I made it to the second trimester!! Here are all the items that helped me get through my first trimester. Many of these I’ll use throughout my pregnancy and postpartum too!
silk eye mask // First trimester fatigue hit me hardddd with both of my pregnancies. This eye mask helped me nap during the day and sleep in later when I could! This one is silk, so it’s anti-aging and doesn’t crease your skin or hair. Plus you’ll want to pack this in your hospital bag later on. Listen to your body and rest when you can (especially before baby gets here and controls your sleep schedule!).
bio oil // I know stretch marks are largely determined by genetics, but I do think staying moisturized helps a ton! This is hands down my favorite oil for preventing stretch marks- I used it on my belly my first pregnancy and didn’t get a single stretch mark! It’s moisturizing without feeling greasy and absorbs quickly. Don’t forget to put it on your butt, thighs, and boobs too!
supportive sports bra // If you’re like me, my boobs are SO SORE and already a cup size bigger! I can still get by with my same regular bras, but I had to upgrade my sports bras. I went with this supportive sports bra in 1 size up and I’m able to comfortably run and workout. I also like this $18 Amazon one.
pregnancy-safe sunscreen // We all know you should wear SPF every day, but it’s even more important during pregnancy to prevent hyperpigmentation. My dermatologist recommended this one because it’s all mineral based, light-weight and tinted for light coverage.
insulated water bottle // Staying hydrated during pregnancy is sooo important (and so hard for me!). I found this water bottle on Amazon and it works just as well as my Yeti, but for a fraction of the price. You’ll love the collapsible straw (especially later on while you’re nursing for easy, one-handed drinking).
non-toxic mouth wash // This is going to sound gross, but my nausea was so bad the first trimester that I could not adequately brush my tongue without gagging or vomiting. So this mouth wash helped me feel more confident. It’s non-toxic and my OB cleared this brand as pregnancy and breastfeeding safe (I also love their non-toxic whitening strips!).
pregnancy journal // I didn’t use one with my first pregnancy and I wish I had! I’m including polaroids for bumpdates and including ultrasound photos. It has this gorgeous linen cover- makes a great congratulations gift for a pregnant friend too!
pill organizer // There were so many days where I couldn’t remember if I had taken my prenatal vitamin- I’d then have to decide if I wanted to risk taking 2 in one day or miss the day altogether. Save yourself the trouble and grab a pill organizer- this one comes in a 2-pack for $6 on Amazon.
prenatal vitamin // I’m currently using a prescription prenatal, but I’ve used Care/of and Ritual prenatal vitamins in the past!
pregnancy apps // I love tracking my pregnancy and seeing the baby’s size and developments each week! I use two pregnancy apps: What to Expect and Ovia Pregnancy. Overall, I prefer What to Expect, but I love seeing the baby’s tiny hand and footprint on Ovia (plus the size comparisons are different too). The community board on What to Expect is my favorite- you can join groups and have discussions with other pregnant women! I’m in the January 2023 Babies and Winston Salem Moms groups. It’s reassuring to read along with women in the same stage of pregnancy with similar concerns and questions as you have!
bland foods // Keep your pantry stocked with saltines, chicken noodle soup, plain pasta noodles, and ginger ale. I hope you don’t need them, but if nauseous strikes unexpectedly, it is SO helpful to have these on hand.
What are your first-trimeter must-haves?! Please share with us in the comments!
Xx,
Gabie
