Your family and friends might not be able to tell that you’re pregnant yet, but there’s no doubt that you are very aware of it! The first trimester, which takes place between weeks 1 and 12, is an incredibly exciting time, but it can bring along symptoms that can make life a little more difficult. Whether this is your third baby or you’re entering the first trimester for the very first time, I want to give you some tips for handling everything these first few months might throw at you. Read on to learn more about some of the best ways to handle a tough first trimester and be ready for every stage of your pregnancy.
Know What to Expect
Even if you have been pregnant before, what you experience during your first trimester can be very different from the last time. As with anything regarding pregnancy, one of the best ways to handle whatever comes next is to know what to expect. As I said, this stage of pregnancy can be different for everyone, but certain symptoms are pretty common during this time. The first trimester often brings increased fatigue, more frequent urination, swollen or tender breasts, and constipation. Another common first-trimester complaint we can’t ignore is the start of morning sickness- which isn’t always limited to just the morning. This type of queasiness usually tapers off around 13 to 14 weeks into a pregnancy.
Rest, Rest, Rest!
Making a baby is not an easy task for your body! Your little one is using up a lot of your body’s resources, and an increase in the hormone progesterone during this time can make you even more tired. Make sure you get as much rest as possible during the first trimester, which can include adding naps to your daily routine, taking it easy at work, putting your feet up, and passing on housework to your partner or a friend or family member. Short bursts of exercise can also help bring some of your energy back, like a quick walk during your lunch break or some simple stretches when you wake up in the morning.
Watch What You Eat
Most people can’t think about pregnancy without thinking about the possibility of morning sickness, which is caused by increased levels of estrogen and can start as early as the 6th week of pregnancy. Even if you don’t get physically sick, the nausea of this stage of pregnancy can be very disruptive to your day. Eating bland and plain foods in the morning can help keep the queasiness at bay- meals that are smaller and more frequent are better. Stay away from foods that are fried, spicy, or known to upset your stomach, and keep your fluid intake up all day long. I’d also suggest trying ginger tea or a B6 supplement to help settle your stomach.
Shop for a More Comfortable Bra
Changes in your hormone levels at the beginning of your pregnancy can lead to swollen, sore, and tender breasts, so it’s worth it to invest in new clothing that will help make you more comfortable! A maternity bra is designed for comfort throughout your entire pregnancy, and with features like a cotton lining, wider straps, and a lack of an underwire, you might find that this type of bra helps ease your breast-related discomfort. The more support you get from your bra, the better. You might be used to taking your bra off when you get in bed, but wearing a tight tank top or a sleep bra during the night can help, too.
Ask for Help
This goes for any stage of pregnancy- remember that you aren’t alone! You might be feeling overwhelmed (and even a little scared) during your first trimester, so never hesitate to reach out to your doctor, spouse, family members, friends, or neighbors for support. Whether this is in the form of help with housework or someone to listen to you talk about what you’re going through, you’ll feel better when you remember that the people around you have your back.
Just like your friends and family, I’m here for you during your first trimester! You deserve to enjoy every part of your pregnancy, and by fully preparing yourself for the first trimester and beyond, the excitement of this time should outweigh the discomfort. If you have any questions about the first trimester of pregnancy and fertility in general, please reach out to me! I’d love to do whatever I can to make you feel as at ease as possible from the beginning of your pregnancy to the birth of your baby.
