Surviving the first trimester is the first of many rites of passage into the world of motherhood. It ain’t easy! But it is important to know that you aren’t alone and more importantly – the first trimester will end, you will feel better and it is worth it. I promise. And that’s why I am sharing 5 tips for surviving the first trimester.
5 Tips For Surviving The First Trimester
In partnership with Winter Park Memorial Hospital, I spoke with Dr. Lindsey Koss, a Winter Park Memorial Hospital Baby Place OBGYN physician from Contemporary Women’s Care, about first trimester survival. I asked her to share tips that she gives her patients about surviving the first trimester. As a mom of twins, she talked candidly about her own challenges during the first trimester.
Eat what you can
For many moms, the first trimester is plagued by morning sickness. While it is important to remember that morning sickness (even morning, noon and night sickness) is very normal, that is not very reassuring when it is hard to keep anything down.
There are certain foods that should be avoided throughout pregnancy, but outside of those foods Dr. Koss emphasized the importance of eating whatever you can during this time. Don’t stress if your diet consists of chicken nuggets because that is what you can tolerate. Just keep taking your prenatal vitamins and making sure you get at least 400 mg of folic acid daily. When the worst of the morning sickness passes later in your pregnancy you can concentrate on rounding out your diet. By the way, Dr. Koss also mentioned that vitamin B-6 can also help morning sickness.
For more food tips, be sure to check out my post 11 Pregnancy Food Rules.
Sleep, sleep and more sleep
Sorry Superwoman, you are going to have to allow yourself to sleep — even take naps — or you won’t make it. First trimester exhaustion is the real deal, and you are going to need all of the extra zzzzzs you can get. Go to bed early, take a nap, whatever you can do to get some extra sleep even if that is a 10-minute snooze on the couch before dinner. You will be healthier and happier if you just give in and allow yourself extra sleep.
Know what’s normal
I was only a couple of weeks pregnant when I called my OBGYN to make my first appointment with my oldest, and I was shocked when they told me I had to wait until 8 weeks. It seemed so far away, and I couldn’t believe they didn’t need to see (and educate me) before that time.
Before that first appointment, it is your job to educate yourself. Don’t freak yourself out, but educate yourself. Weekly progress emails comparing the size of your growing babe with a fruit are fun and helpful. It is reassuring to know that your symptoms are normal and what to expect. For example, Dr. Koss pointed out that spotting is very normal in the first trimester while heavy bleeding is not and warrants an immediate call to your OBGYN.
Move it
Pregnancy is not the time to start a new exercise routine, but if you were already active before you got pregnant, keep it up. You might have to tone down your routine if you are too tired, but keeping yourself moving can also help battle fatigue. Dr. Koss said running, biking and even aerobics are all ok throughout your pregnancy if you are accustomed to them. But if you aren’t up to your normal routine, give yourself a break. Even a brisk walk can be beneficial.
Get dad onboard
Some moms are ready to shout from the rooftops the moment they discover they are pregnant, while others wait out the first trimester before sharing the news with friends and family. While waiting to share until 10-13 weeks is often recommended by doctors, including Dr. Koss, it is hard to do it alone.
While you are experiencing nausea and exhaustion waiting for that pregnant glow it’s time to enlist dad for help. You will need dad’s support getting daily chores done and reassuring you through your raging hormones. This is dad’s time to shine, so let him. You go take a nap.
As your first trimester comes to a close and the second trimester begins, many of the first trimester symptoms will being to wear off. Pregnancy still isn’t a cake walk, but you should regain your energy and start to feel more like yourself.
For more tips from pregnancy through birth check out the classes offered by Winter Park Memorial Hospital’s Baby Place. And don’t miss 4 reasons you want to have your baby at Winter Park Memorial Hospital.
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Rosie says
May 20, 2015 at 3:56 pmStay busy, share with friends, don’t go all out buying everything at once!!! Take your time!
Cassandra Eastman says
May 20, 2015 at 8:11 pmI get aweful morning sickness. The best thing for me was to snack throughout the day, and drink Earth Mama Morning Wellness tea!
Leela says
May 20, 2015 at 9:43 pmNapping is important. No matter how many times I go through this, the fatigue hits you so hard it’s unreal. I want to sleep all the time now.
Barbara Montag says
May 20, 2015 at 10:15 pmWith my first pregnancy I had a lot of morning sickness.
I figured out that if I took time for some deep breathing it reduced my stress level.
Along with doing the daily deep breathing I was less nauseous in the mornings.
thank you
lala r says
May 21, 2015 at 1:50 ameat healthy, vitamins, exercise and rest!
Keely Hostetter says
May 21, 2015 at 6:41 amI always kept crackers with me. It helped when nausea started to snack on them.
Terry Maigi says
May 21, 2015 at 9:55 amRest, rest, rest! As much as possible! I also kept crackers in my purse, so anytime I felt nauseous or a smell affected me I would nibble on those and they helped so much!
Kristin G says
May 21, 2015 at 1:56 pmAlways have healthy snacks in your purse.. take it easy! Don’t feel bad if you don’t have energy!
Natalie S says
May 21, 2015 at 9:56 pmFor me, it was sipping on ginger ale and eating saltine crackers. Thank goodness I did not vomit any, but the these two things did help to keep my nausea at bay!
Kari B says
May 21, 2015 at 11:15 pmI have been really sick this time around so my doctor ended up putting me on some nausea medication which helped tremendously, but I also found if I snack on cinnamon graham crackers I felt a little better sometimes.
Laura J says
May 21, 2015 at 11:57 pmLots of naps and crackers beside your bed.
Diana C says
May 22, 2015 at 4:26 pmNot currently expecting, but these tips are great! Thanks,
Diana C
Carol N says
May 23, 2015 at 8:21 amGreat tips. Get lots of cat naps.
Michelle says
May 23, 2015 at 9:10 amI had bad hyperemesis my first trimester. I actually got prescription medicine because I couldn’t hold anything down not even water, and I was losing weight. It took weeks before I could start eating again. I got zofran for nausea which works well, and I was told to take a regimen of vitamin B6 3-4 times daily and one .25mg benedryl. the algorithm worked and I finally stopped vomiting.
Elena says
May 23, 2015 at 3:06 pmMy tip is to sleep and relax as much as you can
Stephanie Phelps says
May 23, 2015 at 3:37 pmMy tip for surviving the first trimester is to keep lots of soda crackers and drink lots of water!
Diana B says
May 23, 2015 at 3:44 pmDrink lots of water and rest when you can. I was so tired this time, I don’t even know how I functioned.
Rita Leonard says
May 23, 2015 at 4:25 pmcrackers and ginger ale all day. The morning sickness was endless
Stephanie Shipley says
May 23, 2015 at 5:33 pmMy tip is to carry around bland snacks to help with upset stomach. I always carried around baggies of dry Cheerios during my entire pregnancy.
Connie says
May 23, 2015 at 6:26 pmEnjoy this time…don’t want it to end too soon. Look at pregnancy books to learn what’s happening during this trimester even if you’ve had a baby before. It will help to make this time special.
Jennifer Williams says
May 23, 2015 at 10:58 pmMy best tip is drink lots of water or whatever other fluids you can stand. Lots of the symptoms will be worse if you’re dehydrated, and having plenty of water in your system will let it be more effective in making all the changes the first trimester brings!
Maria C says
May 24, 2015 at 12:27 amdon’t stress yourself. Get plenty of sleep, eat healthy food, drink lots of water & take your prenatal vitamins. do not carry heavy loads
Nicole Dziedzic says
May 25, 2015 at 2:47 amMy tip for surviving the first trimester is to stay relaxed, take it easy, take prenatal vitamins, and prepare for the rest of the pregnancy.
Heather Dawn says
May 25, 2015 at 7:55 am“Mind over matter” is a good thing to keep in mind. I remember many times where it helped me! Also, get your rest and keep yourself hydrated.
Marilyn Nawara says
May 25, 2015 at 8:43 amStay busy and get a lot of sleep.
Stephanie says
May 25, 2015 at 9:24 ammake sure you take vtamins
Kelly says
May 25, 2015 at 10:25 amFor me, the first trimester was full of worry. Was I doing everything right? Was that symptom normal? Can I eat this? Am I working out too hard?… I think my advice, would be to let Mother Nature do her thing. The body does as it is supposed to. We don’t have to “think” about breathing we just do. Know that if you are worried if you are doing “right” then you are. You care enough to care. That is huge.
Amanda Sakovitz says
May 25, 2015 at 1:30 pmI would say start getting naps in when you can.
wen budro says
May 25, 2015 at 2:45 pmMy tips are to sleep and eat when you feel the need to do so. Also, deep breathing and watching funny movies helps too.
Jessica To says
May 25, 2015 at 3:12 pmStay busy and take your vitamins.
Susan Christy says
May 25, 2015 at 4:18 pmMake sure you get medical care and take your vitamins.
Thomas Murphy says
May 25, 2015 at 5:33 pmGet lots of sleep!
steve weber says
May 25, 2015 at 6:37 pmTake your prenatal vitamins and get lots of sleep.
Jenna D says
May 25, 2015 at 7:03 pmVitamins! Stay hydrated and exercise!
Birdiebee says
May 25, 2015 at 7:43 pmGet plenty of rest, eat well and drink lots of water.
Peggy Rydzewski says
May 25, 2015 at 8:17 pmFor morning sickness just keep crackers handy and get plenty of rest.
Denise S says
May 25, 2015 at 8:21 pmEat well and get plenty of rest.
shelly peterson says
May 25, 2015 at 8:47 pmGet your rest, eat healthy and take your vitamins.
Danielle D says
May 25, 2015 at 9:03 pmRest a lot
Christie says
May 25, 2015 at 10:02 pmTake your vitamins, eat well and enjoy being pregnant!
Brittney House says
May 25, 2015 at 10:46 pmI had a lot of luck with keeping active and since I was pregnant during the summer months, I made sure to stay hydrated!
Erin G says
May 25, 2015 at 11:35 pmMy tip to surviving the 1st trimester is to sleep…. just sleep. Oh, and eat of course… then again I always do both of these things A LOT with each pregnancy 😉
Claudia Davis says
May 25, 2015 at 11:36 pmGet a lot of sleep and make sure you start taking prenatal vitamins as soon as you can.
S. Carter says
May 25, 2015 at 11:55 pmStay rested, hydrated and active.
Stacey b says
May 26, 2015 at 12:25 amMy tip is to get plenty of rest and take care of yourself!
Adrienne gordon says
May 26, 2015 at 4:49 amTry and take it easy and rest during the day.
Cynthia C says
May 26, 2015 at 6:28 amMy tip is don’t overdo everything and take time to relax and rest.
Natalie says
May 26, 2015 at 7:13 amMy tip is to keep active. Gentle activity can help relieve discomfort.
Kimmy Ripley says
May 26, 2015 at 7:56 amGet a lot of rest during the first trimester… it’s so tiring!
Kathleen says
May 26, 2015 at 7:59 amMy tip is to get as much rest as possible.
kport207 at gmail dot com
nickie says
May 26, 2015 at 8:27 amVitamins and Stay hydrated
Angelica says
May 26, 2015 at 8:37 amDrink plenty of water, take your vitamins and get plenty of fresh air!
Trisha W. says
May 26, 2015 at 8:38 amIt helped me to keep a small bag of saltines or pretzels with me to help fend off the queasy feelings.
Sandy Klocinski says
May 26, 2015 at 9:00 amThe first trimester was all about survival mode for me. My friends thought I’d been kidnapped by aliens — they didn’t see me for about 6 weeks. Just say no to things that aren’t VITAL to your survival.
Margaret Smith says
May 26, 2015 at 9:18 amTry to relax and get lots of rest and eat healthy.
Ellie Wright says
May 26, 2015 at 10:15 amGet as much rest as possible and eat lots of fresh fruits.
Mary Cloud says
May 26, 2015 at 11:20 amEnjoy every minute of it – the first trimester comes with a lot of firsts, listening to the heartbeat for the first time is one of them
McKim says
May 26, 2015 at 11:44 amMy tip is to try and get as much rest as possible.
Deirdre says
May 26, 2015 at 11:59 amFood aversions can turn you off of your favorite foods, so my tip is to find what your stomach can currently handle and make sure that you have enough of it (or easy access to purchase it).
latanya says
May 26, 2015 at 12:41 pmI rested a lot and let my husband and family help with cleaning
Sherry Conrad says
May 26, 2015 at 12:45 pmThe first trimester was actually the easiest for me all 4 times, but plenty of rest is my tip.
Betsy Barnes says
May 26, 2015 at 1:25 pmMy best tip for surviving the first trimester, ginger anything will help with morning sickness. Buying ginger-flavored Altoids was the best advice I was given. 🙂
Suzanne K says
May 26, 2015 at 1:36 pmrest, rest, rest and ginger to help calm your tummy
Debbi Wellenstein says
May 26, 2015 at 1:47 pmMy best tip is to get plenty of rest.
Sheila K. says
May 26, 2015 at 3:50 pmTry to maintain your exercise routine, or at least try to ensure that you get some exercise regularly!
April Brenay says
May 26, 2015 at 4:42 pmdon’t over eat, you don’t want to make your sickness worse
Richard Hicks says
May 26, 2015 at 5:38 pmTry not to overstress yourself
Mary Happymommy says
May 26, 2015 at 5:52 pmI’m 23 weeks pregnant now and in the first trimester I recommend taking naps.
Bridgett Wilbur says
May 26, 2015 at 7:33 pmLots of toast and cracker while taking prenatal vitiams so your bellys not upset and keep active.
Crystal F says
May 26, 2015 at 7:42 pmNot good for ya but I ate something salty whenever I felt like I may be getting sick. It helped almost every time. Also rest as much as you can. I was exhausted in my first trimester. Thank you!
Heather Hayes Panjon says
May 26, 2015 at 7:44 pmMy Tip To Have A Balance, Exercise, Rest, Drink Lot’s Of WAter And Take Vitamin.
Sarah Jestings says
May 26, 2015 at 7:51 pmDrink lots of water. it really helped me with both pregnancies to stay hydrated.
Kelly D says
May 26, 2015 at 8:17 pmMy tip is to keep healthy snacks around for when you need energy.
robyn paris says
May 26, 2015 at 9:21 pmEat right is my best tip.
janetfaye says
May 26, 2015 at 11:16 pmRest and take naps when you feel tired.
Kenny F says
May 27, 2015 at 12:11 amdon’t over eat
Tracy Robertson says
May 27, 2015 at 4:20 amPlenty of rest and as much time off from work as possible!
Janet W. says
May 27, 2015 at 4:31 amMy best tip is to have little snacks throughout the day instead of big meals.
Dawn Monroe says
May 27, 2015 at 5:22 amMy tip is to get to the doctors early, start your vitamins and have crackers available.
Jessica Beard says
May 27, 2015 at 7:50 amTry to get lots of rest, eat well, and drink lots of water.
Summer I. says
May 27, 2015 at 8:28 amDefinitely take it easy, drink water and rest.
Pamela Gurganus says
May 27, 2015 at 9:52 amMy best tip for surviving the first trimester is to keep saltine crackers on the nightstand next to the bed!
brittany says
May 27, 2015 at 10:23 amMy best tip is to take it really easy as you can and get much rest. try to only eat things you know wont make you sick.
Courtnie says
May 27, 2015 at 3:13 pmI’d say to make time to relax and get rest for yourself.
Angela Cash says
May 27, 2015 at 3:31 pmMy favorite tip for surviving the first trimester is to modify your fitness routine so that you can stay active. Cycling is my fave activity.
Ashley C says
May 27, 2015 at 4:19 pmPamper yourself! This is the time for you, after baby comes it will be all about baby
Lauren says
May 27, 2015 at 4:23 pmStay active, but get plenty of rest.
Christina G. says
May 27, 2015 at 6:21 pmMy best tip for surviving the first trimester is to keep saltine crackers by your bed, and eat a few before you move in the morning. That way, you don’t get morning sickness. Thanks for the giveaway!
Sarah L says
May 28, 2015 at 12:47 amSwimming is great exercise and the water helps hold you up.
Thanks for the contest.
Liz N says
May 28, 2015 at 10:10 amRest when you need to! It’s OK to take breaks!
Jennifer McKinney says
May 28, 2015 at 12:32 pmI barely survived the first trimester myself so I am not sure I can give the best advice here. However, I would say staying hydrated, taking bubble baths, relaxing, these are all helpful components. Different things work for different people. You do what you have to do. Don’t let anyone tell you what to do (other than your doctor) and be proud of yourself!!
Lynn says
May 28, 2015 at 1:51 pmDon’t hesitate to ask for help from your loved ones!
Sarah hayes says
May 28, 2015 at 2:12 pmDo a lot of reserch on anything you Are unsure of and eat as well as you can
Katie H says
May 28, 2015 at 7:36 pmI don’t have any tips since I’ve never been pregnant, but I’m enjoying reading everyone else’s tips!
Melanie Montgomery says
May 28, 2015 at 11:53 pmGet lots of sleep, and treat your morning sickness or youwon’t be able to function.
Mary Calabrese says
May 29, 2015 at 9:40 amGet as much rest as you can. Naps are your friend.
Denise L says
May 29, 2015 at 11:32 amI had horrible sickness with my first baby. With the second I found that eating pretty much constantly helped keep the nausea at bay.
CR Williams says
May 29, 2015 at 12:53 pmI would say get the rest you need and get ready for baby.
Tara says
May 29, 2015 at 4:07 pmGet lots of rest!
Danielle Marie says
May 30, 2015 at 3:10 ami have to go with rest. trying to do everything just wears you out and you regret it.
Robin says
May 30, 2015 at 7:55 amMake sure you take it easy and get plenty of rest
Elle P. says
May 30, 2015 at 10:21 amGet enough rest and eat well.
Leigh Anne Borders says
May 30, 2015 at 12:52 pmI just had to rest and take it easy. thankfully I had a great support system that included my husband and parents to help me get through it.
kyl neusch says
May 30, 2015 at 1:19 pmneed lots for rest
Dana Cerrito says
May 30, 2015 at 5:08 pmdrink a lot of water and give in to those cravings you deserve it!
Maureen says
May 30, 2015 at 8:28 pmMy tips for surviving the first trimester is to drink lots of water and get lots of rest
Maureen
[email protected]
Ellen Casper says
May 30, 2015 at 9:03 pmNourish Your Body And Take Your Vitamins and Nap!
Stephanie Galbraith says
May 31, 2015 at 3:27 pmJust take it one day at a time, one hour at a time if you need.
mita says
May 31, 2015 at 6:15 pmEat right and plenty of rest.
megan Tilley says
May 31, 2015 at 7:02 pmWhen I wasn’t working I was sleeping a lot! I was praying and taking my prenatals!
Lily @militaryfamof8 says
May 31, 2015 at 8:42 pmgetting plenty of rest!!!
Marybeth Hamilton says
May 31, 2015 at 11:11 pmIf you feel good, get up and be active. But don’t deny yourself sleep!
Clarissa says
June 1, 2015 at 6:37 amStay hydrated, be active, and rest when needed!
Tabathia B says
June 1, 2015 at 12:32 pmRest and sleep. Plus share any concerns with your doctor and don’t think anything is too little to share. I learned this the hard way.
amy rouse says
June 1, 2015 at 3:45 pmTell me your best tip for surviving the first trimester.
Sleep sleep sleep and sleep and drink lots of water!
Carol Godfrey says
June 1, 2015 at 6:31 pmMy tip is to get plenty of rest! Also be sure to stay hydrated!
Erica B. says
June 1, 2015 at 8:19 pmGet a lot of rest.
JoAnna Carpentier says
June 2, 2015 at 8:29 amJust don’t overdo it – give your body plenty of time to rest and get used to the changes!
cynthia Dawson says
June 2, 2015 at 11:01 amGet the rest you need and know it will all be over before you know it!
Francine Anchondo says
June 2, 2015 at 11:07 amtry to sleep as much as you can and saltine crackers.
tina reynolds says
June 2, 2015 at 11:20 amLots of water and rest just nuture your self and body
Leslie Stanziani says
June 2, 2015 at 1:40 pmMy best tip is rest when you can and start eating healthy if not already doing so.
Joann F says
June 2, 2015 at 4:40 pmGet alot of rest !
Stephanie Larison says
June 2, 2015 at 5:31 pmFind the right OB for you, someone you feel comfortable with and someone who listens. Stay away from the discussion boards and pregnancy books, lol they will scare you with fear. Just relax and enjoy the blessing!
Susan Smith says
June 2, 2015 at 6:03 pmMy tip is to get a lot of rest and eat healthy.
Katherine says
June 2, 2015 at 7:15 pmStay as active as you can
Theresa Smith says
June 2, 2015 at 7:49 pmGet as much rest as you can because your body is going through a lot of changes and you are going to be very tired. Listen to your body!
Laurie Emerson says
June 2, 2015 at 9:26 pmTake walks everyday. The fresh air and exercise really helps you to feel balanced during a time when your life can sometimes feel completely out of balance.
Evans B. says
June 2, 2015 at 9:28 pmLots of water, get as much rest, load up on fruits and veggies and try not to stress about anything.
K Johnson says
June 3, 2015 at 2:50 amLots of rest, relaxation and eating right are the most important things.
joe gersch says
June 3, 2015 at 3:51 amFrom a father’s pint of view, make sure your wife is comfortable during the third trimester
Terra Heck says
June 3, 2015 at 4:52 amDon’t be afraid to relax and enjoy the first trimester, but it’s best if you don’t just lay around. Be sure to have some activity and don’t overindulge on food. Thanks.
partymix25(at)Hotmail(dot)com
Aaron says
June 3, 2015 at 5:32 amI don’t have one… I guess just keep her happy.
Ashley says
June 3, 2015 at 9:16 amRest up if you can! The first trimester is the hardest, so take care of your body, eat good things, get plenty of sleep!
courtney b says
June 3, 2015 at 9:17 amtry to NOT get sick- eat lots of ice pops…
drink lots of water so you don’t dehydrate yourself.
jeannine d says
June 3, 2015 at 9:28 amListen to your body! Rest when you need to
Roxann says
June 3, 2015 at 9:37 amEat healthy and get a lot of rest while you can.
Stephanie Davis says
June 3, 2015 at 11:38 amDon’t be afraid to ask for help! If this is your first child, it can be a scary and uncertain time but also very exciting!
Natalie says
June 3, 2015 at 11:54 amTry to keep a small amount of food in your stomach. Even if you just nibble on saltines. And sip on water during the day as much as possible. Rest up.
Rachel Travis says
June 3, 2015 at 11:58 amDon’t push yourself and don’t sweat the small stuff!
GB says
June 3, 2015 at 12:12 pmMy best tip is to get enough rest.
Breanne says
June 3, 2015 at 3:47 pmGet plenty of rest.
heather s says
June 3, 2015 at 4:03 pmEat healthier foods so you feel better
Angela Cisco says
June 3, 2015 at 5:38 pmRemember that everyone is different. What may work for one may not work for another. My biggest tip would be not to eat anything that you do not want to taste coming back up. Sounds gross but till this day I hate cantaloupe and just started being bale to eat banana’s again.
Jodi Kershuk says
June 3, 2015 at 7:17 pmGet plenty of sleep! I was so exhausted in the 1st trimester!
Samantha says
June 3, 2015 at 7:18 pmI have been trying to take it easy. Extra sleep and lots of bread has been good to me!
AEKZ2 says
June 3, 2015 at 8:29 pmMy best tip is to see your doctor as soon as you think you’re pregnant.
Linda Bradshaw says
June 3, 2015 at 8:46 pmRest, doctor visits, etc… I was so sick.
Peggy Johnson says
June 3, 2015 at 9:02 pmeat frequent small meals and stay hydrated
Sonya Morris says
June 3, 2015 at 9:10 pmTake a few naps when possible!
Trisha McKee says
June 3, 2015 at 9:30 pmDefinitely rest when you can. I was always most tired in the first trimester.
Alex Medina says
June 3, 2015 at 9:33 pmLots of filtered water and sleep.
Sand says
June 3, 2015 at 9:54 pmDrink herbal tea and have crackers on hand.
Janine H says
June 3, 2015 at 10:14 pmKeep some crackers by the bedside. I was sickest first thing in the AM
gette v says
June 3, 2015 at 10:36 pmStarted to take yoga classes. Relaxing and healthy
Lisa Vanhook says
June 3, 2015 at 10:41 pmI ate lots of watermelon and strawberry ice cream….:)
Kathy Zonis says
June 3, 2015 at 10:48 pmMeditation, yoga, you are going to need all the zen and self-balance mental patience you can get!
Julie Simpson says
June 3, 2015 at 10:48 pmAlways keep saltines next to the bed. I had saltines and pepper mints and a bottle of water. It’s rough but only for a while and so worth it!!