We are heading into our second trimester with our fourth pregnancy and this time around, I am feeling like a pro! I know every pregnancy is different, and I am pretty sure some things will catch me off guard. However, there are a few things that are tried and true and I will definitely want/need/get.
I want to share with you my favorite first trimester products that make pregnancy much more pleasant.
- Peppermint essential oil – I usually find out I’m pregnant because I get hit with a huge wave of nausea. It’s horrible and it lasts all day long. During my first pregnancy, I had the privilege of cooking/not cooking whenever I felt good enough to do it. This time around, I have three kids to feed. That’s breakfast, lunch, and dinner every single day. Cooking is very difficult for me because my senses are heightened and even the best-smelling food smells horrible to me. A little peppermint essential oil on a towel, my hands, and behind my ears (diluted with coconut oil) goes a long way when it comes to diverting all sorts of smells. I also love diluting it with coconut oil and using it to soothe my muscles or as a massage oil for my feet and shoulders.
- Aquaphor – Pregnancy really dries out my skin. I like keeping Aquaphor for my hands, feet, elbows, and knees. They get really dry and the Aquaphor helps soothe that.
- Diclegis – This has been a lifesaver for me. It helps me sleep and balances out nausea tremendously. This is my first time taking it, and I suggest you talk to your doctor about it, but I will hold these cute little pills so close to my heart throughout this pregnancy.
- B12 – Exhaustion hits me like a ton of bricks during the first trimester. It’s so hard for me to get out of bed, let alone run after three little ones. Taking B12 during the day gives me a little extra boost, especially since I am repelled by coffee.
- All the fruit – First trimester is not really about cravings for me. It’s about choosing foods that I can tolerate. During this time, I usually pack my fridge with all the fresh fruits and snack on them all day long. For some reason, I gravitate towards a more vegetarian diet because it settles better.
- Sleep mask – My one advice to a new mom is to SLEEP when you can, for as long as you possibly can. It’s not being lazy, it’s necessary. A good sleep mask helps me nap during the sunniest time of the day without missing a beat. It also helps me sleep through the night.
- Takeout – Phone it in friends. Not every day, not every meal, but sometimes you need to phone it in. Alex is really good about picking up dinner on his way home on days that I just can’t peel myself off the couch or pick up a spoon. Sometimes I take the kids to Chick-fil-a for breakfast or take a walk down the frozen food aisle and stock up! There is no shame in that friends.
- Refreshing facewash – Sometimes you need something a little stronger than a splash of cold water on your face. These days, I am loving the Ole Henriksen Truth Collection. It is refreshing, makes my face feel amazing and helps with the first trimester super sick/nauseated look.
- Babysitter – A good babysitter is tough to come by. When we lived close to family, my mom or mother-in-law would take the “big” kids so I can rest or catch up on housework. It was magical. Being so far away from family makes it difficult to find a great person to help. My suggestion is for you to find a friend that loves you, is reliable and loves your kids and ask for help or if you’re confident enough to do it, hire someone.
- Huge water cup – I love this one from Bubba. Water is essential, especially during pregnancy and this cup is HUGE and practical. I refill it about three times during the day and take it with me everywhere. It’s a little bigger than the average car cupholder, but my van has a rubber lining that adapts to bigger cups. I love it!
Other posts you may like:
What they don’t tell you about pregnancy
How to make it through your first week post-partum
Mommy wars and a FREE printable
