Congratulations, mama — you’re pregnant! The first trimester (weeks 1–12) is one of the most exciting and, let’s be honest, exhausting chapters of early pregnancy. Between morning sickness, fatigue, and a million new questions, knowing what to keep on hand can make a world of difference.
We’ve rounded up the top first-trimester must-haves, plus 10 practical tips and tricks, to help you feel as comfortable and confident as possible — starting from week 6 and beyond.
What to Expect During the First Trimester
The first trimester spans weeks 1 through 12 of pregnancy and is marked by rapid hormonal changes. Common symptoms include morning sickness, breast tenderness, fatigue, frequent urination, and mood swings. While every pregnancy is different, being prepared with the right essentials can make this stage much more manageable.
One of the most exciting milestones of the first trimester? Learning your baby’s sex! With the Peekaboo Early Gender DNA Test, you can find out as early as 6 weeks’ gestation — no waiting for your 20-week ultrasound.
5 First-Trimester Must-Haves to Stock Up On Now
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. Choose 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
One of the best first-trimester must-haves? Finding out if it’s a boy or a girl! 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. You can learn the gender of your baby as early as 6 weeks into your pregnancy.
Choose the At-Home Peekaboo Gender DNA Test or In-Office Peekaboo Pro Gender Test. These tests are over 99% accurate* and can be done from the comfort of home or at a lab near you.
10 First-Trimester Tips & Tricks to Feel Your Best
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. 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.
Ready to discover your baby’s gender?
Get the Peekaboo At-Home Early Gender DNA Test, proven to be over 99% accurate, and discover your baby’s gender as early as 6 weeks from the comfort of home!
First-Trimester FAQs
What are the most important things to have for the first trimester?
The top first-trimester must-haves include acupressure wristbands for nausea, pregnancy-safe personal care products, nausea-fighting snacks (ginger, bananas, crackers), a reusable water bottle, and a reliable prenatal vitamin. And don’t forget — as early as 6 weeks, you can add the Peekaboo Early Gender DNA Test to the list!
How early can I find out my baby's gender?
With the Peekaboo At-Home Early Gender DNA Test, you can find out your baby’s gender as early as 6 weeks into your pregnancy — that’s weeks earlier than a standard ultrasound. Results are over 99% accurate* and available as soon as the same day your sample is received at the lab.
What foods help with first-trimester nausea?
Foods known to ease nausea include ginger (tea, chews, or candies), bananas, plain crackers, toast, applesauce, and cold carbonated beverages. Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day can also help stabilize blood sugar and minimize nausea.
Is it safe to exercise in the first trimester?
For most healthy pregnancies, light to moderate exercise is safe and beneficial during the first trimester. Activities like walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga can boost mood, reduce fatigue, and support a healthy pregnancy. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting or continuing an exercise routine.
Find Out Your Baby's Gender as Early as 6 Weeks With Peekabo
One first-trimester milestone you won’t want to miss? Discovering whether you’re having a boy or a girl — and you don’t have to wait for your 20-week anatomy scan to find out!
The Peekaboo At-Home Early Gender DNA Test uses cell-free fetal DNA from a small sample of the mother’s blood to determine baby’s sex as early as 6 weeks’ gestation, with over 99% accuracy*. It’s the only early gender test endorsed by the American Pregnancy Association, and it can be done entirely from the comfort of home.
Choose from two easy collection options:
- Peekaboo Click — virtually pain-free, no finger prick, collects from the upper arm in minutes
- Peekaboo Lancet — traditional finger-prick method, starting at just $79
Results are delivered securely — sometimes as soon as the same day your sample arrives at the lab. Want to understand the science behind the test? We’ve got you covered. Start planning that gender reveal party!
Prefer to have your sample collected by a professional? Peekaboo PRO offers the same trusted, over 99% accurate early gender testing experience — but done in-office at a clinic near you. It’s a great option for moms who’d feel more comfortable with professional collection.
Discover Your Baby's Gender With a Peekaboo DNA Test
Ready to add the most exciting item to your first-trimester checklist? Find out if you’re having a boy or girl as early as 6 weeks with the Peekaboo Early Gender DNA Test — over 99% accurate* and endorsed by the American Pregnancy Association.