Disclaimer: Some of the following products were sent for the purpose of testing them out for review. These products are highlighted by the use of an asterisk (*) beside them. This post also contains affiliate links which are indicated by the use of a dagger (†). All review words and opinions are my own. All photos are copyright property of Me Becoming Mum.

Finding out I was (finally) pregnant with our third rainbow after years of battling secondary infertility and baby loss was one of the most amazing moments. The first trimester can be the hardest, but I've got top tips for surviving the first trimester; from a to-do list of things to prepare to a first trimester shopping list.

When is the first trimester?

The first trimester includes the first 3 months of pregnancy, from week 1 to 12.

Your first trimester to-do list

Have you just found out you're pregnant? Congratulations! Here are a few things to add to you your to-do list.

N.B. Some of these I will go into more detail about below!

Work out your approximate due date. There are plenty of sites like the NHS who offer due date calculators using the date of your last period.
Book in with the midwife.
Book your dating scan.
Check in with your GP if you are on regular meds to ensure they’re safe to continue.
Start taking Folic Acid and a pregnancy multi-vitamin.
Try to avoid alcohol and caffeine, and of course quit smoking.
Take photos of your growing bump and changing body!

What happens in the first trimester?

You need to register with the midwife

At around 9 weeks you'll have a booking in appointment and then things will really begin to feel real!

You'll have a dating scan

At around 12 weeks you'll be given a dating scan. They will check everything is alright with your baby and give you a more accurate date for you little bundle of joy's arrival. For more details on what to expect at your different scans, I have a post here.

You'll want to tell people

Some people wait until their first scan to tell people, others choose not to. Whatever decision you make there are plenty of fun ways you can break the news to people… especially if you have other children to involve.

Pregnancy number three announcement, I'm going to be a big sister t-shirt

We waited until we had the dating scan at just over twelve weeks with all three of our rainbow pregnancies. In my opinion though, it doesn't actually matter when you choose to announce.

You'll need to manage any symptoms

Pregnancy, in particular the first trimester, can be full of ups and downs when it comes to side effects like sickness and heartburn. Most pregnancy sickness can be controlled with acupressure bands or foods like ginger. In more extreme cases you may need anti-sickness medication, or even a trip to hospital. Heartburn can be a nightmare, and I have suffered terribly with all three of our children. Although, again, it can be managed with diet, sometimes people (like me!) can need medication. Whatever you're suffering, make sure you talk to your midwife or GP and don't suffer in silence.

For help with surviving hyperemesis gravidarum (severe pregnancy sickness I suffered with Squidgy and ended me in hospital on fluids) watch this video by my friend Sammi-Jo from Mother Freckle.

Your first trimester shopping list

Maternity clothing

Although it is unlikely you will need anything quite yet (unless you're like me and the bump starts appearing around 6 weeks!) it is worth looking into what's available. My favourite shops for maternity clothing across my three pregnancies have been H&M, Jo Jo Maman Bebe and Debenhams. If you prefer, buying standard clothing in a size or two up from your usual size also works! Just make sure you're comfortable.

Essential medicines

Check your personal meds

For me, this meant having blood tests to check my thyroid function and ensure my Levothyroxine was the correct prescription. If you're on medication for your mental health (I was weaned off mine before my pregnancy), or have other essential medications for ongoing conditions, it is essential you book and appointment with your GP to discuss these.

Levothyroxine tablet for thyroid function

Don't forget Folic Acid

Folic acid is an essential for you to take throughout your pregnancy. You can buy it from supermarkets and pharmacies in 4mg tablets, or as part of a pregnancy multivitamin. It helps to prevent defects in your baby's brain and spinal cord.

Did you know? If you have a higher BMI (over 30) you are likely to be prescribed a higher dose of Folic Acid (usually 5mg).

Iron

Iron helps to move oxygen around your body, and is an essential mineral for everyone, but especially those of us who are pregnant. Ironically there is such a thing as too much iron… as I found out as my craving in my first pregnancy was brocolli and I ate too much. For most pregnant women, however, this will not be the case. That's where Blue Iron* comes in. In an easy to take liquid, this is a great way to make sure we get our daily dose of iron; and is ideal if you're not a fan of taking tablets! It can be bought in Boots, Tesco and even Amazon†.

Omega-3

I am not a fan of fish… in fact I actively avoid eating it. The smell, the texture and the taste are not for me. I also can't eat nuts (some of which also contain Omega-3) so I have to get it elsewhere. Omega-3 contributes to your baby's visual and cognitive development. If you, like me, want to ensure you and your baby are getting enough Omega-3, Bump&Glory* is just what you need. You can buy it on the Bare Biology website, Amazon† and some independent pharmacies.

Skin care products

Pregnancy can wreak havoc with our skin; and many, like me, are prone to break outs as well as the inevitable stretch marks. Here are a few products I recommend picking up:

Secret Saviours*

Did you know that the British Journal of Dermatology states that up to 90% of women will be affected by stretch marks during pregnancy? Offering multiple sizes to ensure they cater for women of different body types, and two creams for day and for night the Secret Saviours belly band* is the ideal product for anyone wishing to protect they skin as it stretches to accommodate their growing baby. The creams smell fabulous and the band itself is super comfortable and lightweight, allowing you to wear it truly secretly beneath most any clothing!

Sebopure*

The increase in hormones during pregnancy can cause our skin glands to produce more sebum (an oily substance created by your skin) than usual. This often leads to inflammation and break outs which are super frustrating. The amazing Clarol Sebopure* helps to counteract the excess sebum, and thus prevent those unwanted pregnancy breakouts. I use it as part of my usual skin care routine, (just don't let baby brain make you forget to leave it to dry for 2 minutes before using any other products!) I love it, from the neutral, scentless nature of the product to it's smooth, cooling texture. You can buy it on the Skin Shop website and Amazon†.

Scar or stretch mark oil

Stretch mark’s are inevitable. Our bodies change, grow and stretch to accommodate our growing baby. Although you can't fully prevent stretch marks, you can reduce the scarring with the use of products like Balmonds' Rosehip Scar Oil* available from Holland and Barrett and Amazon†. I also highly recommend Balmonds’ Cooling Cream for those sore, itchy, rough skin patches some of us face. I particularly love it for the crook of my elbow and under my chin.

Balmonds+Rosehip+Scar+Oil+and+Balmonds+Cooling+Cream

Don't forget…

You need to get plenty of rest

Famous last words, I hear you cry. Especially for those of us that have other children to think about. The reality is, pregnancy can be hard and the first trimester is a party of changing hormones, morning sickness and so much more. For our health, and that of our babies, it is important we rest as much as possible. Go to bed on time, sit down in between school runs, and even have a daytime nap if you can!

You need to keep an eye on your diet

Healthy food, healthy you, and healthy baby. Growing a baby is hard work and we need to provide our bodies with all the help we can. From ensuring that we eat plenty of fruit and veg to eating regular, balanced meals there are plenty of ways to make sure that our babies are getting all the minerals and vitamins they need to grow and develop inside.

Piccolo tomatoes healthy diet in pregnancy

You need to drink lots

I don't mean alcohol here (because obviously we should be avoiding that!) but we should be drinking plenty of water. If you're not a fan of water, try adding a bit of fruit to flavour. When you pop to the loo, your wee should be almost clear to show you're taking on enough fluids.

Whether you've just found out, or it's been a few weeks since that positive test, I hope this post can help you survive the first trimester. Whatever pregnancy throws at you, just remember it's not forever and before you know it you'll be rocking that beautiful newborn in your arms.

For more blog posts about pregnancy, check out the category here. Do you have any other tips for surviving the first trimester? Let me know in the comments below.