Difficult First Trimester Survival Tips for Mom to Be
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Are you searching for first-trimester survival tips during your pregnancy? Listen, pregnancy isn’t always a piece of cake, but don’t worry, we’re here to help!
With my first pregnancy, everything felt like it was as smooth as butter for the most part.
My second pregnancy, well, that was ROUGH! I spent more of my time looking for tips to survive a difficult first trimester than anything else! And let me tell you, it was so hard to find what actually worked.
If you’re anything like me, I had ALL-DAY debilitating sickness. I even ended up hospitalized and was eventually recommended a medication concoction to help ease my sickness so that I could eat food without throwing up.
Between the sickness and caring for a young toddler at home, my second pregnancy was not one I enjoyed much for the first 3-5 months.
So if you’re finding yourself in the same boat, I’m going to share some of the tips I used that helped me survive this horrible first trimester, along with other issues expecting moms experience, and how they can ease some of the difficulties.
This post may contain affiliate links from which I receive a commission if you click or make a purchase. This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See my full policy for more information.
Is the first trimester of pregnancy the hardest?
For many expecting moms, the first trimester truly is the hardest. Between the hormonal surges, physical changes, and emotional rollercoaster, it’s easy to feel like your body has completely turned against you.
During the early weeks of pregnancy, often around four weeks and beyond, your body is adjusting to support rapid fetal development, which can bring along a wave of symptoms.
Some moms experience minimal discomfort, while others face a downright miserable first trimester that makes even getting through the day feel like an achievement.
Common first trimester pregnancy symptoms
- Morning sickness or all-day nausea (and sometimes diarrhea during first trimester of pregnancy)
- Extreme fatigue — yes, being 10 weeks pregnant and tired is completely normal
- Tender or sore breasts
- Mood swings caused by fluctuating hormones
- Food aversions or cravings that make meal planning tricky
- Digestive changes like bloating, constipation, or nausea
- Headaches and lightheadedness from blood pressure and hormone changes
Some moms also experience early pregnancy problems, such as feeling sick the entire first trimester or first trimester extreme fatigue that leaves them wondering how long they’ll feel this way. While it varies, most start to regain energy in the first trimester’s final weeks as they move toward the second trimester.
During this time, prioritize prenatal care. Be sure to attend ALL your prenatal visits, discuss your health concerns with your provider, and ensure your prenatal vitamins include optimal prenatal nutrients that support a healthy pregnancy and baby development. If you need a suggestion, I LOVE Needed’s line of Prenatal Vitamins!
If you’re struggling financially, ask your provider or clinic about financial assistance programs for prenatal health care and medical tests. Reliable resources such as the Mayo Clinic’s Health Library and March of Dimes can also help you understand what’s normal and when to seek help.
Pregnancy is beautiful, but it’s also okay to admit that the first trimester pregnancy phase can be hard.
Tips to survive a difficult first trimester
If your first trimester feels like death, you’re definitely not alone. Between the nausea, the fatigue during the first trimester, and those unpredictable mood swings, surviving this stage of pregnancy can feel like a full-time job.
I remember those days so clearly. I was hunched over, crying over the toilet while my toddler stood in the doorway, wondering what on earth was happening. It was rough. But I promise, you’ll get through this.
Below are some gentle, realistic ways to help you get through the first trimester, especially if you’re currently dealing with those difficult first-trimester symptoms.
1. Hydrate (even if you have to sip all day long)
Staying hydrated can be tough when morning sickness or even diarrhea during the first trimester pregnancy makes it impossible to keep much down. But dehydration can worsen fatigue, headaches, and even nausea, so do your best to sip something.
Whether it be water, electrolyte drinks, or even ice chips, something like that is better throughout the day than nothing.
If you’re finding it impossible, try using a cup with a straw (for some reason, it’s oddly comforting when nothing else feels right). Even baby sips count!
You just want to prevent dehydration before it becomes serious. I learned that the hard way after ending up in the ER from not keeping enough fluids down during one of worst hyperemesis gravidarum episodes.
One of the things I found myself sipping on was Needed’s Hydration Support. The subtle lemon flavor made it easy to sip and keep down, while the replenishing electrolytes helped to keep me hydrated.
2. Rest like it’s your new job
You might wonder, which week is the hardest in the first trimester? For many, it’s between weeks 8–11, when pregnancy hormones are at their peak and the first trimester extreme fatigue kicks in hard.
If you’re 10 weeks pregnant and tired or 11 weeks pregnant and exhausted, give yourself permission to slow down.
Your body is literally building organs, a placenta, and your baby’s circulatory system; that’s no small task! Sneak in naps when you can, go to bed early, and don’t feel guilty for letting the laundry wait another day.
Pregnancy is hard, and rest is part of the healing process, especially when you have another little one running around that you’re trying to keep up with while being pregnant.
3. Eat small but frequent meals.
When the nausea kicks in, it might feel like eating is the worst thing on the planet, but many moms notice that an empty stomach can make feeling sick in the first trimester even worse.
So, instead of eating three large meals, try small, frequent snacks throughout the day. Think crackers, fruit, soups, or a small smoothie.
This can help reduce nausea and boost your energy in the first trimester when your appetite is unpredictable. Keep something simple by your bed for those middle-of-the-night hunger pangs or difficulty sleeping in the first trimester moments when you just need a bite to feel better.
One of my favorite snacks during pregnancy was these Veggies Made Great Blueberry Oat Muffins.
4. Stay close to bathrooms (trust me on this one)
Whether it’s the constant urge to pee or another wave of nausea, make sure you always know where the nearest bathroom is.
Even mild early pregnancy problems like frequent urination or sudden vomiting can make outings stressful. Planning ahead helps you feel a little more in control when your pregnancy feels miserable and unpredictable.
5. Eat a balanced diet.
I get it. Sometimes, eating healthy can be REALLY HARD when everything makes you feel sick just by thinking of it.
However, making sure you’re consuming a balanced diet of proteins, fats, carbs, and all those micronutrients are extremely important for YOU and YOUR BABY!
Plus, you might find by eating a balanced mean, you feel less sick and much more energized throughout the day!
6. Take a high-quality prenatal vitamin.
If you can’t stomach the idea of taking a pill every morning, don’t worry, this prenatal has got you covered!
With the NEEDED Prenatal/Postpartum Vitamin, you have the option to choose from a pill or powder!
That’s right, you can mix in their yummy powder into a morning breakfast smoothie to ensure you’re getting all the nutrients you need for you and your growing baby.
Plus, keeping those micronutrients in line with NEEDED may be just what you need to counterbalance some of those frustrating first-trimester side effects you’ve been dealing with.
What should you NOT do in your first trimester?
Just as there are tips on how to get through your tough first trimester, there are also some things you should steer clear of.
1) DON’T eat raw meats or food products
Ok, so this one kind of carries it’s importance throughout your entire pregnancy.
But starting in your first trimester, you should definitely avoid any kind of raw meats or even eggs!
If you’re a sucker for deli meat & sandwiches like I am, simply pan fry those little slices of meat before sticking them on your sandwich, I promise it tastes JUST as good (if not, even better!)
2) Monitor your caffeine intake
I actually just wrote an entire blog post about caffeine and breastfeeding that has some great information on how caffeine is metabolized. But in the first trimester, when the baby is forming and literally becoming a baby, it’s best to play it safe and limit your intake to LESS THAN 200mg/day.
3) Steer clear of jolty amusement park rides
Many people don’t really take this one into consideration, but most amusement park rides can be pretty jolty and whippy.
This is definitely a BIG no-no starting in your first trimester throughout your pregnancy. Especially in rides that strap you in with lots of pressure on your abdomen. Not something worth the risk if you ask my opinion.
4) Avoid activities with a falling risk
Again, another thing that you should be mindful of throughout your entire pregnancy, however very important in the beginning.
Some activities you’ll want to be extra careful of (or avoided):
- Carrying heavy objects
- Walking up/downstairs
- Ice skating
- Contact sports
- Climbing up or down a step stool
5) DON’T ignore these signs
Within every trimester, you’ll notice different signs you should be paying attention to. Signs that can indicate you need to see your doctor or at least notify them right away.
- Any kind of vaginal bleeding
- Painful or severe pelvic/abdominal pain
- Lightheaded feeling that won’t subside
- Painful or inability to urinate
- Severe nausea that lasts all day long
- Inability to eat food for over 12-24 hours
Seriously, if you have any of the signs above or just have a question about symptoms you’re having, reach out to your healthcare provider.
How did you survive your difficult first trimester? Drop those comments below to help another mom out!
♥ Recommended PREGNANCY Posts:
>> Preparing for Labor & Delivery (tips from a L&D Nurse)
>> What to do when you find out you’re pregnant?!
>> Things NOT to do after giving birth
>> Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom, Baby & Dad
