Aside from the actual delivery. First Trimester is by far my least favorite part of pregnancy. I have morning sickness – really all day sickness – from about 4 weeks until week 13. And with 3 kids, homeschooling, and a small business, keeping up while I’m sick is a challenge to say the least.
This is my 4th pregnancy, and if there’s anything that I’ve learned about my first trimester it’s to give myself permission to just take it easy.
Here’s just a few ways I take care of myself – and of course the new little baby – during my first trimester.
- Extra Sleep – Something about the hormones, I’m way more tired than normal. As in 10 hours of sleep at night and a nap tired. Of course, the more tired I am, the more sick I feel, so if I want to get anything done, I do actually need to sleep. And, technically, I’m sleeping for me and the baby, and everyone knows that babies need lots of sleep.
- Special Snacks – Another fun thing about the first trimester. I’m hungry all the time. Because I get less sick if I perpetually snack (rather than eat all my food in 3 meals a day) I do go ahead and purchase snacks that I’m craving. This pregnancy I’m craving oranges and avocados (eaten separately), both snacks that are definitely good for me. I’m not actually craving any unhealthy snacks this time around (one pregnancy it was krispy kreme doughnuts) so I’m pretty much allowing myself to snack as much as I want on what I want. I do limit the unhealthy snacking to my normal snacking limits. It’s important to eat well.
- Frequent Snacking – I feel better if I snack frequently. So I keep nuts and/or granola bars in the car for when I need a snack while on the go. What I have depends on how many of my snacks my kids “stole”. My kids just love all this extra snacking! Normally, I don’t do this, but, in the interest of feeling well, it’s good for me to do.
- Relaxing – I like to be on the go and I like to be busy. I also really want to rearrange the kids bedrooms. But all that stuff is going to have to wait until the second trimester when I have the energy to do it. I do manage to keep the house picked up – most of the time – which I think is pretty good with 3 kids. I constantly have to remind myself that it’s perfectly ok to take a break and finish the laundry tomorrow (guess what I didn’t finish today). A lot of times relaxing just means that I’m sitting down working on my blog, catching up on e-mails, or reading a book. Just something that lets my body rest.
- Vitamins – For some reason I don’t handle multivitamins very well. They make me sick. So, combine morning sickness with prenatal vitamins making me sick, and well, let’s just say that every pregnancy so far I’ve just given up on the vitamins. Whenever I discover a new prenatal vitamin I try it out for a week (even when I’m not pregnant) just to see how I handle it, and it never goes well. This time around I found a brand called Premama that actually works for me. Horray. It does actually help some with the morning sickness and energy. So I’m finally able to get those extra vitamins that I’m supposed to have without making myself sick.
- Pregnancy Brain – So I explained the concept of pregnancy brain to my 8 and 5 year old. I was having a really bad day forgetting things. And now, I’ve basically been given a pass to forget any and everything the entire time I’m pregnant. If you have kids, I highly recommend you do this. It’s honestly a great way to get away with things and have them be ok with it.
So, Mommas, tell me in the comments below, what are some special things you’ve done for yourself during your pregnancy? Or tell me about your favorite food craving?
This #BloggersTalkingAbout series features amazing bloggers writing from the heart. Continue reading more by following these links. Loving Yourself by Joanne | Loving Yourself This Valentine’s Day by Traci | New Routine & New Doctor by Karen | Care For Yourself By Reducing Anxiety & Worry by Karen | Permission To Cry by Brandy | Caring For Myself In My First Trimester by Jenny. If you’re a mom/female blogger, join us in our group, Bodacious Bloggers
First – congrats! Second, taking care of yourself is the best thing, as a mother, that you can do – not only now – but also after the baby is born.
I had hyperemesis with all 3 of my pregnancies. It was so awful. I’m glad you are taking the steps to care for yourself! Lots of rest and sonic ice were my main things to do!
I’m a grandmother now of three beautiful little girls (6 weeks, 2 1/2 years, and 4 1/2 years old), and a fourth grandchild on the way! I also had four children of my own who are now their 20s and 30s.
I do recall that my fourth pregnancy seemed to go smoother and with fewer problems, but I still did follow some of the tips you mentioned. Funny, I also homeschooled my kids and did a lot of sewing in my “spare” time! 🙂
I had all day sickness, too. With my daughter, I lived on sour candy – sweethearts, spree, etc. And there was absolutely way I could take the vitamins until 2nd trimester so I hear you. Take good care and rest, as you can – which I laugh as I type that because you’re homeschooling 3 kids!!!
Hugs
Traci
I’m so glad you’re taking care of yourself during this time. I’m sure it’s not easy trying to relax and get extra sleep while homeschooling but that’s the best thing you can do for yourself.
It has been so long since my last pregnancy, my youngest daughter is 41! But, I had bad morning sickness when I was pregnant. I learned to sleep late, keep a salty snack by the bed for in the morning to settle my stomach, and eat lots of popcicles to stay hydrated.