Finding out a baby is on the way is such an exciting time! Sometimes the symptoms that creep up during the first trimester can put a damper on things. Its discouraging to suddenly feel awful every day (all day for some of us!) and have no energy for weeks on end. It's a struggle to know how much to ignore the
yuck and press on and how much to rest! There are a other few things I've learned that helped me through my 2 first trimester journeys. Since I just finished going through it again, I thought I'd share! I'm no expert, and I know there are lots of experienced mamas out there with amazing tips of their own. If you have anything to add that has helped you, feel free to share in the comments! We all are encouraged by help and support from each other!
**Another note, I am by no means a nutritionist, or doctor, so make sure to speak to your OBGYN before making any changes to your diet!
1. Eat what sounds good to you!
I know a healthy diet is important during pregnancy, but a lot of those great-for-you items are hard to eat at first. Carbs are so much easier! I found that rather than forcing something that didn't agree with me, eating a potato or crackers helped me feel better and I was more likely to be able to eat a balanced meal later on. My OB told me eating what you can is sufficient for the 1st trimester, so AKA, enjoy the excuse to carb load while you can! ;)
Baked potatoes or sweet potatoes are my favorite go-to for morning sickness! I just microwave one when I'm getting hungry. Ok, chips and fries work too!
2. Get out of the house.
Even though the exhaustion and ridiculous amounts of nausea make you feel like staying in bed, getting out of the house can actually do miracles! I felt so much better every time I was out and about. Errands, girls night, family time, even a walk worked like magic. I almost started to wonder if my house was giving me morning sickness! Haha, it seemed to return as soon as I pulled in the driveway. :P I think a distraction is just so refreshing and gets your mind off the constant, "This nausea will be the death of me!" thoughts.
3. Mediate on Truth
Its so easy to get in a rut and start thinking this will never end. Devotional time helped me so much to focus God's promises, be reminded of His love and care, and the fact that He wants to help me through trials even little nausea ones! I feel like first trimester blues can seem like a small hardship since nothing serious is wrong. We tell ourselves to "buck up" and that its not a big enough deal to ask for help. But nothing is too small to talk to Jesus about!
The fact that our little one is in God's hands also helps during a time of just so much uncertainty during the beginning weeks. Its so hard not to worry, but His character and His promises are unchanging. I really liked going through
Loving God with All Your Mind.
It also helps just to keep reminding ourselves that this
will end! It doesn't feel like it, but one day with both pregnancies, I woke up and the exhaustion and nausea were gone! I know some mamas experience morning sickness the entire pregnancy, but eventually, you will be a person again! You
will get you enjoy your favorite foods again too. ;) Although temporary, the symptoms are real, and you're not imagining them or being a baby. Another thing to remember!
4. Drink a Coke.
I don't know if this would work for everyone, but Coke is like my pregnancy cure all! Definitely to be drunk in moderation, but a Coke here and there helps my pregnancy induced nausea and headaches everytime. Worth a shot! ;)
5. Sometimes a little flavor actually helps.
I know the general thought with nausea is to stick with bland food. However, I found that sometimes a little seasoning I like (nothing spicy) helped a lot. I also got some veggies in when I mixed them with a carb that is pretty "safe" like potatoes or rice.
6. Avoid cooking and dishes with freezer meals.
When you feel awful, being in the kitchen to cook and clean for your family is rough! It was making me feel so much worse and miserable to cook (especially meat) for Wes and Jos. And the clean up was so dreaded! I knew they couldn't just live on potatoes though! Wes and I decided that buying a few frozen already prepared meals for them would be worth it. We tried to stick to healthier options, but they also ate a fair share of hot pockets, let's be honest. Your family rather have you in their lives rather than a great meal then mom outta commission for the evening, I promise! Besides, its a temporary season, so resist the mom guilt if you're not cooking as much. ;)
We found that frozen veggie and chicken/shrimp stir frys were great for our crew to still get some nutrients in!
The first trimester is also a good time for paper goods to make less dishes! We used lots of paper plate s and cups, but even disposable bowls and silverware too! :)
7. Give yourself some grace.
Just remember, it
OK to give yourself a break! Additional rest and couch potato-ing is totally acceptable and doesn't mean you've suddenly turned into a sluggard. You're just growing a human! It's ok to take on a smaller work load and less responsibilities where possible, you'll get back to superwomaning soon!
Sometimes when something's gotta give, it ends up being the house and the mess can get discouraging. Just remind yourself that you'll get your groove back, take one day at a time, and you're
NOT a failure. :) Asking for help is also ok to do!
8. Spend time with others.
Sometimes you just need some company. Asking a friend to come over or you know, your mom, can be just what you need. Talking to a loved one about how we're
really doing helps to feel so much less alone.
Speaking of support, I'd love to hear what's worked for other Mamas. Having a community of friends even through the internet is such a blessing!
