The first trimester is a crucial period filled with significant changes, marking the start of your journey into motherhood. To navigate these changes smoothly, some first-trimester must-haves can be extremely helpful. In this guide, I’ll share the essentials that have been invaluable for me during the first stage of this new and exciting adventure.
Prenatal Vitamins: A First Trimester Must-Have
A balanced diet typically provides most vitamins and minerals, but during the first trimester, certain prenatal vitamins are essential. These are first-trimester must-haves for your baby’s healthy growth. The NHS recommends specific supplements, and my midwife echoed this advice.
During my initial NHS booking appointment, my midwife advised me to continue taking folic acid, which I had started pre-conception, and begin daily vitamin D supplements. Folic acid is particularly vital for preventing neural tube defects and should ideally be taken before pregnancy, continuing until the 12th week.
I initially chose Pregnacare Original, a comprehensive pregnancy multivitamin. It’s a great all-in-one, containing vitamins like Iron, Zinc, and Folic Acid (400µg). Later, I switched to Pregnacare Max for its additional Omega-3 DHA, beneficial for brain and eye development.
Combating Morning Sickness: Essential Strategies
Morning sickness is a common challenge in the first trimester. Managing it effectively is one of the first-trimester priorities for many women. Every woman’s experience is different, so finding what works for you is key.
My doctor prescribed Cyclizine, a pregnancy-safe anti-nausea medication. Additionally, I found natural remedies like ginger tea, ginger melts, and ginger biscuits quite helpful. Surprisingly, acupressure wristbands also offered significant relief.
Furthermore, maintaining hydration is critical. Drinking water and electrolyte drinks in small sips throughout the day is essential. Also, avoiding triggers like strong smells or certain foods can prove beneficial.
Hydration: Keeping a Water Bottle Handy
Staying hydrated is more important than ever during pregnancy. I’m notoriously bad at making sure I drink enough water so a large capacity water bottle became my constant companion, reminding me to drink regularly and ensuring I stayed well-hydrated for my baby and me.
This bottle has a large capacity so you can fill it up at the start of the day and the time markings act as a reminder of when you need to drink a bit more.
If you prefer really cold water, insulated bottles are a great choice as they keep water colder for longer.
Embracing Calm: Hypnobirthing
If like me, the thought of labour fills you with fear, exploring hypnobirthing is a great way to help ease your mind. A good hypnobirthing book is something I would consider a first-trimester must-have. It teaches positive birth techniques and helps manage labor anxiety. Hypnobirthing can transform your mindset about childbirth, making it a valuable tool for expectant mothers.
With the help of hypnobirthing materials, I was able to picture labour with a calm and positive mindset. And whilst I know things may not go to plan I know that our bodies are amazing so there’s no need to panic.
This book helped me get rid of some of the anxieties I had around labour. It’s written by Hollie de Cruz, a hypnobirthing coach.
Technology at Your Fingertips: Pregnancy Apps
The digital age brings convenience to our fingertips, and for the expectant mum, pregnancy apps can be a helping hand throughout your pregnancy journey. Apps like Natural Cycles and Peanut have been particularly helpful for me.
Natural Cycles is a contraception app that also provides a pregnancy mode. Pregnancy mode offers week-by-week guidance about what is happening to your baby and your body. It also allows you to invite your partner so that they can share that experience with you which I think is a lovely feature.
Peanut allows you to connect with other mums-to-be, join groups for mums in your area, or mums with similar due dates to yours. I’ve found it a nice space to learn and share with other women in a similar stage as myself and think that it’s a treasure trove of information.
Documenting Your Journey: The Pregnancy Journal
I’m a bit of a sucker for nice stationary, so this might not be on everyone’s list.
With this being my first pregnancy, I consider the Clever Fox Pregnancy Planner & Memory Journal as one of my first-trimester must-haves as it provides somewhere for me to track my thoughts, memories, and anything related to my pregnancy. This became my keepsake where I jotted down my reflections, kept track of important questions for my doctor/midwife, and stored precious scan photos. The checklists were especially helpful as they provided recommendations on what to do and when and helped me break down what seemed like an endless list, into manageable phases.
The journal is well made and can act as a planner and memory journal.
I hope that my first-trimester must-haves will resonate with you and serve as a gentle guide, helping you navigate your first trimester with grace and confidence. Embrace this special time, and remember, you’re not alone on this incredible journey to motherhood.
Remember, every pregnancy is unique, so while these suggestions are general, consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
The NHS has a comprehensive list of possible pregnancy-related symptoms and if you have any concerns make sure to speak to your midwife – they are there to help.
Stay healthy, stay informed, and most importantly, celebrate every moment of this miraculous time!
