The first 12 weeks of pregnancy is no walk in the park, and honestly, I wasn’t prepared for how bad it was actually going to be. It got to a point where I started falling into a dark place and needed to really look after myself. The first trimester is about survival mode, so here are my tips for those going through hell.
Listen to your body
If you’re getting cramps after doing the housework, that’s probably your body telling you to slow down. Craving salty snacks? It’s your body telling you that it needs more salt. The first trimester is about survival, and if you’re lucky enough to be one of the women that can keep food down, then give your body whatever it’s asking for.
Be kind to yourself – always
Invest in luxury hand cream, a satin dressing gown, and fresh bedding. When you’re feeling like death, these little luxuries will bring you so much happiness, especially when you’re spending a bit more extra time in bed (thanks, pregnancy fatigue!). The first 12 weeks of pregnancy is the perfect time to treat yourself to all those little things that make you smile.
Obsessed with my green satin long pyjamas from IDentity Lingerie 😍
Stay hydrated
Being dehydrated is a sure-fire way to make your nauseous worse, but it’ll also exasperate your other pregnancy symptoms, too. I won’t go anywhere without my water bottle, whether I’m just pottering around the house or if I’m out on a walk. If you’re struggling with horrible morning sickness then you might find adding a splash of Ribena or a squeeze of lemon.
Take care of your body
Your body is going through so many changes already, and for me, those first 12 weeks I felt like I was going through a transformation more than ever. One of the things I didn’t expect was how much my skin would change. I’ve always suffered from oily skin but since being pregnant, my skin is dry. I’ve been using Obagi Hydrate facial moisturiser and SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel from Skinstation, and I’ve immediately seen the difference in my complexion. Have a skin consultation and invest in new products and get ready for the glow!
Lace maternity bra from Morrow+Mint
Nap when you can
So many of us place value on our output and performance, meaning that if we’re unproductive then we feel like we’ve failed. As a small business owner, I’m particularly guilty of this. I suffered from HG (hyperemesis gravidarum) so I didn’t have a choice but to slow down because the thought of even writing an email killed me. Let yourself rest, you’re growing a human.
Get outdoors
It made me laugh (and cry a little bit) when people told me to get outside when I was struggling with HG. I was throwing up more than 15 times a day, I hadn’t kept down food in days, and I almost passed out just walking to the bathroom. But really, once you’re well enough, just sit on your doorstep – the fresh air does wonders.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
I couldn’t have survived the first trimester without my incredible support network. From people bringing me home-cooked food to cleaning the house, running errands, and driving me to the hospital. Hats off to anyone that is parenting whilst struggling with morning sickness… It’s a tough time so don’t be afraid to ask for help, it’ll make your life a little bit more bearable.