Pregnancy in the First Trimester

As I was searching through my blog categories, I realized that I have not at all touched on the topic of pregnancy.  Such an obvious topic, with a blog dedicated to babies, but yet I haven’t talked about it at all!  The truth is, during my second pregnancy, I did not blog at all and a lot of that had to do with my first trimester experience.

With my first pregnancy, I felt great.  I wasn’t sick at all during my first trimester, so it breezed right on through.  Well, you know they say each pregnancy is different.  At 5 weeks pregnant with baby #2 I was feeling great, still running and exercising, eating whatever I wanted.  At week 6, everything changed!  I was so sick I could not get out of bed some days.  I was having to pull over the car every morning on the way to work because I had to throw up.

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One of the worst offenders was my prenatal vitamin.  I would take this vitamin on the way to work and inevitably throw it up.  The best trick I learned was to take my vitamin later in the day, at a time when I wasn’t feeling so nauseous.  Even now, postpartum, taking it on an empty stomach just doesn’t sit right with me.

So what did I do to cope through all of the new hormones that were taking over my body?  I have to be honest, it wasn’t easy!  We were living with my in-laws at the time, so it was nice to have others around to occupy my 18 month old.  I rested a lot.  Anytime I could lay down, I did.

My husband was very understanding, I told him it was like having a non-stop hangover for 12 weeks, so he could get the picture!  He brought me fresh ginger tea to help with the nausea.   He cooked the meals so I didn’t have to be standing up right for long periods of times, nor did I have to deal with food odors that were making me feel even worse.

I found great comfort in some of the teas from Earth Mama Angel Baby, one of my favorite shops!  They also make a cool “Happy Mama” Spray that helps to ease morning sickness and overcome that nausea you feel from other odd smells.

Another important thing to do during the first trimester is to get outside and get some fresh air.  I know that I personally had a hard time doing this and was not able to exercise like I did through my first pregnancy, but when I felt up to it a simple walk outside would help me feel much better.

Whatever your natural remedies, remember to continue to eat healthy, bulk up on the protein intake and avoid processed foods that will make you feel more sick than you already do!  Avoid relying on over-the-counter drugs to help you feel better.  If you do get a cold or the flu during the first trimester, talk to your doctor or midwife about some homeopathic options that will put you on the mend.  For example, I had the flu and my midwife suggested Oscillococcinum.

Remember, each pregnancy is different and it will be a trial and error to see what helps you get through the first trimester.  What has helped you get through the first trimester? 

See what other green moms are saying: Carrie at Natural Moms Talk Radio 

Tagged as: first trimester, pregnancy

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