I love the excitement that comes with the first trimester of pregnancy, but dealing with some of the crazy symptoms & trying to stay comfortable can be tough! With this being my third pregnancy, (see our pregnancy announcement here), I had an idea of what to expect & what I would need this time around!
Although each pregnancy can differ from women to women and pregnancies can range in symptoms, I have learned a few pregnancy tips along the way and found some must have pregnancy essentials that have made things easier. I thought it may be helpful to share my top 5 essentials on what you may need to not only survive but thrive this pregnancy!
What Do I need for my First Trimester of Pregnancy?
These are my Top 5 Pregnancy tips and essentials that have helped me during this first trimester of pregnancy. Most of these items can be used all throughout pregnancy as well!
I always love sharing Amazon finds as its so convenient to order everything from one place. You’ll notice most of these items can be found there and this is where I created my baby registry, too!
If you register through Amazon, you get a free welcome package just for adding items to each category! Click the link to Shop Amazon – Create an Amazon Baby Registry and receive your free welcome box! The welcome box I received was filled with a swaddle blanket, sample diapers/wipes/body wash and nursing pads, etc. Click here to register and get your free welcome box!
RELATED: Baby Registry Must Haves
5 First Trimester Essentials | Pregnancy Must Haves
1. Start Taking Pre-natal Vitamins
As soon as I found out I was pregnant I ordered my tried and true pregnancy vitamins. These are the best I found and are approved by my doctor. You can even take prenatal vitamins if you are trying to conceive. It’s super important to find vitamins that have the correct amount of folate, minerals and fatty acids important for development. I’ve used this brand (the pill or the gummies) for all three pregnancies. these prenatal vitamins & they were approved by my doctor with the right amount folate, iron, etc. I think the gummy form is quite yummy!
If you are experiencing nausea/ morning sickness, here is are 10 natural remedies I found very helpful.
2. Find a Moisturizing Wash & Belly Oil
With such rapid growth, this all natural exfoliating scrub and toning oil has been a LIFE saver for me. I use the exfoliating scrub at each shower and usually lather my belly up with the toning oil in both morning and night (and especially after getting out of the shower). Both are especially hydrating and I feel like my skin drinks it right up! They have helped to tone my skin as my belly grows and gets rid of itchy skin.
I’ve also recently been trying out this new belly butter as I’ve heard amazing things and really love the clean & natural ingredient list! The butter is more of a creamy light texture that melts into your skin & keeps it super moisturized— I am loving it so far! Check out their ingredient list– it’s truly impressive & great for reducing signs of aging, reducing stretch marks and appearance of stretch marks/ scarring & heals damaged skin. It’s by the same brand of the exfoliator I am using. I highly recommend them both! So far, in 2 pregnancies I haven’t gotten any stretch marks (which is partially genetics) but I also think staying hydrated and moisturized has a lot to do with it!
4. Invest in a Belly Band
You may notice your pants getting a bit tighter as your body changes and your bump starts to show. This first trimester I felt like pajamas, leggings and sweatpants became my uniform. I did have to pull out my belly band When I actually wanted to get a little more dressed up and wear a pair of jeans, I pulled out my belly band! A belly band is perfect for that in-between stage when you don’t quite need maternity jeans yet, but your favorite jeans are starting to get a little too snug. This holds up your jeans and you don’t even have to button them. I could wear it until about 25 weeks last pregnancy.
3. Comfy Loungewear and Pajamas
These are definitely my all time favorite pj’s because they are amazing quality, SO SOFT & COZY (made of bamboo & spandex) and are easy to nurse in. Plus, you can wear them to lounge around the house. They also have a long sleeve/pant version and a button down nightgown in the same dreamy material!
Use code DOROTHYPRO20 for 20% off these loungewear finds from one of my favorite maternity shops. These pjs can be worn non-maternity as well. Usually when pajamas are this ultra soft, I have found they don’t wash very well & start to pick. That has NOT been the case with these pajamas. The bamboo spandex blend fabric is so high quality & luxurious you will want to live in these during pregnancy’ beyond. Tap any photo below to shop the look.
*USE CODE DOROTHYPRO20 for 20% off these pjs below!
FYI: These looks are also available to shop on Amazon but my discount code DOROTHYPRO20 for 20% off only works directly on Kindred Bravely’s website.
A few other items I love are these Target pj’s & sleep dresses. They are so soft and comfy to wear to bed. Oh and I can’t forget about my favorite amazon nursing dresses and delivery robe… although these are more so for after baby, I have worn them all during pregnancy & beyond!
4. Maternity Leggings
These black leggings are my go-to pair for workouts or lounging around the house— love them! They cover the belly & have a wrap style low back. These leggings are under $35, super soft and comfortable, & come in a long length and capri style. Highly recommend!
I’ve also heard amazing things about Blanqi leggings, and I have been wanting to try- they are more of a support legging to wear everyday, not just for workouts. I’ll let you know if I end up ordering them & what I think!
5. Maternity Jeans/Shorts
I love my Jessica Simpson jeans I got my first pregnancy and I am still using the same ones this third pregnancy. My due date is at the end of August, so I’ll be the biggest in the dead of the summer heat this time around. I just got in these maternity shorts & am super excited about them! They are stretchy and comfortable & sit below the belly which I think will be preferred being in the hot summer sun.
Well, there you have it folks! My list of necessities from getting through this third pregnancy thus far. It’s been a whirlwind for sure and is flying by as I am already 14 weeks! Second trimester, here we come!
If you want to see my round up of my favorite maternity & nursing friendly clothes & essentials on Amazon, click here.
Also, thought it would be fun to share some of the most asked questions on my Instagram since announcing our pregnancy. I’ll be sharing the Q & A in the next post! Subscribe here so we can stay connected & you can follow along. I hope these posts are helpful to new & veteran mamas alike!
Pregnancy post series: If you are just getting started on your pregnancy journey you may find these posts helpful. Click to read below!
What You Really Need on Your Baby Registry
What I’m (Really) Packing in My Hospital Bag
Postpartum Recovery & Care Essentials
You have a knack for explaining things clearly and concisely, much appreciated.
Your dedication to your readers is admirable.