Pregnancy is such a miraculous journey — but let’s be honest, it can come with some very uncomfortable symptoms. From morning (or all-day) sickness to digestive changes and constant fatigue, it’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed with first trimester pregnancy symptoms..
I’m sharing what worked for me during the early weeks of pregnancy, but remember to always check with your healthcare provider before trying anything new.
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1. Nausea and Morning Sickness
Despite the name, “morning sickness” can hit at any hour. Some days I felt queasy from breakfast to sundown, and other days, the evenings were the hardest. Fortunately, for most, this unpleasant symptom only lasts through the first trimester. Here’s what made a difference for me:
Eat Early, Eat Often
Eating something within an hour of waking up and then every 2–3 hours sometimes helped prevent that sudden wave of nausea. Protein-rich breakfasts (like eggs or Greek yogurt) helped keep my blood sugar stable longer. If all you can manage are carbs, eat those first, then add a few bites of protein or healthy fat to help slow sugar spikes.
Ginger, Peppermint, and Acupressure
Ginger: But what do you do if you’re already nauseous? These lemon ginger lozenges were lifesavers. You can also sip ginger tea.
Peppermint: I used this peppermint essential oil roller – just smelling it helped soothe my stomach.
Accupressure: Try an acupressure anti-nausea bracelet you can wear throughout the day. Or simply press and hold on the spot the wristband would rest on.
2. Constipation
Thanks to hormone changes (hello, progesterone!), digestion slows down to help absorb nutrients for baby—but it can cause major backup. Here’s what helped me:
Stay Hydrated
Add lemon or lime to cold water to make it more appealing if you’re feeling nauseous. Staying hydrated keeps things moving through the digestive tract.
Gentle Movement
Even light movement can help—think short walks or stretching. I’d walk around the house or up and down our stairs when it was too hot to go outside.
Fiber Rich Foods
I snacked on prunes daily—nature’s candy and a natural laxative. Pears are another high-fiber favorite that helped with regularity.
Acupuncture
If it’s accessible for you, acupuncture can work wonders for constipation and other pregnancy symptoms. I always left feeling better and more relaxed.
3. Fatigue in Early Pregnancy
There’s no tired like first trimester tired. The best thing you can do is listen to your body and rest when you can. Whether that’s sneaking in a nap, sleeping longer at night, or giving yourself permission to do less—honor what your body needs.
If naps aren’t an option, try:
A short walk
An energizing, protein-rich snack
Cutting back on caffeine (try to stay under 200mg per day)
Conclusion
Pregnancy looks different for every woman, and your symptoms and solutions might not mirror mine. But if you’re dealing with first trimester pregnancy symptoms like nausea, constipation, or fatigue, I hope these small shifts bring you some relief. And if you’re one of the lucky ones who feels great? That’s amazing too! It doesn’t mean anything is wrong.
More often than not, the second trimester brings a welcome boost of energy and a bit of relief from the first trimester rollercoaster. You’ve got this, mama—and you’re not alone!
> Reminder: Always run any symptom management strategies by your trusted healthcare provider. Every pregnancy is unique, just like you.
