First Trimester Must Haves, Tips, and Tricks Every Mom Should Know

The first trimester of your pregnancy can be a time of trial and error. With many aspects of your life changing rapidly, staying comfortable and in good spirits can be challenging. Here, we will delve into first trimester must haves, tips, and tricks to help keep you feeling your best throughout your pregnancy. 

5 First Trimester Must Haves 

Tips, tricks, and wives’ tales are great, but sometimes retail therapy can also provide relief. Consider purchasing first trimester must-haves like:

1. Acupressure Wristbands 

Acupressure wristbands help alleviate nausea, making them a favorite among pregnant women, as they can be used to curb some morning sickness symptoms. These wristbands work by applying pressure to specific points on the wrist, making them a safe option for managing morning sickness.

2. Pregnancy Safe Hair Products

During pregnancy, it’s essential to be mindful of the self-care products you use, including hair products. Many everyday hair care products contain chemicals that may be unsafe for pregnant women and their developing babies. Many hair products contain ingredients that could be harmful to pregnant women. Some of these ingredients include:

• Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)
• Formaldehyde
• And more

To best avoid unsafe chemicals, consider using natural/organic pregnancy-safe hair products or alternative methods to achieve your desired hairstyle.

3. Pregnancy Safe Cleaning Products 

As you navigate through your first trimester, minimizing exposure to harsh chemicals found in many cleaning products is essential. Switch to pregnancy-safe cleaning products free from ammonia, bleach, and other harmful ingredients. Consider using natural alternatives such as vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide for cleaning tasks to create a safer environment for you and your baby.

4. Nausea-Fighting Snacks

It can be beneficial to keep a substantial supply of healthy snacks on hand to combat morning sickness and excessive pregnancy cravings, and keep your energy levels up. Opt for nutritious options such as fresh fruits, trail mix, nuts, cheese, and yogurt. In addition to more general healthy snacks, consider adding foods that are known to combat nausea. Some foods and drinks that help with nausea include: 

• Carbonated Beverages
• Ginger
• Peppermint
• Bananas 
• Rice
• Grapefruit
• Toast
• Applesauce 
  

5. The Peekaboo Early Gender DNA Test

The Peekaboo Early Gender Test utilizes cell-free fetal DNA via a small sample of the mother’s blood. A Peekaboo technician then checks to see if the blood sample contains (or does not contain) a male Y chromosome, indicating whether the baby is a boy or girl. You can learn the gender of your baby as early as 6 weeks into your pregnancy with Peekaboo. 

10 First Trimester Tips and Tricks

Some helpful tips and tricks to take note of include:

1. Combat Morning Sickness

There are many different ways to help curb morning sickness symptoms, including: 

• Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day to keep your blood sugar levels stable and prevent nausea.
• Avoiding trigger foods that may make your nausea worse, such as greasy or spicy foods, strong-smelling foods, and caffeine.
• Talking to your doctor about whether prenatal vitamins with added B6 or other supplements may help alleviate nausea.

2. Keep Yourself Hydrated

Dehydration can exacerbate pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and fatigue. It may be helpful for moms-to-be to carry a reusable water bottle with them. Look into your options; some reusable water bottles even have markers on the side of the cup that allow you to track your hydration levels throughout the day. 

3. Lean on Your Support System

Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or online support groups for advice and encouragement. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you during this exciting but sometimes challenging time.

4. Relax When Possible

Pregnancy can be tiring, especially during the first trimester. Ensure you get plenty of rest and prioritize relaxation activities such as reading, listening to music, or taking a warm bath or a nap.

5. Educate Yourself

Take advantage of resources such as books, websites, and prenatal classes to learn as much as you can about pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care. Knowledge is empowering and can help alleviate fears and anxiety.

6. Communicate with Your Partner

Keep the lines of communication open with your partner and involve them in your pregnancy journey as much as possible. Share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns openly and honestly.

7. Listen to Your Body

Pay attention to your body’s signals, and don’t hesitate to speak up if something doesn’t feel right. Trust your instincts and contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions as your pregnancy progresses.

8. Stay Active

Continuing to exercise throughout your pregnancy can help alleviate discomfort and boost your mood during the first trimester. Exercise during pregnancy can also positively impact the postnatal health of your child. According to a 2016 study, women who adopt healthy lifestyles while pregnant can decrease their child’s risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

9. Plan Ahead If Possible

It can be helpful to start thinking about important decisions such as birthing preferences, childcare options, and maternity leave early on in your pregnancy. Having a plan can help alleviate stress and ensure a smoother transition into parenthood.

10. Celebrate Milestones

Take time to celebrate each milestone and achievement throughout your pregnancy, no matter how small. Whether it’s hearing the heartbeat for the first time, determining your baby’s gender, or feeling those first kicks, cherish these special moments along the way.

Determining Your Baby’s Gender with Peekaboo

When you use Peekaboo™, you can determine your baby’s gender as early as six weeks gestation! The Peekaboo™ At-Home Early Gender Test is easy, affordable, and accurate. That’s why it’s the only early baby gender reveal test endorsed by the American Pregnancy Association.