For me, the first trimester is certainly the hardest. The constant nausea, headaches, and sickness. It really is survival mode. It was harder this time around for me. The first time around I wasn’t caring for another child so I could nap when needed and such. Now with Aria, I have to suck it up and be a parent through nausea. I don’t know how women do this over and over. Kudos to them.
There are a few things that kept me alive and functioning.
Applesauce packets: These things helped me with nausea. It was easy to grab and down to keep the stomach happy. Little small meals throughout the day will help with nausea. Not cure but help.
Sprite/Ginger Ale: Another great way to help your nausea. There is a Sprite Zero version I occasionally would drink or the Zevia version of ginger ale. I felt like things with too much sugar set off my nausea.
Sleep: Sleep when you can, you need the rest. There are times where Brandon would be a saint come home and just take the reins on Dinner and entertaining Aria so I could get some rest. White noise would help me sleep, or a podcast.
Comfortable Pillows: While you are sick and needing rest a comfortable pillow is so important. I love the rolling memory foam pillows and also this pregnancy pillow.
Hydroflask: Water is so important this may be TMI, but when throwing up it was easier to puke up things that have been watered down. I made the mistake of eating a muffin before water and that was a nightmare when it came back up.
Warm Blanket: There are nights where I got the chills pretty bad so a nice warm blanket was incredibly useful.
Comfortable Underwear: I instantly bloated, I felt like as soon as I got a positive pregnancy test my stomach doubled in size. So I highly recommend these pairs of underwear if you are uncomfortable. Also, a really comfortable bra is key. I love the True & Co bra. It has been a live saver for those days I have to be out and about but want to be comfortable.
Rice Bags: These are lifesavers for those days you have migraines or feel sick. I keep them in the freezer so if a migraine happens I lay down with one of these over my eyes or the base of my neck and it helps calm the migraine. When I am feeling sick I put one on my chest and it helps calm down nausea a little bit.
Loose clothing/pajamas: For me the first trimester everything feels so tight and uncomfortable so I try to wear loose clothing and pajamas for comfort. This pregnancy I am already buying and wearing maternity clothes, this belly popped fast and as much as I don’t like maternity clothing it stretches with your belly and you don’t ruin and stretch out your normal clothing. I recently found a company that has amazing pajamas that I will be posting about later next month. They are so incredibly soft and essential for sleep during your pregnancy.
Warm Fuzzy Socks: My feet get so cold right now, Old Navy has the warmest more comfortable fuzzy socks with cute prints and they are really inexpensive.
Nausea Medication: Now I try so so hard to not take anything but prenatals when I am pregnant. I really just fight through morning sickness and nausea. There are plenty of meds you can take to help with nausea so talk to your Dr about your options.
Podcasts/Movies: When you are taking it easy podcasts and movies are great time passers. When Brandon gets home and I am not feeling well I go lay down, sleep or listen to a podcast. It helps you take your mind off being sick.
Bio Oil/ Stretch Mark Lotion: I used this combo with Aria and didn’t get any stretch marks on my stomach. I did get them on my boobs and thighs areas but very lightly. This also helps with your stretching skin and the itchiness.
When you are having good days take advantage and get out with the kids and do something when you can. I try to go out with Aria and shop or go to a movie or go to the park. Because on the bad days, it’s staying in and watching movies.
