Navigating the First Trimester: A Complete Pregnancy Recap & Must-Haves for Expecting Moms

Embarking on the incredible journey of motherhood can be exhilarating, overwhelming, and utterly transformative. Here’s an honest and heartfelt first trimester recap, covering all the feelings, thoughts, ramblings, and some absolute must-haves for any other preggo mamas out there navigating these earliest weeks of expectation!

And just like that, it’s officially the end of my first trimester this week – a monumental milestone! It feels absolutely crazy to me that we are already a third of the way through this incredible journey. The idea that we will be holding our precious baby in our arms in approximately six months is still hard to fully grasp, often feeling surreal and wonderfully overwhelming all at once.

Thankfully, our little Mochi (our boundless energy puppy!) has provided plenty of delightful distraction, helping to temper any panic or anxiety that might otherwise creep in about the impending arrival. His playful antics and endless needs are a fantastic way to keep my mind occupied and my heart full. Truly, thank goodness for little puppies and their boundless energy – they’re a surprising, yet welcome, preview of the joyful chaos to come!

While the first trimester didn’t involve any grand adventures (apart from the constant internal adventure of growing a human!), it was certainly filled with profound shifts and a whirlwind of emotions. Let’s dive deep into all the intricate feelings and experiences that defined these initial weeks of my pregnancy journey. The true magic, after all, often lies in the subtle transformations and daily revelations.

Honestly? The First Trimester Was Tough.

Sharing this first trimester recap feels a little vulnerable, as these past weeks have been genuinely challenging. It wasn’t solely due to the infamous “morning sickness” – a term I now wholeheartedly despise, given that my nausea was a relentless, all-day affair. Nor was it just the wild mood swings, the sudden and intense food aversions, or the profound, soul-deep exhaustion that permeated every moment. While those symptoms were certainly a significant part of the experience, the external world added layers of complexity.

The global landscape has been turbulent, and navigating these upheavals takes on an entirely new dimension when you discover you’re bringing a child into the world. While I’ve been grateful for the legitimate excuse to stay home as much as possible, avoiding the unpleasant sensation of feeling unwell in public, the underlying current of uncertainty has been unnerving. Witnessing the rush to return to “normal” amidst rising infection rates, alongside the overwhelming magnitude of systemic racism crashing down on all of us, has been deeply impactful. Everything shifts when you understand that a new, innocent life is soon to join this intricate world.

Please don’t misunderstand; despite these external pressures, we are absolutely ecstatic. This pregnancy arrives exactly one year after my miscarriage, and stepping into the second trimester feels like a profound and healing closure to that difficult period. It has been a truly rough year, marked by far too much loss. To know that we are now bringing new life into the world is an immeasurable gift, something I am endlessly grateful for. This, coupled with the joy our little fur baby brings, is truly everything I could have ever dreamed of in life. Tomorrow marks my official entry into the second trimester, and that prospect feels incredibly surreal, hopeful, and exciting all at once.

I actually found out I was pregnant during my fourth week. It was just a random weekend, and a thought casually crossed my mind: “Hmm, haven’t gotten my period yet…” Only a few days late, but I figured, “Let’s just see…”

The Moment We Knew: BOOM, Preggo-Town!

Will was at home with me on that fateful day. I truly just took the test as a “just in case” measure, expecting nothing more than another negative result. So, imagine my absolute shock and overwhelming joy when I walked out of the bathroom with the biggest smile plastered across my face after seeing that unmistakable second line appear. It was an instant, undeniable confirmation. All of a sudden, everything clicked into place. No wonder I had been feeling perpetually “hungover” without having consumed any alcohol. For weeks, I’d thought perhaps I was drinking too much without realizing it, or just battling a persistent bug. But no, it was this whole “preggers” thing all along!

Thankfully, as I near the end of the first trimester, the relentless nausea is finally beginning to subside, allowing me to feel a LOT better and regain some semblance of my former self. It’s a welcome relief after weeks of constant queasiness.

Fun fact: The “pregnancy glow” that everyone talks about? In the first trimester, for me, it was often just a constant sheen of sweat from battling nausea around the clock! A glamorous look, indeed.

I am still tired beyond all words, a deep, bone-weary fatigue that no amount of sleep seems to conquer. However, I’m pretty sure a significant contributor to this exhaustion is our lively little Mochi, who insists on waking up at the crack of dawn every single day, eager to start his adventures. It’s certainly a lovely, albeit challenging, preview for the beautiful exhaustion that motherhood promises!

Honestly, I seriously do NOT know how all you mamas out there manage when you already have a child (or several!). Being pregnant takes every ounce of energy from me every single day. Balancing this with the demands of a new puppy, an older dog, and trying to be a somewhat coherent and present wife is already a full-time job. The thought of adding a child to care for, while simultaneously feeling like I’ve been hit by a truck every single day, is astounding. To all of you incredible women who do this – YOU LADIES ARE ROCKSTARS. Your strength and resilience are truly an inspiration.

First Trimester Must-Haves: Navigating Pregnancy with Essential Tools

When you’re navigating the uncharted waters of your first trimester, having the right tools and resources can make all the difference. From tracking your baby’s growth to finding ways to cope with challenging symptoms, these “must-haves” became my trusty companions. Here’s a rundown of the apps, books, lifestyle adjustments, and products that helped me through these initial, transformative weeks.

Recommended Pregnancy Apps: Tracking Growth & Gaining Insights

In this digital age, pregnancy apps are invaluable companions for expecting parents. I’ve found great benefit in using a few different ones, as each offers unique insights and features. Currently, I am actively using The Bump App and What to Expect. Both provide fantastic information about fetal development, body changes, and what to anticipate week by week.

In addition to these, I utilize Pregnancy+ specifically to track my weight each week and to log other key health metrics. The beauty of using multiple apps is that they often present information from slightly different perspectives, ensuring I’m not just getting the same details repeated. This variety helps me feel more informed and engaged with my pregnancy journey. If I had to pick a favorite, I definitely prefer the comprehensive and well-organized information provided on The Bump App the most, though all three have proven incredibly useful in their own ways.

Essential Reading for Expecting Parents: Books for Every Perspective

Diving into pregnancy books has been a fascinating and reassuring part of my journey. I initially started out with the classic What to Expect When You’re Expecting. While it’s undeniably a comprehensive tome of information, covering everything imaginable about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, I sometimes found its question-and-answer format could unintentionally generate more worries than it alleviated. However, it was excellent for a broad overview of specific physical changes in my body and the general timeline of what was happening internally.

Since then, I’ve transitioned to two other incredibly insightful books: Nurture: A Modern Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, Early Motherhood—and Trusting Yourself and Your Body and Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Wisdom of Pregnancy Is Wrong—and What You Really Need to Know. I love both of these for distinct, yet equally important, reasons. Nurture feels far more personal and down-to-earth, addressing not only the physical changes but also the often-overlooked mental and emotional toll pregnancy can take. It’s like having a wise, comforting friend guiding you through the experience.

Expecting Better, on the other hand, is the absolute perfect book for all you data nerds and evidence-based thinkers out there (like me!). So many articles and anecdotes circulating tell you what you should and shouldn’t be doing during pregnancy, often without any scientific backing. This book meticulously delves into everything women are commonly advised, providing reliable and realistic data from studies and research. It has been a phenomenal reference, taking a huge weight off my shoulders by offering clear, scientifically sound answers, allowing me to make informed decisions with confidence rather than anxiety.

Staying Active & Fit: My Pregnancy Workout Routine

Anyone who knows me knows I was incredibly dedicated to going to the gym and maintaining a consistent fitness routine. However, along came COVID-19, which shuttered gyms and forced a dramatic shift in my workout habits. I initially tried to keep up with online workouts, but then the news of my pregnancy arrived, and everything changed once again. The profound fatigue and nausea of the first trimester meant that intense gym sessions were simply not an option. The only activities that seemed to give me even a flicker of energy were running and power walking, which felt like a miracle in themselves.

This led me to discover and embrace Peloton. While I don’t own their specialized equipment, I am absolutely loving their app. We have a treadmill at home, and with the summer temperatures soaring to a thousand degrees outside, it’s been a lifesaver. I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the guided power walks, walk + runs, and short, manageable runs in the comfort of our air-conditioned basement. The app also offers some fantastic full-body workouts, including short upper body and lower body routines that have been perfect for maintaining strength and mobility. These have been my go-to until I feel comfortable and energetic enough to fully reintegrate into a traditional gym environment. Staying active, even moderately, has been crucial for both my physical and mental well-being during this challenging first trimester.

Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Routine: A Radiant Approach

Before pregnancy, I had finally achieved a skincare routine that kept my skin somewhat under control, a hard-won battle. But pregnancy, as it turns out, changes ALL OF THAT. With the realization that anything I put on my skin could potentially be absorbed by my developing baby, I felt compelled to revamp my entire regimen, from my daily cleanser to my lotions and even my shampoo. This commitment to using pregnancy-safe products was non-negotiable for me.

I do have to admit that the initial switch over from my regular skincare routine resulted in a rather significant breakout period. My skin definitely had a rebellion phase! However, I firmly believe it was worth powering through because now, my skin is pretty much clear and feels much healthier. It’s a huge relief to know I’m using products that are not only effective but also safe for both me and my little one. Here are the skincare products I’ve been diligently using twice a day, which have made a noticeable difference:

• Tula Purifying Face Cleanser – This cleanser has been a revelation. It’s gentle yet effective, and fantastically priced for the quality, which is always a bonus!
• Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum – For that much-needed moisture boost, this serum delivers without feeling heavy or greasy.
• Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum – A powerful ally in preventing the dreaded dark spots and melasma that can often form during pregnancy.

These Drunk Elephant products are definitely on the pricier side, for sure, but their effectiveness has been super impressive so far. Crucially, they all contain preggo-safe ingredients, giving me peace of mind as I strive to keep my skin healthy and happy throughout this journey.

Cravings & Aversions: Navigating Pregnancy Food Dynamics

Food during the first trimester can be a bizarre and unpredictable landscape. My palate has undergone a complete transformation, leading to intense cravings for some items and an utter repulsion for others. Navigating these shifts has been an adventure in itself!

Non-Alcoholic Sips: My Evening Ritual

One of the things I truly miss most is unwinding at the end of a long day with a cold alcoholic beverage, especially during the warm summer months. As part of my transition into the land of no drinking for a while, I’ve been actively exploring the wonderful world of non-alcoholic beers, wines, and zero-proof spirits. It’s been surprisingly enjoyable! I’m currently waiting on a delivery of Seedlip, which I’m excited to try. In the meantime, I’ve been experimenting with Ritual Zero Proof and planning to concoct some creative mocktails very soon. It’s certainly going to be a challenge not churning out new cocktail recipes for you all, but finding delicious non-alcoholic alternatives has become a fun new hobby!

Simple & Satisfying Mocktails

My current mocktail game has been all about simplicity and refreshing flavors. I often combine soda water with grapefruit juice for a zesty kick, or with lemonade for a classic, sweet-tart treat. Another favorite has been sparkling water mixed with an Arnold Palmer base (lemonade and iced tea). This particular combination is so delicious and revitalizing, and I’ll definitely be sharing the recipe with you all very soon!

Intense Food Cravings

The cravings have been strong and varied, ranging from salty to sweet and everything in between. Here’s a peek into what my body has been demanding:

• Pickles (the sourer, the better!)
• Chocolate in almost any form
• Candy (especially gummy varieties)
• Nutella (straight from the jar, sometimes!)
• Hearty burgers
• Juicy steaks
• Fresh, vibrant fruit
• Comforting mac and cheese
• Cookie dough (ummm, can we talk about how Ben & Jerry’s makes edible cookie dough now? HOLY MAGIC!)
• Anything BBQ (like the mouth-watering ribs I posted yesterday!)

Challenging Food Aversions

On the flip side, some foods that I once loved have become entirely unappealing, sometimes even triggering nausea. It’s a strange phenomenon, and I’m hopeful these aversions will ease up soon:

• Chicken: This has been a major one. I can only stomach it if it’s shredded or incorporated into other dishes like soup or mac and cheese. Thankfully, this aversion is slowly beginning to fade.
• Artichokes: This was a sad loss, as I couldn’t even eat my favorite spinach artichoke dip.
• Deli meat: While an aversion, this is actually a good thing, as deli meat is generally advised against during pregnancy due to listeria concerns. So, my body is unknowingly helping me stay safe!

Navigating these dietary shifts has required flexibility and a willingness to listen to my body’s often contradictory signals. It’s all part of the wild ride of growing a tiny human!

Reflecting on the First Trimester: A Journey of Growth and Gratitude

I genuinely hope you enjoyed this detailed first trimester recap! Sharing my personal experiences, the challenges, the joys, and the essential tools that helped me navigate these initial weeks has been a deeply fulfilling process. If any part of this recap, whether it’s an app recommendation, a book review, a skincare tip, or just the reassurance that you’re not alone in your pregnancy struggles, can be helpful for at least one of you out there, that would be truly AWESOME. Remember, every pregnancy journey is unique, but sharing our experiences creates a supportive community where we can all learn and grow together. Here’s to a healthy and happy second trimester for me, and to all expecting mothers embarking on this incredible adventure!