7 Must-Have Essentials for Your First Trimester of Pregnancy

1. Sea-bands

Sea-bands were my miracle cure when I was pregnant with my daughter. They’re bands that you wear at a certain place on your arm, close to your wrist to help with nausea and vomiting. They work by putting pressure on a specific place to relieve nausea. They’re also used to treat motion sickness as well as other causes of nausea. Sea-Bands can be purchased for around $10 and are a drug-free way to find relief from those morning sickness waves.

2. Peppermint

Many women have done well using peppermint to treat their morning sickness. You can use peppermint in different ways. You can sip on peppermint tea or just have the candy on hand for when nausea strikes. I’ve even heard that the scent of peppermint can be calming to your stomach, so finding something with that scent is an option. This is a very safe way to treat your morning sickness naturally.

3. Water

Water is a must have all throughout your pregnancy. But it’s especially important during the first trimester when you’re more likely to become dehydrated because of the nausea and vomiting so many pregnant women experience. Make it a habit to carry a bottle of water with you. If you’re not crazy about water, jazz it up by adding lemon or orange slices. Crystal Light has little packets of drink mixes you can add to your water to give it flavor, too. Staying hydrated is key to managing pregnancy symptoms and keeping your energy up during these tiring weeks.

4. A Favorite Blanket

The exhaustion that you feel in the first trimester can be unlike any you’ve known before. Some women experience this more than others. Even if your fatigue is mild, you’ll still probably find yourself dozing in the evenings or craving an afternoon nap. Having a favorite blanket can be very comforting for those times. It’s nice to keep one folded on your couch or love seat so it’s within easy reach. Learning how to maximize your rest is crucial when your body is working overtime to grow a human.

5. Extra Toilet Paper

As funny as this is, it truly is a must have. You’re peeing more than you ever have now that you’re pregnant. This is because of all the pregnancy hormones in your body. This pregnancy symptom will ease up before your second trimester and return again in the last few weeks of pregnancy. Because of that, it’s good to keep the toilet paper stocked. You"ll be surprised how quickly you go through a roll when those bathroom trips become a constant part of your routine!

6. Prenatal Vitamins

Prenatal vitamins are very important when you’re pregnant, especially in the first trimester. They offer your baby the special vitamins it needs to grow and develop. Also, they can help replace the nutrition you’re losing in the first trimester due to morning sickness. Your doctor will probably give you a prescription or a recommendation on which brand to take. If you haven’t had your first appointment yet, call and ask what brand you should be taking until you do see the doctor. You want to give your baby every advantage that you can. For a deeper look, check out the Mayo Clinic"s guide to prenatal vitamins.

7. A Good Camera

This one is a must have for those that want to record their pregnancy. I would think that’d be a large percentage of you pregnant mommies. Many women are choosing to document their pregnancy week by week or month by month in pictures. This is a wonderful thing and something they’ll always cherish. If you don’t have a nice camera, this may be the time to start shopping for one. Whether it"s a high-end DSLR or just a smartphone with a great lens, capturing these memories is priceless, especially as you prepare for what to expect in the second trimester.

These are 7 must haves for the first trimester of pregnancy. Now it’s your turn. What couldn’t you live without in your first trimester? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below!