The first thirteen weeks of pregnancy are not for the faint of heart. Here are my tips for surviving first trimester morning sickness from my perspective as a mom of three (soon to be four!)
Hi friends! I’ve been pretty absent from the blog lately because, well, I’m currently in my first trimester of pregnancy. I find that along with “morning” sickness during my first trimester I also generally have zero motivation to get anything done besides the basics. So my poor little blog has been a bit neglected, ha!
However, I’m here today because I thought there would be no better time to write about first trimester morning sickness than when I’m in the middle of it. So, today I’m going to share all my random tips for surviving morning sickness.
I do want to be sure to mention that my tips are not for someone who is experiencing extreme morning sickness, called hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). HG is much more severe than typical first trimester morning sickness, usually lasting the entire pregnancy and often involving a lot more medical care for the mom.
As hard as first trimester is for me personally, I am extremely grateful that I have not had to experience an HG pregnancy. Those of you who have are rockstars.
Before we jump into my tips for surviving first trimester morning sickness, you may have a few questions if this is your first pregnancy.
When does morning sickness start?
There is a small percentage of women who never experience morning sickness (yes I’m jealous!) but for all the rest of us it tends to start at around six weeks. Personally I usually start feeling it at around five weeks but it definitely really kicks in at six.
When does morning sickness end?
While this will be a little different for everyone, the majority of women will experience relief from morning sickness by the end of the first trimester (13 weeks) or shortly after.
So, what can you do to survive those eight or nine weeks of morning sickness during your first trimester? Here are my tips (in no particular order) from my perspective as a stay at home mom with three kids.
Tips for Surviving First Trimester Morning Sickness
Take advantage of the times of the day when you feel the best.
For me, this pregnancy I know I need to try to get some things done in the morning because from mid-afternoon to the evening I’m usually feeling the worst.
Snack on something every few hours, even when you feel nauseous.
Protein can be especially helpful. (Examples: cottage cheese, string cheese, nuts)
Drink lots of water.
If it’s hard to drink a lot of plain water try adding some flavoring. I’ve also been enjoying this sugar free green tea this pregnancy.
Go to bed early.
I need to take my own advice here!
Get in some regular movement if you can.
BUT don’t stress if you feel too sick to exercise. You should feel more able to exercise during your second trimester.
Be willing to ask for help.
People don’t know how you’re feeling or that you need help unless you ask.
Consider paying for a “mother’s helper” once a week.
Surviving first trimester with kids can be extra hard. Having a weekly (or even bi-weekly) mother’s helper gives you a chance to rest or just catch up on things.
Make a list of super easy meals – or stock up on some of your family’s favorite frozen meals.
When I need really easy I love Costco’s $5 rotisserie chickens as well as their frozen lasagnas. Yum!
Don’t forget to take your prenatal vitamins.
I finally switched to gummy vitamins because they are so much easier for me to take when I feel sick.
Take one day at a time.
Don’t dwell on how many more weeks you have to go. Just take things a day at a time. More than that can be too overwhelming.
Give yourself grace.
If your house is untidy and your kids are having too much screen-time, know that it’s just a stage and it won’t be like this forever. First trimester is hard. First trimester with kids is even harder.
Know that people who haven’t experienced “morning sickness” really can’t understand.
Explain how you’re feeling; don’t expect them to know. And be willing to give them grace if they still don’t get it.
Don’t feel guilty to say no to additional commitments right now.
IT’S OKAY TO SAY NO! (However, you may find it helpful to still have a few things on your schedule. I find that when I’m just home all day every day I think more about how bad I feel.)
Take naps whenever you can.
It’s okay to not be productive every moment of the day. You’re growing a baby for goodness sake!
Don’t freak out if you can’t stomach salad or other healthy foods right now.
Usually once first trimester is over you will be able to tolerate more variety and improve your diet.
Know that it’s okay to just survive right now.
We don’t want to always live life in survival mode, but there are times like first trimester where sometimes that’s all you can do and that’s okay.
Speak truth to yourself.
Here are a few verses that I find very encouraging during first trimester especially.
He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. (Isaiah 40:11)
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lam. 3:22-23)
This beautiful song has also been a blessing to me lately.
Keep your eye on the prize!
First trimester morning sickness can be rough, but oh friend, it is SO worth it in the end. Yesterday I looked at these newborn pictures that I took of my second child and I felt so much excitement for what’s coming.
Pregnancy is a long hard journey (and I don’t always love it) but it’s a blessing to be able to experience it and the prize is the absolute best.
If you are in your first trimester right now, know that I’m right there with you and cheering you on. I’d love to hear your best tips for surviving morning sickness so please share in the comments. And as always, if there’s something that I can do to better encourage and help you please let me know.