Tips for Surviving the first trimester

“Weary, cheery, and dreary.” That’s how one of my best friends, Jessie, describes the three stages of pregnancy. You’re weary during your first trimester, cheery in your second, then dreary in the third.

So far, most of my experience has been in the weary section. And let me just say, it was a real treat. [I’m being dramatic, it wasn’t THAT bad… but it was a doozy.]

In my opinion, the first trimester is simply a game of survival. Sure, you may feel like a champ at the beginning, but when that first wave of nausea hits you like a ton of bricks, you must quickly switch into survival mode.

Katie’s tips for surviving the first trimester:

Forget about being healthy: If your experience is anything like mine, then you will feel sick at all times of the day and when you’re feeling nauseous, the last thing you need to worry about is a healthy meal plan. [You can go back to being healthy in the second trimester.]

Eat anything you can stomach: For me, that was Sour Patch Kids and Cheez Its. Everyone is different, but once you figure out what works for you, run with it. [I also lived on Pregnancy Pops. Order here.]

Carbs are your friend: Crackers, mashed potatoes, bread, rice – whatever gets you through it, carbs are your friend! [Remember, you only have to be friends for a few weeks.]

Succumb to the naps: Pregnancy hormones are a beast, and when they first take over your body, you might not know what to do with yourself. My best advice is to channel your inner Sleeping Beauty and nap it out. Your bed is a magical haven that only wants to serve and please you, so let it. [FYI: I napped in my car on my lunch break at work on several occasions.]

Zero resentments: You will meet other pregnant women who aren’t experiencing your weary drama and feel GREAT, but don’t resent them. We are all in this together. Everyone’s body is different. Everyone’s pregnancy journey is different.

Devote to the bloat: Your body is going to be doing some crazy things, and one of the first changes you’ll experience is bloat. This change makes many people feel gross but just own it. Become devoted to being bloated because your body is making a baby and there ain’t nothing cooler than that!

Workouts shmerkouts: I typically try to exercise around four times a week. [By exercise I mean light cardio… very light.] Well, if you’re the same, kiss that goal goodbye for a brief period. I felt like Wonder Woman if I was able to work out even once a week during my first trimester because I was so tired and ill. It’s hard to accept, but it’s the cold hard truth. Your body needs to take it easy. The good news is that everything becomes “cheery” again and you’ll eventually get back to feeling healthy in your second trimester.

YOU DO YOU: No matter what you’re dealing with in the first trimester, whether it’s exhaustion, shock or nausea, just remember to focus on yourself. Listen to your body and don’t overdo it.

Everyone is different, but we’re all in this together. You are making a human… That’s BIG! Allow your body to do whatever it needs to do in order to keep yourself healthy and happy.

You CAN and WILL make it through the first trimester. Whether it’s loading up on Sour Patch Kids, sucking on ginger chews, or napping four hours a day – just keep the big picture in mind in order to “survive.” God has blessed you beyond measure and it’ll all be worth it in the end when you’re holding your little miracle. [Can’t wait to hold mine!]