The first trimester of pregnancy can be a wild ride, with plenty of excitement but also a fair share of challenges (hello, nausea and fatigue!). Having the right tools and comforts on hand can make all the difference as you navigate these early weeks. Here’s a list of must-haves that helped me—and many other moms—survive the first trimester with a little more ease and comfort.
1. Pregnancy Tracker App
A good pregnancy app keeps you informed about your baby’s development and what to expect each week with both the baby and your body. Many apps also offer tips, symptom trackers, and even daily affirmations to keep you motivated.
I personally tried a few different pregnancy tracker apps before settling on the one I liked the most! Each app offers a unique way of visualizing the baby’s growth, and I really enjoyed exploring the different “sizes” they provided each week. Ultimately, my favorite was the What to Expect App—it was super user-friendly and packed with helpful info.
Plus, once the baby is born, some of these apps, transition into baby trackers to help record sleep, feeds, and diaper changes. It’s such a handy tool for navigating those early days!
2. Pregnancy Pillow
You might not need a full-sized body pillow just yet, but a smaller pregnancy pillow or wedge can help you sleep more comfortably as your body starts to change.
Make sure you read the reviews and find one that works for you! Be warned, most take up a lot of room so if you’re not in a king sized bed, I would opt for one that just goes around the waist instead of the whole body!
3. A Good Water Bottle or Cup
Staying hydrated is essential, but let’s be honest—water can feel like a chore during pregnancy. A cute, easy-to-carry water bottle or tumbler can encourage you to drink more and keep dehydration at bay.
Opt for one that can transition into motherhood with you aka find one that is spill/leak proof. There’s nothing like the thirst that comes with a middle of the night feed and nothing worse than dumping water all over yourself as you try to quench it. I learned that one the hard way!
4. Prenatal Vitamins
Your doctor has likely recommended prenatal vitamins to support your baby’s growth. Look for one with folic acid and DHA, and take it with food or at night to avoid nausea.
I actually went to Detwiler’s, a local Amish market and talked to one of their specialist in the wellness department who helped me pick out my vitamins. I will always remember how excited the woman who was checking me out that day was. It’s that Detwiler’s magic! If you’re local to the Suncoast, YK.
5. Preggo Pops and Ginger Tea
Morning sickness is no joke, but natural remedies like Preggo Pops and ginger tea can help ease nausea. Keep them handy for queasy moments throughout the day. I personally picked the drops over the pops but they really did help!
If you need them sooner than Amazon can get them to you, the big box stores now carry them in the baby section!
6. Leggings
Your regular leggings might feel a little snug as your body changes. A good pair of leggings offers plenty of stretch and comfort without squeezing your growing belly.
You can opt for a pair of maternity leggings or just size up in your current favs! Just make sure they’re high waisted as you’ll want something to go over your belly so you can wear your normal shirts as long as possible!
7. Comfortable Underwear
Comfort is queen in the first trimester. Look for seamless, stretchy underwear that won’t dig into your sides or feel restrictive. Bonus is they can become your new period underwear once the baby is here!
8. Pregnancy Journal
Documenting your pregnancy is a great way to capture this special time. A journal lets you track milestones, jot down thoughts and feelings, and create memories to look back on.
They have some with guided prompts if you need some help putting pen to paper OR you can simply grab a spiral notebook and write letters to your babe! I did both, because you know I’m extra!
9. Pregnancy Books
Whether you’re looking for practical advice (What to Expect When You’re Expecting) or a lighthearted take (The Girlfriends’ Guide to Pregnancy), a good pregnancy book can help you feel informed and empowered.
My personal favorite was:
10. Simple, Plain Foods
When nausea hits, simple snacks like crackers, toast, or plain rice can be lifesavers. Keep these on hand for when your stomach feels less than cooperative.
I was pretty sick throughout my pregnancy and one of the very few things that helped was eating something small as soon as I woke up. I also drank a lot of room temperature ginger ale to help settle my stomach when needed but because it’s loaded with sugar, I tried to only do this once or twice a week.
11. Sea Bands
Sea Bands are acupressure wristbands originally designed for motion sickness, but they work wonders for pregnancy nausea too. They’re drug-free and easy to wear discreetly. If it wasn’t for these bands I wouldn’t have been able to drive or even ride in the car.
They work using acupressure, so make sure that you’re wearing it correctly on your wrist to get the maximum relief.
12. Good Moisturizing Lotion
As your skin stretches, you might notice itchiness or dryness. A good, nourishing lotion can keep your skin hydrated and prevent discomfort. Bonus: It’s not just your belly that grows, you will notice other areas of your body changing as well. Make sure you show those places like your legs and chest some moisture too.
13. Face Wipes/Micellar Water
You don’t know tired until you know pregnancy tired and fatigue can make your regular skincare routine feel like a marathon. Keep face wipes handy for a quick refresh, especially on days when you’re too tired to do much else.
On those nights, my routine looked like brushing my teeth (while trying not to gag/throw up the whole time) and a face wipe. While it wasn’t a full skincare routine, it was better than nothing.
14. Essential Oils for Nausea
Essential oils can be a soothing and natural remedy for pregnancy nausea. Scents like peppermint, lemon, and ginger are especially effective at calming queasiness and helping you keep your lunch down. Keep a small roller bottle or essential oil diffuser nearby for quick relief during those queasy moments. They also have blends specifically for nausea relief – I would roll it on my wrist and neck and then when it was really bad, I would sit there and smell the roller ball.
15. Electrolyte Drinks
Staying hydrated is crucial during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester when nausea and fatigue can make drinking water (or anything really) a challenge. Electrolyte drinks are a great way to replenish lost nutrients, maintain hydration, and even ease morning sickness.
Quick Tip: Sip slowly and avoid overly sweet or artificial drinks, as they may worsen nausea. Adding a splash of lemon or lime juice can also enhance flavor and boost hydration.
My personal favorites are the electrolyte powders without added sugar, coconut water, and body armor.
I’m also dying to try this one from Just Ingredients:
Why These Must-Haves Matter
The first trimester is all about adjusting to your new normal and finding ways to stay as comfortable as possible. These essentials are tried-and-true helpers for managing symptoms, staying organized, and making the most of this exciting time.
What were your first-trimester must-haves? Share your favorites in the comments—I’d love to hear what worked for you! 💕
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