First Trimester Symptoms

Well, I expected to have this post of first trimester tips written before I got pregnant with my second baby. Since this little guy was a total surprise, (See my post on Instagram about the surprise) I am over six months pregnant now. However, I survived first trimester symptoms twice . You CAN do it!

Keep up with the rest of the pregnancy, his birth, and my journey back to work after fourth trimester on my Instagram. Please pop in and chat with me about your own first trimester symptoms!

First Trimester Nausea Doesn’t Have to Ruin Pregnancy

Keep it simple – eat and drink. Don’t overthink it. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you need protein. The very thought of food may gross you out, but just do it.

Here are a couple suggestions for first trimester nausea:

1. Make sure that you wake up with food in your belly. Keep almonds or crackers next to bed
2. Every morning of first trimester, I ate a protein shake AND an egg sandwich first thing.
3. Stay hydrated! Drink water. This is important for staying balanced.

Pregnancy Constipation is Real

1. Stay hydrated. This may be insane, but I bought a 64 ounce water bottle. Every morning, I fill it up with the goal of finishing by 2PM. Then I fill it again and try to get to half before bed. If I do that, I won’t wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom.
2. Senna tea — thank God for this discovery.
   1. Senna tea is a natural laxative; you do NOT need to use it frequently.
   2. Calculate about 6 hours after you consume the tea; that’s when you’ll need access to the restroom. Everyone is different. So try to drink it when you won’t be on the go or in an embarrassing situation and poop your pants.

Prevent Pregnancy Stretch Marks

At least do the best you can. Genetics may not be in everyone’s favor on this topic. At the very least, you can take good care of your skin.

1. Don’t scratch. Seriously, it’s the most important thing you can do. Your parts will be expanding, so the natural result is the skin itching. It will feel like a scab healing. Like my mommy always said, “If you itch, you’ll make it scar!” Mothers are always right.
2. Oil/cream up your expanding parts – don’t forget your underarms and love handles! Palmer’s Cocoa Butter is my utmost favorite.

First Trimester Cramps or Bleeding?

Don’t be scared if you have cramps at or around six weeks as part of your first trimester symptoms. This is around the time that the egg starts to implant in the uterine wall. Pain is different than discomfort from cramps. Make sure you know the difference, but don’t freak out. Shouldn’t last any longer than a couple of weeks.

Fitness — yes, definitely stay active.

Don’t change a thing from what you were doing fitness-wise. Unless you were doing nothing; then add something. This isn’t the time START training for a marathon. Just add basic maintain activity. I’m no expert on this topic. Definitely follow some of these accounts that I personally love for mama fitness:

• https://www.instagram.com/mamastefit/
• https://www.instagram.com/mypelvicfloormuscles/
• https://www.instagram.com/hannahbower2/
• https://www.instagram.com/expectingandempowered/
• https://www.instagram.com/sarahsmithstrength/
• https://www.instagram.com/getmomstrong/

Pregnancy Emotions Aren’t Fake.

You can’t ignore them. While they might be explosive or overwhelming, you can handle them.

1. Find a way to process them.
   • My journal is the most important place for me in pregnancy.
   • Get close to friends who can relate
   • Consider a counselor
2. If you’re pregnant with a boy, you may get actual spikes of testosterone. As you can expect, this would impact your personal emotions.
3. Did you plan on this baby? We didn’t and I needed to be open with myself, my husband and our closest friends. It’s better to get all your feelings on the table regarding this topic earlier than later. I shared about surprise pregnancy on Instagram with some other surprised mamas.
4. Consider writing out everything you might be afraid of. Then you can pray about it, address it, solve it, etc. If you need help processing fear, check out my recent article about productive mindsets

Prepare for labor 

Yep, even in first trimester. Not to freak you out, but this will be the most intense workout of your life.

1. Mad squats and lunges. Make sure you are doing them correctly and using proper pelvic floor breathing. In first trimester, I did 5-10 squats every time I went to the bathroom. Yep every time.
2. Chiropractic adjustments – get a couple chiropractic adjustments to help with the discomfort that comes from hormone and chemical changes. No massages until second trimester, but you can make it.

Stay Energized — YES, you can do this too!!

1. Sleep every moment that you are able and want to. Don’t judge yourself or accept any criticism (from spouses, bosses or even your own kids)
2. If you have a coffee aversion but need the energy, use this black tea. I wish I could remember whose blog I read to get this recommendation; so that I could give the credit where it’s due. This tea is the best!

Continue to read more about my motherhood journey here!