Monday marked the halfway point of this pregnancy. It was also the day I revealed the gender of our little one to the world. (You’ll have to go to the bump update for this information or check out Instagram for the reveal photo.) Since I’m past the first trimester, I thought it was finally time to reflect and share some of my favorite must-haves from the first 13 weeks of pregnancy!
When I came up with the idea to share my first trimester essentials, I realized that it wasn’t going to be as easy as I thought. I included quite a few in my post about creating your own motion (or morning) sickness kit. However, I didn’t touch on a lot of other essentials. Since five seems like a good number, I’m going to give you my top five picks for the first trimester!
Lotion
I recommend picking up a good stretch mark lotion in the first trimester. It’s unlikely that you’ll get stretch marks that soon but it is a good time to go ahead and start a new routine. I recommend checking out the exact cocoa butter lotion I picked out. I have really liked it a lot and it did take me most of the first trimester to get in the habit of using it everyday. If you’re anything like me, it’ll take you a while to get in the habit of using the lotion.
Black Maxi Dress
After I found out I was pregnant, I started going through my wardrobe to see what was going to “stretch” with me and what wasn’t. I’ll be sharing tips later of the process I used for this, but for now, I’m going to recommend a staple item that I actually went out and bought and that’s a stretchy black maxi dress. I picked one up at Old Navy, but I’ve located a similar one for you since Old Navy has moved on to fall fashion. I considered this an essential for pregnancy because there are so many ways that you can style a black maxi and it will also go through multiple seasons seamlessly. The big key is making sure it will stretch with you.
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated during pregnancy is SO important. It seemed like I was thirsty all the time in the first trimester, so meeting my daily water intake wasn’t really a challenge. I did keep a water bottle with me almost all the time. This wasn’t a new habit, but it was one that became more important. I found that I got nauseous when I was dehydrated. I even invested in a glass water bottle since I forgot to pack my favorite one with us for the road trip. Ironically enough, it’s now my favorite water bottle.
Planner
If you don’t already use a planner or calendar to keep track of things, I recommend starting. I have become super forgetful since getting pregnant. I’ve used a combination of notes in my phone and a paper planner to keep track of important details and appointments. You don’t have to go with anything fancy, but you could use pregnancy as an excuse to buy a new, pretty planner with an inspiring saying on the front. It will probably become your best friend.
Something Personal
Pregnancy and kids are great, but they are a new time commitment. This means that you’re going to have a lot less time for yourself. I recommend picking up something that can become a part of your daily or weekly self care routine. Like the old saying goes – “If momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!” For me, this item was a new body wash. Pre-pregnancy, I liked to take an Epsom salt bath every week. Since I learned that this was not a good practice for safe pregnancy, I invested in a lavendar Epsom salt body wash instead. I use it in the shower as a special self care treat for myself.
What would you list as your first trimester essentials? Are there any items that you found especially helpful during your pregnancy? I’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments below!
Bump Update
Week? 20 weeks
Gender? It’s a boy!
Size? Baby is the size of a paper airplane!
Movement? Quite often – I’m actually getting used to it.
Bump? See the picture! I “rounded out” a lot this week!
Maternity Clothes? Most of the time, unless I’m in pajamas. Bottoms are almost exclusively maternity.
Stretch Marks? Hoping not but many tiny ones…
Belly button in or out? Still in!
Cravings? Sweet things
Symptoms? tired, back aches
Mood? Happy most of the time
What are you missing? The ability to work for long periods of times. I’m having to take frequent breaks more and more each day.
Highlight of the week? Our online gender reveal party on Monday! I was blown away by how many friends and family showed up to participate!
Looking forward to? Mom and Dad coming to visit at the end of next week!! I haven’t seen them since April and they’ll be the first people to see our new house (well, aside from movers, installer, and other strangers).
