12 First Trimester Favorites

I put together a list of my favorite first trimester products that will help you stay healthy and feel more comfortable! Those first few months of pregnancy can be a mix of exciting and overwhelming.

I know the everyone’s pregnancy journey is different, but these are the 12 must-haves that will help you survive those first 12 weeks. You’ll find info on each product and links to everything below!

If you’re interested in reading more about my first trimester experience, head over to My First Trimester Recap.

 

First Trimester Must-Haves

1. High Quality Prenatal

I’ve been taking Ritual Prenatal Vitamins every single day for the past 2+ years. They’re conveniently shipped to my door every month and are vegan, non-GMO and don’t contain any artificial colors or fillers!

Most importantly, these Ritual prenatals go down easily. They have a fresh, lemon aftertaste which is important when you’re already feeling nauseous.

 

2. Belly Lotion and Oil

I started using Earth Momma Belly Butter and Earth Momma Belly Oil around week 11 to keep my skin hydrated and help prevent stretch marks. I use the belly butter lotion first, then seal everything in with the oil.

I’m extremely conscious when it comes to the products I use on my body. These two products are made with organic ingredients and free of petroleum, mineral oil, parabens, sulfate and artificial fragrances. Plus, they’re vegan and cruelty-free!

I honestly look forward to getting lotioned up every day because of how amazing these smell! It reminds me of an orange creamsicle.

 

3. Morning Sickness Remedies

Even though I only experienced mild nausea, I found these items below to be the most helpful. I also added a few other natural anti-nausea remedies that I personally did not try, but have heard positive reviews about!

• Ginger Chews – these always did the trick for my mild nausea
• Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Acupressure Wristband – I wore these on the airplane and throughout our trip home
• Peppermint Tea
• Preggie Pops Drops – I know people who swear by them for nausea!
• Tummydrops

 

4. Large Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is so important, especially when you’re pregnant! During the first trimester, my goal was to drink one gallon of water every single day.

I can definitely attribute staying hydrated to my Hydro Flask water bottle with straw lid. I swear the straw helps you drink more water – it’s so convenient!

 

5. Electrolytes

Did you know that when you’re pregnant, you lose electrolytes faster than another other time in your life? That’s because of all the hormonal and physical changes that are happening in your body.

Electrolytes can help reduce swelling, ease constipation, avoid hemorrhoids and help with breastfeeding.

My personal favorite electrolyte brand is LMNT Electrolyte Powder. It doesn’t have any added sugar and is a little saltier. I’m obsessed with the watermelon salt flavor.

I also like Liquid IV Electrolyte Powder. I usually mix 1/2 a packet into my 32 oz Hydro Flask water bottle because the flavor is pretty strong for my taste. 

 

6. Comfortable Clothing

You may feel a little bloated during your first trimester, I know I did! I survived by wearing comfortable and stretchy clothing.

I personally am trying to hold off on maternity wear until the last possible second. I chose these pieces because of how they’re able to stretch to accommodate a growing bump.

If you’re not ready to turn to maternity clothing just yet, here are some of my favorite picks!

• Alo High-Waist Biker Shorts – these are so soft + stretchy!
• Lululemon Perfectly Oversized Crew – the perfect oversized sweatshirt to help hide your first trimester bloat or emerging baby bump
• Lululemon Align High-Rise Leggings – buttery soft with a super high waist to cover your belly (so worth the price!)
• Lululemon Align High-Rise Jogger – super stretchy, ultra-soft and very pregnancy friendly! (tip: size up so you can wear them throughout your entire pregnancy)

 

9. Compression Socks

Compression socks are such a game-changer. They can help reduce swelling, relieve leg pain and cramps and prevent varicose veins.

After being on my feet throughout the day, my ankles would feel so sore at night. I popped these compression socks for a few hours every single night.

On the select few nights where I forgot to wear my compression socks, I would wake up at night from throbbing pain in my ankles!

• Pro Compression Marathon Socks ($$$) – these are the socks I used, I actually bought this pair back in 2016 when I was training for a marathon
• Bombas Everyday Compression Socks ($$)
• COOLOVER Compression Socks ($)

 

10. Pregnancy Journal

You don’t exactly need a pregnancy journal. But, this little keepsake is the perfect place to document your 9 month journey into motherhood.

I bought this Hello Little Momma pregnancy journal and planner from Etsy!

I like the beautiful minimalist design, helpful prompts, space for updates and sweet quotes throughout the book. I highly recommend!

This diary is something I’ll always cherish. I love detailing all of the new emotions, experiences and milestones as I get further along in my pregnancy and can’t wait to look back on it for years to come.

 

11. Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreen

Everyone should be using sunscreen every single day to protect against skin cancer, especially during pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones can cause skin pigmentation like melasma, which can get darker in the sun.

It’s important use SPF, period. But if you’re looking for a pregnancy-safe sunscreen, look for a broad-spectrum formula, 30 SPF or higher and physical (or mineral) sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens tend to be more expensive, but they’re the best choice for pregnant, children and those who have sensitive skin.

Facial Sunscreen:

• Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen – my favorite! (I also really like their Glow Screen)
• Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation
• Earth Momma Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Lotion

 

11. Pregnancy Books

• What to Expect When You’re Expecting – classic pregnancy book
• Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom is Wrong-and What You Really Need to Know – this book contains a ton of evidence-based research and I especially enjoyed the cliff notes each chapter!
• Nurture: A Modern Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, Early Motherhood and Trusting Yourself and Your Body  – holistic pregnancy book, I liked the focus on mindfulness and taking care of yourself

 

12. Pregnancy Apps

• Flo – how I tracked my ovulation
• What to Expect – my go-to weekly app for my pregnancy and baby updates!
• Baby Center – similar to What to Expect
• Peanut – cute app designed to help you meet other local moms, I also love browsing the message boards to see if other women were experiencing the same symptoms
• Babylist – this is where we set up our registry, I like the layout of this platform more than Amazon or Buy Buy Baby

 

Are you currently pregnant or are you already a mom? Please leave any of your first trimester must-haves below!