Discovering that you are expecting is one of life’s most joyous moments. Whether your bundle has been long-awaited or you’ve only recently made the decision to expand your family, the first trimester of pregnancy is an exciting yet nerve-wracking period. From the first day of your last period through to the twelfth week, your body will undergo significant changes, and you may experience some unwanted side effects, such as morning sickness and fatigue. To ensure your first few weeks of pregnancy go as smoothly as possible, here are some essential items to stock up on.
Prenatal Vitamins
Taking prenatal vitamins once you discover you are expecting will help to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Look for a vitamin containing folic acid, iron, calcium and vitamin D. Folic acid is essential for the formation of your baby’s neural tube in early pregnancy. Therefore, it can help prevent major defects like anencephaly and spina bifida. Vitamin D regulates the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body and is essential for foetal skeletal development and tooth enamel formation.
Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated during pregnancy is essential. You will need to drink more water than usual to help your body form amniotic fluid, produce extra blood, build new tissue and carry nutrients through your blood via capillaries. Sipping cool, refreshing water or healthy electrolyte drinks throughout the day will help to alleviate nausea and replace vital fluids – experts recommend 1.6 litres (2.8 pints) of fluids a day. Consider investing in an insulated, stainless steel bottle or flask to keep your beverages cool.
Carbohydrates
When in the throes of morning sickness, you may not feel like eating regular meals. However, your body requires sustenance for a healthy pregnancy, so consider eating little and often, which may also help to alleviate nausea. Avoid spicy, acidic or high-fat foods, as they may exacerbate your symptoms. Instead, you may find plain carbohydrates easier to stomach, such as bread, rice, crackers and pasta, so stock up on palatable snacks.
Ginger Tea
Ginger has long been known for its medicinal effects and has been used to help digestion and treat nausea and vomiting for over 2,000 years. You may find that taking ground ginger capsules helps to lessen your morning sickness. However, you may prefer to sip soothing ginger tea or refreshing ginger ale. According to Healthline, up to 1 gram of ginger per day, or 4 cups (950 ml) of ginger tea, is generally considered safe for pregnant women.
Baby Essentials
Many parents choose to wait until the 12-week dating scan to start buying the endless supply of baby essentials, from diapers to newborn clothes. However, there is no “right time” to start the preparations. Additionally, you may be unable to trawl the supermarkets and assemble cumbersome nursery furniture in the later stages of pregnancy. Purchasing a few essentials and overhauling your spare room for your baby’s bedroom could help to distract you from adverse first-trimester symptoms like nausea and anxiety.
Skincare
During pregnancy, your body will experience numerous changes due to dramatic increases in oestrogen and progesterone. Hormonal fluctuations are notorious for playing havoc with your skin, so you may need to adjust your skincare routine accordingly so you can tackle breakouts and feel your best. Moisturising your growing bump with creams, balms and oils to soften the skin will help it maintain elasticity, relieving discomfort and reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
Comfortable Clothes
As your body gradually changes and your little one develops in your womb, your regular clothes will become increasingly less comfortable. During the first trimester, you may not need maternity clothes just yet, but loose-fitting t-shirts, wrap dresses, leggings and dungarees will help to keep you and your growing bump comfortable. However, if you’re not ready to give up your favourite pair of jeans, you could purchase a waistband extender.
Pregnancy Journal
If you enjoy journaling or simply writing down your thoughts and feelings, a pregnancy journal can be an excellent way to ease any anxieties you may experience in the first few weeks of pregnancy. Keeping a journal is also an effective way to stay organised; hence it could make you more productive and efficient during a period when you may be feeling somewhat jumbled and disordered.
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