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You’d have shrieked with joy upon seeing those two pink lines on the test strip. But once the initial euphoria settles and your first trimester starts, that is when the pregnancy reality checks in. Those bouts of nausea, dizziness, and vomiting aren’t going to be easy by any measure. I know it because I’m enduring it – just like you. But then, somehow I’ve found myself some saviors. So, here’s my list of first-trimester must-haves that I’d like to share with my fellow expectant moms. Just keep a notepad around and tick those boxes in your checklist too.
10. Prenatal Vitamins
这是第一个处方医生会交出去you. Your baby needs extra nutrition over and above what he/she is getting from your diet. This is where prenatal vitamins come into the picture. They give the much-needed boost to your developing baby’s growth and immunity (1).
9. Jaljeera
Feeling nauseous? Try this old grandma’s recipe. The Jaljeera is a light refreshing drink made from cumin seeds and other spices such as pepper, salt, tamarind pulp, mint leaves, etc. Jeera is known to aid in digestion and help resolve tummy issues (2). But do take this in moderation if you are new to it.
8. Pepper Mints
Remember those peppermints that you loved as a kid? It’s time to have them again. The bouts of vomiting during the first trimester might leave a bad taste in your mouth (pun intended). These tiny mints will become your big saviors at that time.
7. Anti Nausea Acupressure Wrist Bands
I’m sure not all of you would have thought about it. An anti-nausea wrist band is a stretchable band with a plastic stud and is worn on the wrists. The stud then applies mild acupressure at the right points on your wrist to help alleviate your nausea. Although I was skeptical initially, it did work wonders for me. But do check with your doctor once if you are planning to get one.
6. Pregnancy-Related Apps
Yes, the pregnancy apps do help. It feels amazing to track your pregnancy journey and it literally had me hooked. From CG videos that demonstrate the progress of your baby to due date calculators to bonding with fellow mommies online, these apps provide you all.
5. Linen Draw-String Pajamas
Comfort is the key while deciding your maternity wear. Initially, I used pajamas with elastic bands, but they’d pierce my skin and create itchy, red marks around. But once I got my hands on a set of linen draw-string pajamas, there was no looking back. They are loose and airy, made of natural fabric, and the draw-strings easily accommodate your growing belly. What’s more? They look extremely stylish with a kurta or a crop top.
4. Shea Butter Cream
Talking of itching and red marks reminds me of the inevitable stretch marks! Your skin tends to get itchy and dry during this time. So, I started using a shea butter anti-stretch marks cream from my third month. It keeps the skin on my tummy and thigh soft and supple.
3. Salted Crackers
How often have you craved for some salty or spicy food? You’d have immediately given up the idea after the thought of another bout of vomiting would’ve crossed your mind. With potato fries or chips being ruled out, salted crackers came to my rescue. They might not give you the guilty satisfaction that fried chips give you, but are good enough to satisfy your craving.
2. Ginger Tea
Ginger is often used as a spice in food and is also believed to contain medicinal properties. One of the benefits of ginger during pregnancy is that it helps relieve nausea (3). You can take it in the form of tea. However, instead of buying something off the shelf, make your own ginger tea. Crush an inch of ginger and add it to boiling water along with a pinch of your regular tea.
1. Pregnancy Books
During pregnancy, you’ll get dime-a-dozen advice from family and friends, some of which might even be contradictory. So, it’s always better to do some research on your own. But instead of the internet, buy well-researched books written by well-informed authors. If you get stuck anywhere, do discuss it with your doctor.
These must-haves helped me sail through my first-trimester journey so far. I hope it helps you too. If you have your own list, I’d love to hear from you!
