Own that first trimester

So you peed on a stick, told your partner, feeling pretty good about it and then BAM! You’re exhausted, bloated, headachy, got tender titties, nauseated, dry heaving at the weirdest things, always needing a snack and running to the bathroom All. The. Time. And these are just some of the symptoms that can happen during those first 12-14 weeks. All these symptoms are the result of your body working overtime in order to create a cozy, safe and nourishing environment for a new life to grow. Your baby starts out as a bunch of cells and by the end of your first 12 weeks (give or take) baby has tripled in size, has all the major organs and systems in place (the pancreas is even working!), looks like a little human in an ultrasound and you might be able to hear the heartbeat. Wow! That’s a lot of hard work. Here are some of my tips to feeling good (or as close to it) as possible during that first trimester.

Snacks

Have quick, one handed healthy snacks at work, in the car, while making supper, in your purse or pocket, on your nightstand. Keeping blood sugar stable and keeping hungry pains at bay will not only curb nausea, but may also help with feeling bloated as you’re eating smaller meals more regularly. If you’re quite nauseated during the first trimester try having foods or snacks made with ginger or peppermint as they tend to help put upset bellies at ease.

Exercise

feeling good during the first trimester of pregnancy!

I know it seems like a ridiculous idea as you’re struggling to keep your eyes open while sitting at your desk, but hear me out. Keeping up with some form of physical activity will help you with another problem that may creep up during the first trimester — constipation. It can also help with bloating, reduce backaches, build strength and endurance (or both depending on the activity). Check with your care provider, but generally speaking it is safe to continue with your current exercise routine throughout your entire pregnancy. That being said, it’s incredibly important to listen to your body, if you’re feeling dizzy or tired, please take it easy.

Kegals

To follow up on moving your body, it’s also a great idea to start doing your kegal exercises as long as your care provider says its okay. Tightening and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles throughout pregnancy may come in handy during the pushing stage of labour. Here’s a great video on pelvic floor exercises safe to do during any stage of pregnancy.

Sleep

Remember you’re growing another human being and that takes a ton of energy so sleep as much as possible. I know that’s easier said than done when you’re running to bathroom 3 or 4 times a night. Don’t be afraid to catch a little snooze mid day, split your lunch hour up if you can, book a meeting room or slip out to your car and set your phone to go off in about 30 - 45 min. You can catch another little catnap after work and right before supper - you’re might be pushing your supper a little later anyway so you can have enough calories to make it to the next pee break near midnight.

Hydration

This one may also seem counter intuitive given how much you’re going to the bathroom, but it’ll keep those headaches at bay and if you are experiencing morning sickness, water will obviously ward off any potential dehydration. Aim to have a little more the recommended 8 glasses a day as your body temperature is a little higher than usual during this stage of your pregnancy, causing you to sweat a little more, even if you’re not noticing it.

Quiet Time

Taking time alone with and without your partner is great at anytime in life, but in pregnancy you can scroll through nurseries on Instagram, browse baby gear websites and have some conversations around childbirth education courses without judgement from anyone else. Quiet time alone with just you and baby is great too as it’s been shown when birthing people connect with their baby report having positive feelings about pregnancy, birth, and parenting.

Other things that will help you through that first trimester is keeping an eye on the foods to avoid (shellfish, sushi, raw cheeses, undercooked meat to name a few), limiting or cutting out your alcohol, thinking about birth and your support team (insert shameless doula plug here), spending time with friends and family who lift you up, walking in nature, cuddling with your partner and/or pet and enjoying the small things in life. Lastly to quote my grandmother, “this too will pass and become something wonderful”.