This post shares Everything you Need to get Through the First Trimester of Pregnancy!
If you missed the announcement in my newsletter (sign up here!) or on Instagram, I’m pregnant with Baby #3! We currently have two boys, ages 4 and 6. I’m a little nervous about adding a third kid into the mix, but I’ve always wanted a big family! I’m also looking forward to the age gap this time – my youngest will be about 4.5 and oldest will be almost 7 when the baby is born. My first two are 2 years apart and that was hard when they were both so little.
So far this pregnancy has been my hardest yet. I had pretty bad morning sickness during the first trimester with my first two, but the morning sickness and nausea this time has been even worse. I’ve also been so exhausted! Now that I am heading into the second trimester, I’m thankful that I’m slowly starting to feel better and gaining more energy.
Because my morning (all-day) sickness has been so bad, I spent a lot of time laying on the couch researching ways to help with the nausea and other first trimester symptoms! Also since this is my third pregnancy I’ve learned some tips and tricks along the way. I’m sharing all of my First Trimester Must Haves for Pregnancy below along with some Pregnancy Tips and Tricks that have helped me!
I also want to say – you really don’t need to go crazy and buy everything that you hear about when you’re pregnant (same goes for babies, they don’t need much)! The most important thing you can do is take care of yourself and baby, physically and emotionally.
Make sure to check out these posts as well!
First Trimester Must Haves for Pregnancy in 2024:
1. Candles & Essential Oil Diffusers
Your sense of smell goes crazy when you become pregnant, and for me bad smells smell even worse and can make me feel even more sick! Good smelling candles and essential oils have been a life saver when I need the house to smell better. It’s also Fall so it’s the perfect time of year to light some Fall Scented Candles that make your home feel warm and cozy.
I usually stick with essential oils and diffusers, because they are free of artificial fragrances and are non-toxic, but some of the sweeter smelling candles have been more appealing to me lately. If you prefer candles, it’s important to look at the ingredients and opt for candles from companies committed to transparency, quality, and sustainability. This Healthline article does a great job at breaking down what to look for and how to choose a non-toxic candle, with their top 9 recommendations of the best non toxic candles.
Here are a few of my Favorite Non-Toxic Candles:
And if you prefer essential oils, I’ve been loving Doterra’s Harvest Spice blend, with a few drops of Vanilla to make it smell a little sweeter. I also love the Serenity blend at night, and the Abode blend when I want the house to smell fresh a clean.
This is my favorite essential oil diffuser from Amazon! I have a several throughout our house. They have lasted for years and hold 500ml of water so they can run all day and night long.
This is another favorite Amazon essential oil diffuser if you are looking for something prettier to leave out on your Kitchen counters or nightstands –
2. Needed Prenatal Multi Vitamin & Omega 3
I always do a ton of research on the brands and ingredients before I start any new supplements. There are some options out there that are a big waste of money because the ingredients are not as bioavailable and easy for your body to absorb and process. I believe the Needed Prenatal Multi Vitamin is one of the best options available and is the one I have chosen to take for this pregnancy.
The Needed Prenatal Multi Vitamin was created by a team of highly trusted Doctors, Practitioners, and leaders in the wellness industry and includes 24 optimal vitamins and minerals that mamas and babies need. It can be taken before, during and after pregnancy and there are a few different options – Needed Prenatal Multi Capsules, Needed Prenatal Multi Powder (perfect for adding to smoothies, yogurt and oatmeal), and Needed Prenatal Multi Essentials (smaller amounts and easier on upset stomachs).
They also offer other products like Prenatal Omega 3 capsules (also needed during pregnancy), collagen powder, Probiotics, Electrolytes, and a Sleep + Relaxation powder that I want to try! I love finding great supplement companies that care about the ingredients they are adding to their products and do (and more importantly share) the research backing them.
3. Ginger Tea & Matcha
Ginger is a natural source for anti-nausea relief, and Ginger Tea is one of my favorite ways to start my mornings, pregnant or not! I love this Ginger Digestion Elixir Tea from Pique Tea. The tea crystals come in individual pouches and you pour it directly into hot or cold water. I love that I am able to pour it into my water bottle when I want it on-the-go.
I also drink Matcha Green Tea almost daily (it has a ton of health and mental health benefits) and love the Sun Goddess Matcha packets from Pique Tea as well. If your energy levels are low, like mine have been in the 1st Trimester, Matcha is a good lower source of caffeine that still gives you an energy and mood boost.
Get 10% off all Pique Teas with Coupon Code SPRUCINGUP
4. Electrolytes
I also drink Electrolytes daily, even when not pregnant, because minerals are so important for your overall health. I’ve also read a few studies about dehydration leading to high cortisol levels and anxiety, and I’m on board with trying all the natural anxiety remedies! Replenishing electrolytes and trace minerals is even more important during pregnancy because you loose more than at any other time. They are also important for lactation support.
Needed makes a great Electrolyte that is sweetened with Monk Fruit, if you are sensitive to Stevia. Ultima and LMNT are other popular brands that are sweetened with Stevia. I love the Lemon flavors!
5. Water Bottle
You’ll need a good Water Bottle to stay hydrated during pregnancy (and after) and to hold all these teas and electrolytes! I love these Simple Modern Water Bottles and always have a few sitting around my house. I use these stainless steel straws with silicone tops with them.
These Stanley Water Bottles are so popular and I love that they are dishwasher safe.
My friend also loves this Stanley Water Jug which is such a great idea for road trips, picnics, hikes (keep in car to fill up when you’re done!) and camping! They are a great price and go on sale often too!
6. Vitamin B6 & Unisom Combo
First I want to say – CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE YOU START ANY NEW VITAMINS OR SUPPLEMENTS WHILE PREGNANT!
The combo of Vitamin B6 and Unisom Sleep Tabs has been such a huge help for my nausea and morning sickness! It was recommended by my midwife and is just as effective as a prescription anti-nausea medication, but much less expensive. I started this at about 9 weeks and wish I had started it sooner. The prenatal vitamin I take does have Vitamin B6 in it, but I really think the B6 and Unisom combo made a big difference.
What has helped me the most is to take 25 mg of Vitamin B6 with one 25mg Unisom Sleep Tab before bed at night. (I did try taking the combo in the morning once and it made me way too drowsy.) I also get 40mg of B6 during the day from my prenatal vitamins. Be mindful of any other sources of B6 you are taking throughout the day (prenatal vitamin, probiotics…) because you don’t want to take more than 100mg of B6 per day (it can cause nerve damage).
7. Heated Back Massager
I LOVE massages, but they are expensive, so I like to use a Heated Back Massager at home when I can’t go get the real thing. Most of them actually work really well and are so relaxing to use while you lay on the couch with a book or while watching a show. They help take my mind off of the nausea and help wind me down at night before bed. They can also help prevent tension headaches that stem from tight neck muscles.
8. Comfy Pants and Leggings
You typically won’t need maternity clothes until the second trimester, but even if you aren’t technically “showing” yet, it’s common to feel bloated and uncomfortable early on. Especially if this isn’t your 1st pregnancy! So I basically live in comfy pants, shorts and leggings as soon as I feel uncomfortable.
The Lululemon Align Leggings are my go-to for pregnancy. I love them because they aren’t “maternity” leggings but they are so stretchy and comfortable so they work really well. And then they are great for postpartum and beyond. Definitely worth the investment. And check out Lululemon’s “Like New” site for second-hand discounted items!
More of my Favorite Comfy Pants for the 1st Trimester:
9. Stretchy Bra
The first pregnancy symptom I always notice is swollen and tender breasts. And “tender” is an understatement; they hurt. And they start to grow quickly! So a super comfortable and stretchy, but also supportive bra is a must! The bras I’m including here are stretchy but you might want to buy a size up from your normal size.
These Bra Extenders are also great to use when your bras start feeling tight!
Favorite Comfortable Maternity Bras:
10. Reliefband Anti-Nausea Wristband
The Reliefband is the highest rated anti-nausea bracelet I found. Many people swear by them for helping with motion sickness, anxiety induced nausea, and morning sickness. I ordered one straight from the Reliefband Website because they offer a 30 day money back guarantee (not offered if you order through Amazon or another retailer).
Unfortunately the Reliefband didn’t work for me and I ended up sending it back. It was too hard to adjust and keep the correct placement on my wrist. But, I’m including the Reliefband on my first trimester must haves list because there are so many reviews online where people love it. And with the money back guarantee, I still think it is worth a try if you are really struggling.
More Random Things that Helped:
A few other random things that have helped me out during the First Trimester:
- Sour Candy – helps with nausea and if you have a gross or metallic taste in your mouth
- Chewing on Ice Chips – a Nugget Ice Maker Machine would have really come in handy!!
- Lots and lots of Watermelon – it is a great natural source of vitamin B6 so helps with nausea, and the high water content is great for staying hydrated!
- Peppermint Gum & Peppermint Essential Oil Beadlets – Peppermint helps with nausea, and again it helps if you have a bad taste in your mouth (that has been one of my worst symptoms!!)
- Getting Outside and Walking – I know it sounds like the opposite of what you feel like doing, but every time I’ve been able to get out and walk I feel so much better
- Dressing in Layers – my body temperature fluctuates so much with all the pregnancy hormones
- Eating small snacks frequently – helps prevent nausea, and keeps blood sugar up
- Talking about how shitty I feel with friends and family, haha
1st Trimester Must Haves Suggestions from Instagram Community –
I asked my followers on Instagram if they had any first trimester suggestions, or pregnancy tips and tricks in general, and the responses are below! I love hearing from other moms about their experiences and suggestions! If you have any tips, please leave a comment below this post!
“Couldn’t sleep comfortably without my Boppy Pillow Wedge!”
“Smelling Peppermint Oil helped”
“B6 and Unisom and sour candies!”
“An old school fillable ice pack pouch for headaches”
“Sour Patch Kids were the only thing to get me
through morning sickness!”
“Water cup with a straw and peanut butter crackers!”
“Wake up and eat immediately! Don’t let your
stomach get empty or you’re screwed”
“Made a music playlist to play through pregnancy;
daughter still listens to “favorite baby songs” and it helps calm her”
“Ginger chews and suckers“
These First Trimester Must Haves helped me out so much during the first few months while I had terrible morning sickness!
Check back here soon as I share my Second Trimester Must Haves, Third Trimester Must Haves, Postpartum Must Haves & Newborn Must Haves!
Make sure to check out all of my Second Trimester Pregnancy Must Haves Here!
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