on yourself.
5. Morning Sickness Remedies
So if you’ve suffered from morning sickness you know how hideous it is!
I have had morning sickness particularly bad during this pregnancy and went off so many foods!
Why is it called morning sickness when it’s all the time?!
Here is a mini list of some remedies to help combat your morning sickness:
- Getting out into the fresh air
- Use essential oils such as peppermint, lemon, or orange
- Sea-band wristband
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Acupressure and Acupuncture
- Reflexology
For most women morning sickness will disappear when you get into that glorious second trimester so take it easy and don’t let it get you down!
6. Get A Comfy Bra
I’ve always had irregular periods (too much information?) so whenever I’ve suspected I was pregnant it’s always my boobs that give it away!
They feel like they’re going to explode and they can be sensitive to touch.
That’s never a nice thing to feel so the first thing I did was ditch the uncomfortable bras!
If you like, get rid of it all together!
However, I don’t think I’m that confident so when I started getting sore boobs I switched to a sports bra.
You can also invest in a decent maternity bra as you’ll need it further down the line anyway.
7. Comfy Clothes
Along with the uncomfortable bra, you may already be feeling like those jeans are getting a bit snug!
I’m all about comfort anyway so I’m happy to spend a lot of my time in leggings and comfy trousers!
If that’s not possible i.e you have to dress smartly for work then start looking into different ways to be comfortable like buying a bigger size, investing in maternity clothes, or wearing items that you can move freely in.
8. Take Your Vitamins
Taking vitamins is a great way to start your pregnancy.
Folic acid is recommended to start taking it can help with your baby’s development and is the prevention of birth defects.
Other vitamins that are a good idea to take when pregnant are:
- Vitamin D
- Iron
- Calcium
It’s best to double-check with a medical professional before taking any vitamins when you’re pregnant as everyone and every pregnancy is different.
9. Sleep While You Still Can!
You may notice before or after you find out you’re pregnant that you feel exhausted!
You’re supposed to feel that when the babies here right?
I remember before I found out I was pregnant I was so confused as to why I couldn’t keep my eyes open past 6 pm!
It’s important to get your zzz’s in whenever you’re able.
Your body is working hard and you shouldn’t fight it.
Don’t be hard on yourself for taking a little nap and get as much rest as you need…..you probably can’t get away with it any other time so embrace it!
10. Stretch Mark Oil
Applying oil onto your growing belly will help protect against stretch marks.
It may also help against dry itchy skin as your bump grows bigger and bigger.
It’s a really simple easy thing to do, apply it into your morning or evening routine so you’ll get into the habit without even having to think about it.
There are lots of different oils out there and you’ll be grateful you used it.
Stretch mark oil is an essential item on my Pregnancy Survival Kit. I highly recommend you check out that list.
11. Stay Active
Even though you’re pregnant that’s no reason to stop what your doing and stay still for the next 9 months…
It’s so important to keep moving whilst you’re pregnant.
It can prevent you from getting all the aches and pains during pregnancy, keep you in a positive mindset and keep you fit and healthy throughout.
You don’t need to be going crazy on the treadmill, just keep it light and try and get out into the fresh air whilst doing it.
It’ll make you feel amazing.
12. Varicose Veins
Varicose veins can be common during pregnancy and since the birth of my first child, I’ve suffered from them!
Now I’m pregnant with my second they have gotten worse so I feel your pain if you experience the same.
Varicose veins can develop during pregnancy because your blood increases, putting pressure on your veins.
It is said that 3-4 months after your pregnancy the veins will go down so during your pregnancy you can get support stockinging to wear to help them getting worse, avoid sitting or standing for long periods and when relaxing try and sit with your legs elevated.
Also if you’re wearing stockings, it can make your skin dry and itchy so invest in some moisturizer to keep your legs hydrated!
13. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated during pregnancy may seem like an obvious thing to say but I’m going to say it anyway!
Being hydrated during pregnancy can have lots of benefits such as helping to form amniotic fluid, carry nutrients and flush out any waste or toxins.
Making sure you drink lots of water may be harder for some people but I have found that during my pregnancy I’m naturally thirstier, I have cut out any other drinks and have started only drinking water and always have water to hand just to top my self up whenever I need it.
If cutting out other drinks is hard, try drinking 1-2 liters of water and treat yourself to a cup of tea later on.
14. Have A Support System
Although naturally, you’ll want to keep your pregnancy a secret, to begin with, it is important you have a good group of people/ person around you for moral support.
It can be a tough first few months and if you haven’t got people there for support it can be even harder.
Having someone to confide in, help you with other children, or just knowing someone is there is going to benefit you greatly.
15. Embrace The Hormones
So now you’re pregnant, you’re going to be unreasonable, moody, agitated, feeling great, feeling rubbish, mad for no reason, and so on….. it’s all part of the process so don’t be too hard on yourself.
Sometimes you may be agitated for no reason whats so ever and that’s ok!
And if you have that good support system around you then they will understand and stick by you whilst you’re being a cow!
Also, don’t think it’s all doom and gloom, you won’t feel like this all the time, there’s a lot going on in your body and you’ll feel back to normal soon enough.
16. Practice Self-Care
This is the perfect time to look after yourself and focus on what your body needs!
If we’re happy mentally and physically then that can only mean positive things.
Self-care can be anything from eating a healthy diet, getting a decent night’s sleep, enjoying nature, and doing things you enjoy such as a hobby or seeing a friend.
As I’ve mentioned there will be times when you don’t feel yourself so really focus on keeping yourself happy and healthy.
17. Pregnancy App
A pregnancy app can be so fun to keep track of what’s happening with your baby week by week.
They count with you how many weeks and days you are, give you information about the babies growing progression, and can also offer other useful information such as what foods to eat and what pregnancy symptoms to expect each week.
18. Read The Books
I don’t think anything can fully prepare you for becoming a parent but it’s always better to have some sort of idea of what to expect.
Take some time to read up on parenting, baby advice, breastfeeding tips, and everything else along the way.
It will give you a headstart and you’ll be more prepared for what’s to come.
19. Start A Pregnancy Journal
Starting a pregnancy journal can be great for recording everything that happens during those 9 months.
You could write it to your baby for them to read up on when they’re older or it can be a private journal to just get you through.
It’s always better to get stuff out and some people find it easier to write their feelings than share with others.
20. Cut Out The Stressful Stuff
As you’re now on your way to practicing self-care you want to try and get rid of anything that stresses you out that you don’t necessarily need to get on your nerves.
For me, it’s the food shop!
I hate it and have started doing it online now and it’s so much easier, I don’t overspend and I can sit in my pj’s.
Try not to stress too much about the housework!
It won’t be the end of the world if everything’s not done and you’re feeling sick and tired.
🌈 Related Post: 21 Great Stress Reducing Tips That You’ll Find Effective
21. Mentally Prepare
This may sound silly but you need to mentally prepare that things are going to change in your life and you’ll have more responsibility.
That’s a pretty scary thought but also exciting!
Try and stay calm and discuss with your partner about what your parenting style is going to be, make sure you’re on the same wavelength.
22. Meditation
Take some time to start meditating during your pregnancy, it will help you to keep in a nice calm mindset and give you that small section of the day to yourself with no outside distractions.
You can practice at any time of the day and enjoy!
23. Start Recording Baby Bump
The fun part of being pregnant is recording that baby bump!
So get started as soon as possible.
During this pregnancy, I’ve been recording week by week and have loved seeing how much my bump has grown over the weeks.
You’ll miss it when it’s gone so it’s nice to look back on for the nostalgia!
24. Tell Work
Although you may be keeping your pregnancy quiet at first it may be an idea to confide in a manager at work just to give them the heads up!
It saves leaving it too late and springing it suddenly on them, they’ll be aware if you need to take time off for sickness or hospital appointments and you can start planning when you’ll start your maternity leave.
25. Pregnancy Announcement
A lot of people decide to tell the world after their 12-week scan as the risk of miscarriage has reduced massively.
It’s completely your choice when and how you do it.
There are so many fun and inventive ways that people tell the world at the moment so have fun whilst you do.
It’s such happy news so have as much fun as possible announcing it to the world.
The most important thing to remember during your first few months is that it doesn’t last forever and you should take one day at a time.
If you feel rubbish one-day that’s fine, you’ll have good and bad days but if you stay as healthy as you can and keep in a happy positive mindset you will fly through your pregnancy a lot easier.
Thanks for taking the time to read and good luck in your first trimester!
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- 101 Positive Pregnancy Affirmations
