The 3 Most Common Symptoms of The First Trimester And Tips for Getting Through
/You are finally pregnant and you are ecstatic, overwhelmed, scared and excited all at once...at least you are trying to feel excited but currently you are too busy feeling terrible! It is hard to describe the symptoms of the first trimester unless you have been through it before, but it is similar to having mono and a stomach virus, and then getting hit by a truck. Everytime I get motion sick in the car I start having flashbacks. The three most common complaints of the first trimester, in my experience speaking with pregnant women, are nausea/food aversions, constipation, and fatigue.
You are probably thinking, “how in the world am I going to do this?!” Take solace in the fact that you are not alone… this is a normal reaction and for most women first trimester symptoms are a temporary condition. Symptoms usually begin around 6 weeks, peak around 8 weeks and resolve by 12 weeks. Unfortunately a small percentage of women experience symptoms throughout their entire pregnancy and/or more severe symptoms which require medical intervention, but for most the symptoms resolve by the end of the first trimester.
If you are in the group that is unable to keep any food or fluids down, or your symptoms last past 12 weeks please talk with your provider right away. Until the fog of the first trimester lifts I hope that these suggestions help you to get through those first 12 weeks.
Nausea & Food Aversions
Ginger
There are ginger candies, teas, chews, lollipops and more. Ginger products are designed to settle the stomach. Please dont think these products are going to eliminate nausea, but they may help you feel a bit more at ease.
Have A Go To Meal- Mine is Soup And Seltzer
You may have a few things you can tolerate or that even make you feel better. Don’t be afraid to limit the variety of your foods in the first trimester. If you eat a perfect diet but throw it all up that does not do your baby or you any good. I love a bowl of brothy soup and crackers and a can of seltzer water. Something about the cold bubbles and the warm broth together is so soothing. Also your brothy soup has just the right amount of salt, water, and possibly even protein, depending on the type to keep you going.
Snacking
Eating smaller meals more frequently is commonly held to be a healthy way of eating. In pregnancy you may need to take this to the extreme. Keeping something in your stomach and not allowing yourself to get hungry is a great way to stave off nausea and vomiting. Do not eat large volumes and avoid fluids at the same time as your meals so you don’t aggravate your reflux and nausea.
Don’t Force It
I always remember my husband encouraging me to eat broccoli in my first pregnancy during the first trimester. He was trying to be supportive and helpful, but I could not think about it let alone eat it. Looking back and a second kid later I realize that trying to force myself to eat the broccoli was silly. A temporary decline in the veggie category (or meats… that is a common one too) is ok as long as it is temporary. Another option is to sneak it in… add the veggies to a smoothie, or freeze your smoothie into popsicles!
Take Your Prenatal at Night or Switch to a Gummy
Prenatal vitamins are notorious for being big and smelling funny. Exactly what a pregnant person does NOT tolerate well. The littlest things may make you gag, so trying to swallow a prenatal pill can be a challenge. As someone who likes gummy candies a gummy prenatal vitamin has been a delight. It is important to note however that gummy vitamins tend to lack certain minerals that a pill contains. Best to switch back to a pill once your nausea settles. Otherwise try to take your pill at night or a time you are typically less nauseated.
Constipation
Prunes
Hormonal and diet changes, iron in prenatal vitamins, as well as lifestyle changes in early pregnancy often lead to constipation. One way to deal with this nagging issue is prunes! Prune juice is disgusting but dried prunes, especially when cold and kept in the fridge, are actually quite enjoyable. Keeping them cold makes them less globby and they are very sweet. My kids eat about 5 most days of the week to keep regular. You should do the same!
Water
Hydration Hydration Hydration! Most people dont drink nearly enough water and when you become pregnant those needs go up. Pregnant women are advised to drink approximately 60-90 oz of water a day depending on your size and activity level. Water helps your stool move and keeps you feeling well.
Cut the Iron
As noted above your prenatal pill contains iron which can make constipation worse. A temporary switch to a gummy prenatal vitamin that does not contain iron may make using the bathroom regularly more possible. It may also alleviate the stomach pain and straining and hemorrhoids that often come with constipation. Talk with your doctor about when it is advised to reintroduce the iron. In the meantime look for foods rich in iron as these are more easily absorbed.
Fatigue
Go To Bed Early
Fatigue is a tough one and for many the worst part of the first trimester. Your job does not care that you’re tired and your toddler at home certainly does not care that you can barely keep your eyes open. Life goes on but all you want to do is lay in your bed. So do it!!! Sometimes we need the reminder to go to bed early or better yet take a nap when able, and THEN go to bed early. Please tell your partner not to worry and that this too will be a temporary concern.
Change Your Schedule
So often in the first trimester we have not yet made our facebook announcement to the world that we are expecting and there is a pressure to keep up appearances. Women go out and pretend to order alcoholic drinks, they would never dream of cancelling a trip, and they attempt to keep the same pace as prior to pregnancy for fear someone will find out they are pregnant. I am encouraging you to slow down. If it feels bad don’t do it and definitely don’t push yourself for the reason that someone will guess your secret. People need to learn to mind their own business and you will be sharing the news with them soon enough anyway! Stay home and rest.
Hang in there girl! You’ve got this! Feel free to comment on this post with any of your questions.
