Last updated on July 9th, 2024 at 02:23 pm
Congratulations, mom-to-be! I’m guessing you are here because you just had a positive pregnancy test. So exciting!
The first trimester is an exciting, but overwhelming time of lots of adjustments and preparations to get ready for your whole life to change. Along with all the helpful advice, you will start to be bombarded with all sorts of advertisements and influencers sharing various products you “absolutely need” to survive all the stages of pregnancy. I know I definitely was!
While I will admit, there are several products out there that have really made a difference for me, I honestly prefer a more minimalist approach to getting everything I needed, especially for the first trimester. Everyone knows babies are expensive! But having a smooth, comfortable pregnancy doesn’t have to be. There really are only a few first trimester must-have products your absolutely need to help ease those early pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness and bloating.
There also is that urge to go out and start buying all the cute baby stuff as soon as you find out you are pregnant. I totally understand that desire, and it is a hard one to fight! But I would wait to buy anything for baby and stick to just this list of the only item you need to buy – for now.
Really first trimester is about YOU! A time to think about yourself, and I hate to put it this way, but how to SURVIVE that first trimester. There will be plenty of time to buy stuff for your little one down the road. And you will probably get plenty of baby gifts toward the end anyways, so save your money now!
In this blog post, we will explore the essential first-trimester must-haves, with a twist! We want to show you how to take care of yourself while avoiding unnecessary purchases and focusing on the key items that will truly make a difference during this special time. So, let’s dive in and discover the only first trimester must-haves you will need, ensuring you have everything necessary for a comfortable and enjoyable pregnancy.
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So What Should I Buy If I Just Found Out I'm Pregnant?
The short answer is only things for you and that increase your comfort and excitement for this pregnancy. That means nothing for baby just yet. I know it is tempting to go out and splurge on all the cute baby clothes, but there some important milestones you should reach first before that exciting shopping spree. Here are the only first trimester must-haves you’ll need.
Prenatal Vitamins
Hopefully you have already been taking these prior to your positive pregnancy test, but if not start now taking prenatal vitamins! These are so important for both your health and the growth and development of your baby throughout your pregnancy. The first trimester especially is a crucial time for many important organs and body systems to start developing in your baby, so start popping those vitamins!
These supplements contain essential nutrients like folic acid, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Morning sickness symptoms during the first trimester can make it difficult to take these as pills. If you can’t swallow your prenatal vitamin, there are several other options such as gummy or liquid vitamins that may be easier on the stomach. And you may have to try a few brands before you find what works for you!
If you aren’t sure your prenatal has all the necessary components, take your vitamin of choice to your first prenatal appointment with your provider and they can check it out for you!
Related Article: Natural Morning Sickness Remedies that Actually Work
Comfy Clothes
Don’t run out to all the fun maternity stores just yet! While your baby will be growing significantly during these first 14 weeks, your bump probably will not. You will, however, likely experience a lot of bloating that could make your everyday clothes more uncomfortable. Make sure you have plenty of stretchy, and breathable clothes. This is only a first trimester must-have if you don’t have what you need to be comfortable during the long days of morning sickness. If you already have enough in your closet, then perfect! Embrace the athleisure fashion style and the perfect excuse to lounge in comfy sweatpants!
But really you don’t have to wear sweatpants all day everyday. I just mean make sure you have clothes that can handle the bloat! This could be looser shirts, leggings, or pants with adjustable waistbands. Think of your belly post Thanksgiving dinner. There is no way you are squeezing that tummy in those skinny jeans and saying its comfortable!
I really didn’t buy much in the clothing department for myself during my first trimester. I did however invest in a pair of these workout leggings from Amazon. I’m a big runner and the first thing I noticed with the bloating was my exercise bottoms became too tight and uncomfortable. I seriously loved these and would put them in the category of first trimester must-have any day! I wore them throughout my entire pregnancy and even postpartum!
Supportive Bra
I am going to slightly take back my statement above, that purchasing additional clothing is not a first trimester must-have. Because your bump isn’t the only thing that will grow throughout your pregnancy, the girls will too! I was shocked during my first pregnancy when my breasts grew so early in my pregnancy, and I started to get stretch marks on my chest at only 10 weeks. It’s important to have a supportive, but comfortable bra that you can use throughout and beyond.
I swear by Kindred Bravely Nursing bras! They are stretchy and comfortable but have adjustable support just like a regular bra. They have the added bonus that they double as both a nursing and pumping bra, making the investment absolutely worth it! Yes it may seem silly to have a nursing bra at the beginning of your pregnancy, but they are just so comfortable!
Educational Resources
That positive pregnancy test can be both exciting and scary at the same time. This combination of all the emotions can be overwhelming and it can be hard to handle. Knowledge is power my friend. And I don’t know about you, but when I understand something better it seems a lot less scary to me.
The internet is full of a wealth of knowledge, but sometimes not all of it is good. I prefer to get my information from reliable resources and books are a great place to start. (I always tell my patients to be careful of Dr. Google!) Plus reading a hard copy book is just much more fun than staring at a screen for hours!
There are so many pregnancy books out there, but one of the best to start with is “What To Expect When You’re Expecting”. Yes, it looks like a book your mother would have read when she was pregnant with you, I know. But it is full of so many great resources that are still relevant today. Some other favorites of mine are: “The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth“, “Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy“, and “Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth“.
Knowledge is power my friend. And I am not saying that running to buy all the books you can find and taking a birthing class right now is the best thing to do. (There is such a thing as overwhelming yourself). But going into your first prenatal appointment with a few questions and starting to learn what is happening to your body from the start can make your entire experience (both pregnancy and beyond) much more enjoyable.
Read Next: The Best Questions to Ask at Your First Prenatal Appointment
A Pregnancy Journal
As you begin this incredible journey, a pregnancy journal can be your trusted companion. Imagine having a book filled with memories, thoughts, and milestones from your first trimester to look back on in years to come. You can document those funny cravings, the first time you felt your baby kick, and the overwhelming joy you experienced during ultrasound appointments. And you will want to start on this right away!
Not only is a pregnancy journal a great way to capture these precious moments, but it also creates a beautiful bond between you and your growing baby. You can write letters to your little one, share your dreams and aspirations, and reflect on the emotions that accompany each stage of pregnancy. So, grab a journal that speaks to you, whether it’s whimsical and colorful or elegant and minimalist, and let the words flow. And it doesn’t have to be prompted either. A simple blank journal for you to record you thought will work as well. Your pregnancy journal will become a treasured keepsake, reminding you of the incredible journey you embarked upon and the love that surrounded you during this magical time.
Morning Sickness Band
Hopefully you are one of the lucky mamas that are blessed with little to no morning sickness. But if you end up like the rest of us with morning sickness through out first trimester, you will want something to ease that nausea! These morning sickness nausea bands work with pressure points to help relieve some of the discomfort of those first few months of pregnancy. I know you are probably skeptical, but they seriously are a first trimester must-have!
Related: The Ultimate First Trimester Checklist
Related: Surprising Early Pregnancy Symptoms [Before Your Missed Period]
Pregnancy Picture Props
This was one of my biggest regrets when I was pregnant with my son! Find a cute countdown shirt, milestone cards, or even a cute frame that tells you how many weeks pregnant you are and take a picture with it! Even though you may not be able to tell how much your bump is growing, these pictures for sure will! And it is so fun to look back on at the end of your pregnancy. You can even find a cute outfit that you can wear in the pictures each week for continuity!
Things You Don't Need To Buy During Your First Trimester
Really anything baby related, maternity clothes, postpartum care, or nursery furniture. There will be a time down the road for these items I promise, but for now just enjoy the excitement of that first positive pregnancy test and start to take care of yourself. And I hate to assume, but you also have fun events later on such as a baby shower that likely will help take care of several of the things on your list.
Now is the time to rest and relax. Enjoy that little bean growing inside you and focus on just the first trimester must-haves. There will be plenty of time for everything baby related later. (Save all that for the baby registry!)
That sums up our list of the only first trimester must-haves you’ll need when you first see that positive pregnancy test. Do you have any other items or tips to share on what to buy when you first find out you are pregnant? Let us know in the comments below!
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So true! Can be so overwhelming. Supportive bra is an absolute must if I could go back in time I would do this from day one