Navigating the First Trimester: Tips For Managing Morning Sickness and Fatigue

The first trimester of pregnancy is often filled with immense excitement and anticipation, but it can also bring about some really challenging symptoms like morning sickness and fatigue - each to varying degrees. As your body adjusts to the multitude of physical and hormonal changes in pregnancy, it's essential to take extra care of yourself beginning right in the first Trimester, while finding ways to alleviate any discomforts you may be experiencing. As a mom of four, there are a bunch of tips and tricks I discovered over the years and I want to share them with you here today. 

Listen to Your Body

During your first trimester, your body is working extra hard to support the growth and development of your baby. And while our bodies are capable of doing some of the most incredible things (literally), it's extremely normal - and pretty much expected - to feel more tired than usual as your body adjusts to the vast hormonal changes taking place in early pregnancy. Listen to your body's cues and rest when you need to. Allow yourself to take naps during the day and go to bed early at night. Ultimately, just try to prioritize rest during this time - whenever and however you can!

Eat Small, Frequent Meals

Morning sickness, which can actually occur at any time of the day (mine was 24h for the first 4.5 months), is a common symptom during the first trimester. To help manage nausea and vomiting, try eating small, frequent meals throughout the day. Choose bland, easy-to-digest foods such as crackers, toast, or ginger tea. Avoid spicy, greasy, or overly-rich foods, which can exacerbate nausea. Keeping snacks like crackers or nuts on hand can help settle your stomach when you're feeling queasy.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can worsen feelings of fatigue and nausea, so it's essential to stay hydrated during pregnancy, even though it is often extra hard to drink lots of liquids during this time. So we sip.. Sip water throughout the day and consider adding electrolyte-rich drinks like coconut water or sports drinks if you're struggling to keep fluids down. Some women find that sucking on ice chips or drinking ice cold beverages can help alleviate nausea as well.

Explore Natural Remedies

Several natural remedies may help alleviate morning sickness and fatigue. Ginger, for example, has been used for centuries to ease nausea. Try sipping ginger tea or sucking on ginger candies when you're feeling queasy. Peppermint and lemon are also known for their soothing properties and may help settle your stomach. Just make sure you reach out and talk to your healthcare provider before trying any new remedies you are not 100% sure of.

Manage Stress

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, manage stress… I know. 🙄” I used to get SO annoyed when my medical team would tell me to “manage my stress” because I know that is something everyone needs to do, but stress is out of our control! Or so I thought. It wasn’t until I let my guard down and actually started trying these stress management strategies that I realized they actually - and quote miraculously - do work! 

Did you know that during pregnancy stress can worsen feelings of fatigue and nausea? After my first pregnancy, I was determined to decrease my stress levels as much as possible, so for my second pregnancy, I explored relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and prenatal yoga. These three activities worked wonders for me during pregnancy - so much so that I continue to implement them in my daily life years later. 

Another way to manage stress is through any form of self-care. For me, I’m a shopper and I love to try new products and pamper routines. If you’re this type of person too, take a look at Rumbly. Rumbly pregnancy subscription gift boxes get delivered to your door once a month, and provide you with the best modern essentials for each trimester and new month of your pregnancy journey. 

If having new self-care products to support and celebrate your pregnancy from your first trimester to your fourth trimester sounds good to you, then you should totally check out our themed gifts and subscription options!  

Seek Support

Pregnancy can be an overwhelming time, especially if you're dealing with challenging symptoms like morning sickness and fatigue. Don't hesitate to reach out for support from your healthcare team, partner, friends, or family members. They can offer advice, encouragement, and practical assistance to help you navigate the first trimester and beyond.

And of course, Rumbly is here for you too!
Today, tomorrow and always 💜