Pearls for coping with common discomforts in the first trimester

Now that you are on this journey you may be finding it very challenging. For many the nausea, vomiting, headaches and fatigue can be very overwhelming and even anxiety inducing. If you are not loving this time of pregnancy it is normal and you are not alone. The good news is that for most; it will resolve in the second trimester somewhere between 12-16 weeks. Here are some ideas to help you manage.

Nausea and vomiting: Drink small sips of water throughout the day rather than large amounts of fluids at one time. Adding lemon or other fruits to your water may make it more appealing or try decaffeinated peppermint, ginger or chamomile teas to help you stay hydrated. Chewing on ginger chews or hard candy and eating small snacks every 2-3 hours may help with the nausea. Eat a small snack in the middle of the night if your nausea is mostly in the morning. Peppermint or lavender essential oils diffused into the air or diluted in a roller and rubbed behind your ears or under your nose may give some relief especially if you have a heightened sense of smell of food aversions.

Headaches, body aches: Try eating more magnesium rich foods like pumpkin seeds, almonds, avocados, leafy greens, beans and legumes. Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated.

Fatigue: Likely due to the hormones of early pregnancy and often because you are not sleeping well or having difficulty sleeping due tor frequent trips to the bathroom or because of mixed feelings about many aspects of coming into motherhood. For trouble getting to sleep try a lavender or chamomile and epsom salt bathes or if you don't have a bath tub exfoliate with a sugar or salt scrub. If you are having difficulty waking up in the morning or are fatigued through out the day, try showering with citrus shampoo, citrus body wash or spraying a lemon or sweet orange citrus spray in the air to help you to feel alert and uplift your mood. For that after dinner slump commit to 5-20 minutes of light exercise. I know its a lot to ask of you right now but it will make you feel so much better. Go for a walk, do a virtual prenatal yoga class or dance around your house for a few minutes.

Be kind to yoursel:. Recognize that the first trimester can be hard and we all have our unique challenges. The common discomforts of the first trimester are not a sign of weakness, remind yourself often that you are good enough. Write down your thoughts and feelings as some helpful goals may emerge from those middle of the night thoughts.

You are going through some amazing changes physically and emotionally. You are growing a baby and becoming a parent.

You're on a journey

Sending love and support. ~ Sarah 💕

I would love to hear your pearls of wisdom. Feel free to comment below about anything that has worked or did not work well for you in your pregnancy. You can ask questions here as well or use to Chat Box at any time.

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