First Trimester Must Haves
Wow. Here we are. On my to-do list I had “write first trimester blog post” so I popped open my trusted MAC book to do the damn thing. As I opened a fresh Word document I stared at the blank page and thought to myself – I can’t believe I’m actually writing this. I can’t believe in a few short months we will be meeting our sweet babe and life will forever be changed for the better.
snap out of it hormones
I’m assuming you didn’t click this post to hear my emotions so let’s get this party started. As I write this, I’m 18 and a half weeks pregnant and thankful the first trimester is in the rear view. If you follow me on Instagram, I chatted with you about my first trimester symptoms (hello extreme fatigue and wacked appetite) and although all of us have a different pregnancy journey I promised you that I would share what has / does work for me so without further ado here is a quick cheat sheet to first trimester must haves.
THE BEST MATERNITY LEGGINGS
The word waistband will, eventually, sound like nails on chalk board and the word leggings will sound as joyous as angels singing. Did that sentence even make sense? TBD. Blame the pregnancy brain. Point being, you’ll want to purchase maternity leggings stat. Depending on your price point + need here are solid options that will up your comfort game.
1. GAP Maternity Leggings
Oh sista, they have all the options. You feeling low rise? They got ‘em. Full length? Yup, that too ! Oh you’re into a capri style? Gap has you covered also. Basically, their maternity line is an all you can get legging buffet.
2. BLANQI Extra Belly Support
My bump may not have made it’s grand appearance yet but I already have these leggings ordered and ready to go. As my personal momma friends can attest to, the Blanqi extra belly support leggings are basically God sent when the heaviness of your bump comes into play. The material feels like butter and the reinforced over– the –belly panel does it’s duty in redistributing weight
3. INGRID & ISABEL Workout Leggings
spoiler alert: just because you have a human growing inside of you does not mean you get to sit on the couch all day eating potato chips. Getting up and moving your body, at least 30 minutes a day, with not only keep momma happy but most importantly, baby happy. These leggings have the capability to fold the belly support panel either below or above your belly – depending what stage of pregnancy you’re in. Basically, these bad boys make sure everything stays in place while you’re getting your sweat on.
4. Back To The Basics
If you’re on the hunt for a basic legging that you can count on to do its job and then toss in the back of your closet then H&M / OLD NAVY maternity leggings are your move. Stock up in multi colors and bump along!
LATHER ME UP, BABY.
1. BIO OIL Skincare Oil
Here’s the thing, from what I’ve researched, there is no hard proven scientific fact that states that stretch marks can be prevent but I find it hard to believe that keeping your body hydrated can’t help. One of my sweet friends sent me a care package full essentials and that’s how I discovered Bio Oil and ya’ll honestly, I would lather this all over myself even if I wasn’t expecting. IT’S THAT GOOD.
A rich, moisturizing lotion with trusted herbal products that work, naturally. Your pregnancy glow may be on point but let’s face it - your skin is stretching and things can get dry and uncomfortable. I keep this bottle of lotion in the front row of my products because I use it daily.
PRENATAL VITAMIN
Let me preface this by saying that I am a huge cry baby when it comes to swallowing pills. I have taken vitamins my entire life and every time I pick up the bottle to take my daily dose I would give it a quick eye roll. I started taking prenatal vitamins when I got off my birth control pill (please consult your OB) and from then to now I have tried three different brands. Turns out they weren’t lying when they said third time is the charm because I have finally, at the ripe ag of 30, found a pill that I don’t mind taking. RITUAL prenatal vitamins are everything that I’ve always wanted in a vitamin and I AM HERE FOR IT. Top favorite things about the brand:
- For starters, the prenatal covers all the key essential nutrients to help support your body during pregnancy. That way, you don’t have to mix and match different vitamins, you’re getting everything you need in these two little capsules.
- The capsules have a lemon fresh aftertaste with a no nausea design and without sounding dramatic – it’s absolutely everything I didn’t know I needed in a vitamin. Other prenatal vitamins that I tried either left me feeling nauseous or had a texture that was hard to get down. With Ritual, I pop two in twice a day and there we have it!
- Their subscription setup is the type of convenience I live for. Say goodbye to the days of the oh shit I ran out – need to run to the store and say hello to oh heck yes – these were automatically delivered straight to my doorstep.You have too many thoughts jumbled into your pregnant brain to add “buy prenatal’s” every month so let Ritual do the work for you.
BOOK WORM
Cue the unsolicited advice – AM I RIGHT? There are probably one million and 36 books out there dedicated to pregnancy and how you should do this and how to do that so I’ll say this …
You do what is best for you.
On that note, I felt insanely overwhelmed during my first trimester and felt a little expert advice couldn’t help. In full transparency, I have about 5 untouched gifted pregnancy books that I have yet to dive into but there were pieces of material that really helped during my first trimester and are continuing to do so are. I linked each book for you for it’s quick and easy to shop.
What To Expect When You’re Expecting
This book has been tried and true as it’s sold over 19 million copies and it’s 5thedition. This book is the all-in-one guide that explains everything you need to know plus so so so much more. I highly suggest it!
The First- Tie Mom’s Pregnancy Journal
My sweet mom actually picked this up for me and I’m so grateful she did. The journal is full of monthly checklists, activates and journal prompts. At first, it might seem a little silly opening up the workbook but I’m telling you it not only provides you with a mental ease but I have a feeling it will a nice little sentiment to reflect on.
Dude, You’re Going To Be A Dad!
Oh how cute, you and your partner can curl up in bed together reading your pregnancy books! This is an easy ready for the dad to be that provides a breakdown of how to get the both of you through the next 9 months.
APPS
I use the below apps every single day. My suggestion to you is to try a few out and decide which one you best gel with. All are full of incredibly helpful information for you and your bundle of joy.
The Bump
Ovia Pregnancy
Expectful
I hope this has been helpful and provides you with a solid foundation. As always, feel free to leave any questions below or shoot me a message on IG. Sending all you expected mama’s a big hug and healthy prayers.
