First off, congratulations! This is such an exciting time, and I am thrilled for you and your family and how it’s about to get a little bigger. You may be wondering if there are some essentials that you need during the first trimester. I’ve been asked this very question many times, so I’ve decided to create a list of exactly those things — the must-haves for each trimester! Today I’m covering the first trimester must-haves.
The first trimester of pregnancy is full of so many unknowns. Is what I’m feeling normal? Am I resting enough? Does everyone feel this awful/good? How much weight should I be gaining? Why am I so tired? Etc etc. While everyone has a different experience, there are a few essentials that many women depend on at the beginning that I think are relevant to any pregnancy. So here are my first-trimester must-haves! Now let’s get started. 🙂
14 First Trimester Must-Haves
1. Prenatal vitamins and prenatal DHA
These are a must-have for you and your baby, but they are especially helpful if your appetite isn’t great and you need a little extra help to ensure you’re getting all of the nutrients you both need. There are so many different prenatal vitamins and prenatal DHA out there. I recommend talking to your doctor/midwife and doing what’s best for you. Just make sure you’re taking some form of prenatal vitamin.
2. Netflix
Many pregnant moms start feeling tired, even at the beginning of their pregnancy. You may need a good nap in your day to get by. This is normal. You are growing a baby, after all! When you have no energy, there will be plenty of time to kill on the couch, so Netflix will be your new best friend. Not to mention it’s nice to have after you have your baby when you are up late at night feeding your little one.
3. Good Pregnancy Apps
I will be the first to admit that I’m not the biggest fan of the book What to Expect When You’re Expecting. However, many mothers enjoy having the app since it tells you the baby’s size and common symptoms you may be experiencing every week. The app also has a short video every week explaining the developmental changes of your baby. They even have a message board of other women due your same month so you can communicate with women that are at the same point you’re in. I want to warn you, though, to be careful reading them. A few of them can freak you out!
What to Expect App The Bump App BabyCenter App Glow Nurture App Mind the Bump
4. Crackers
If you’re experiencing morning sickness, some foods can help ease the symptoms. Crackers are a must and saltines are like magical nausea killers in the morning. Because nausea is often worse on an empty stomach, keep a sleeve of crackers next to your bed so you don’t even have to stand up to deal with your morning sickness. I recommend having some everywhere you go. Keep them next to your bed, in your purse, and hidden throughout your house.
5. Peppermint Everything
Many women experience crazy bloating and digestive issues during their first trimester. To help soothe your stomach, I recommend drinking peppermint tea (caffeine-free). If you are experiencing nausea, anything peppermint helps. Carrying peppermints in your purse or even the essential oil (read the best essential oils for your first trimester of pregnancy) can be a relief and definitely a first trimester must-have.
Buy Peppermint Tea Buy Peppermints Buy Essential Oil
6. Ginger Pops
I’m adding these Preggie Pops to our first trimester must-haves because they are a favorite by many of my clients. They swear by the ginger pops to help with their morning sickness! You can find these online here: Amazon and Walmart.
7. A good OB/GYN or Midwife
This should be a no-brainer, but I’ve heard so many women talk about how much they are unsure about their doctors and switch when they get pregnant. Find yourself a good OB/GYN or midwife! Look for someone empathetic that takes the time to listen and answer your questions and isn’t pushy. Also, be sure you like their staff! You want an excellent provider you can trust and their staff to be fabulous and prompt.
8. Water Bottle
Staying hydrated during pregnancy is EVERYTHING! Find a cute water bottle that will make you want to carry it around or something with a straw—anything to motivate you to drink your fluids!
9. Pregnancy Journal
You probably won’t have time to do this if this is not your first pregnancy. You have enough on your hands to deal with, so it may be challenging to keep up with a pregnancy journal. However, if this is your first baby, a pregnancy journal can be a fun way to record your feelings, experiences, and health. You’ll also be able to look back and compare if you have more little ones later on. This is so helpful to see what symptoms you experienced during your first trimester with your first baby compared to the next and remember some of the things you did to help you feel better.
10. Comforting Pregnancy and Birth Books and Websites
When pregnant for the first time, you’re probably wondering about every little change and twinge and pull. When you’re so unsure, it’s important to find things that bring you comfort, things that reassure you, and things that don’t make you feel like you’re always on the verge of a full-blown catastrophe. Do what you need to do to calm your fears and not worry so much! Some books and websites that I recommend getting during your first trimester are Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy, Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn, The Girlfriend’s Guide to Pregnancy, Belly Laughs, and Baby Chick (the website you’re currently reading) is an excellent resource.
11. Body Moisturizer
They say “prevention is key” when it comes to all things skin-related. So investing in a good body moisturizer early on is important. There are so many different belly butters, belly oils, and belly lotions available to help prevent stretch marks. (Although none have been scientifically proven that they 100% work since stretch marks can be genetic.) A few I love: Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter, Motherlove Pregnant Belly Oil, Palmer’s Cocoa Butter, and my very fav is Mama Mio.
12. Colace and Heartburn Medicine
When you become pregnant, your body can feel out of wack. You may need some help to regulate your body’s bowel movements (pregnancy constipation is normal). It’s common to suffer from heartburn throughout pregnancy. So be sure to pick up some colace and heartburn medicine to have on hand: Rolaids and Earth Mama’s Heartburn tea.
13. Stretchy Pants/ Elastic Waistbands
When you’re only 7 weeks pregnant but feel like you look like you’re six months pregnant because every type of gas is concentrated in your mid-region. If you haven’t tried maternity pants yet, putting on a pair of pants that stretch is like stepping into clouds of happiness and rainbows. We highly recommend the Kindred Bravely maternity leggings: they’re great for all stages of pregnancy and postpartum! You can also check out our favorite maternity leggings.
14. KIND Bars
If your stomach is too empty, it can sometimes make you feel nauseous. Many foods probably won’t sound good during the first trimester, but a KIND granola bar will usually sound appealing and do the trick. I love that they’re low in sugar and have a ton of nuts and healthy ingredients. Keep a few stashed in your purse, in your car, and at work. For more, read our 22 pregnancy snacks to keep in your purse and delicious first trimester recipes.
These are my first trimester must-haves! What couldn’t you live without during your first trimester? And, as you continue to progress through your pregnancy, check out our second-trimester of pregnancy essentials and third trimester of pregnancy essentials.
