Early pregnancy and late pregnancy can be difficult to navigate. I think that's why God created the second trimester. He knew you needed a breather.
Girl, we got ya! We created this handy list of pregnancy hacks for first-time moms-to-be, to make your life easier. Now listen, we have more in-depth lists that I highly recommend you check out during those particular seasons of pregnancy and postpartum. But if you need one concise list. Then here you are. We wanted you to have a list of pregnancy hacks that we feel you will benefit most from.
Pregnancy hacks for every mom-to-be from real mommas. Like us!
Why I am here and who I am:
Hey mama, I am Trish— AKA Labor Nurse Mama. I am a labor and delivery nurse with over 15 years of high-risk OB experience. I am also a mama to 7 kids and have given birth to 6. This means I am quite familiar with the postpartum period and how to navigate it. I am the online birth class educator for Calm Labor Confident Birth and The VBAC Lab birth classes and the mama expert inside our Calm Mama Society a pregnancy & postpartum membership community! I am passionate about your birth and motherhood journey! You can find me over on IG teaching over 230k mamas daily. I am passionate about your birth and motherhood journey!
We make a small commission from some of the links (you don’t pay any more for using our links); however some of the recommendations, we do not earn anything; we just love ’em and want you to know about them. Click here for our full disclosure. Thank you!
Pregnancy Hacks for First Trimester
Our pregnancy hacks lists couldn't be complete if we didn't discuss the biggie in the beginning. Nausea and Vomiting. Oh for the love of God, it is exhausting.
Hack # 1 Fight Morning Sickness
How to fight the elusive morning sickness tops our list of pregnancy hacks for first-time moms. For more complete coverage of morning sickness and all our handy tips head to this article.
For morning sickness, aka all-day sickness, my first pregnancy hack is to keep a small basket of carbs by your bed. I am not a carb eater, but you can be pretty certain that during early pregnancy, carbs keep the morning sickness down.
I suggest things like basic saltine crackers, plain potato chips, wheat thins and such.
Your instructions are to nibble through a few crackers before your feet hit the floor.
Next, eat foods high in protein every two hours.
Lastly, prenatal vitamins are a must!
We are about to launch a First Trimester Mini Masterclass (Jump onto the waitlist here)
Products to Alleviate Morning sickness:
- Peppermint essential oil (I used Young Living) or you can get it on amazon.
- B-6 vitamins can also combat morning sickness and should be top on your list. Add in Unisom and you have the exact ingredients for Diclegis.
- Preggy Pops (These can save the day, keep them in the car, purse, office, and just about everywhere!) And these with vitamin 6 built-in!
- Buy some natural Vapo-rub or essential oil ointment and dab it under your nose. It will help the smells stay at bay. Smells trigger morning sickness.
- Stay Hydrated! I use this gold and black water bottle that celebrates your progress, that is incredible.
Hack # 2 Track Your Pregnancy Journey
Keep a record and keep it fast before your mom brain kicks in. Cause sister, it's coming.
Trust me, your mom brain will thank me. Start a journal or diary about this incredible season and share it with your child one day. Also, TAKE PICS. You may think you look like poop, but your little one will treasure these memories.
Hack # 3 Moisturize that Tummy
I am promising you that you want to start moisturizing that belly of your now! Don't skip this pregnancy hack.
My number one weapon for stretch marks is this lotion. It will work and it smells like heaven. I had an antepartum patient in California that had the most incredible stomach. SHE WAS PREGNANT WITH TWINS!
I used it with Greyson and I swear by it now.
Pro tip: You can use coconut oil to relieve itchy skin!
Hack # 4 Amazon Maternity Clothes
MATERNITY CLOTHES
If you didn't know that Amazon has maternity clothing, then you are missing out. They are extremely reasonable. I'm not opposed to spending money on maternity clothes, but I would suggest saving the money for baby necessities. Also, I recommend you start planning your maternity OOTD with some trusty maternity leggings.
Plus Amazon's return policy is on point.
Pro tip: If you're still into your jeans, use a wrist hair tie to hold them together until you can't. Or, cut out the front pockets so you can keep wearing them!
BRAS
If your breasts are getting really huge and sore, try these wireless t-shirt bras from Victoria Secret. Getting new bras is a must. These were my go-to bras back in the day as I went up a size during pregnancy. I suggest going up a band size or one cup size too.
If you're trying okay with your set of bras at home, I recommend buying bra extenders instead.
FOOTWEAR
Turn your tennis shoes into slip-ons! Trust me, wearing your workout shoes while your belly's growing is such a lifesaver. The cushioned support helps relieve your heels and ankles whenever you're on the go.
Another plus factor is you don't have to bend over to tie your shoelaces!
Pregnancy Hacks For Second Trimester
The second trimester is truly magical for most moms. You are no longer deathly ill, you have energy, and you're pleasantly round but not cumbersome. It's a win!
Hack # 7 Buy a Belly Band
A belly band can extend your wardrobe for weeks. Well, sometimes less but for most women weeks. It is truly magical and also comforting. It allows you to leave your pants unzipped while wearing them for longer.
A belly band bridges the gap between zippered pants and elastic waistbands.
If you're into DIY, you can turn your tank top into a no-sew belly band!
Hack # 8 A Body Pillow
A full body pregnancy pillow is probably one thing you will truly regret not buying. As the baby grows, your belly grows, and your comfort diminishes. The weight of both the baby and the uterus make finding a comfortable position almost impossible.
The pregnancy pillow allows you to lay more comfortably and distributes the weight of your growing uterus.
Pregnancy Hacks for Third Trimester
Hack # 9 Take a Pregnancy Class
Girl, this is a life-changing event and I strongly suggest that you don't go into it lacking knowledge. It is too important. You will be faced with many decisions, in labor alone, as you raise this child. Take a class.
One of my primary passions is to teach women how to advocate for themselves during pregnancy and birth.
But once you get to me, in the labor room, it is not the best environment for learning.
I have two completely online courses that open enrollment a few times a year. Here are the waitlists for both classes, One is called Labor Nurse Mama Birth Class: Calm Labor, Confident Birth and the other is The VBAC Lab: How to have a Redemptive & Empowered Birth.
Be sure to follow my educational Instagram account called Labor Nurse Mama!
Pregnancy Hack # 10 Go to the Dentist
I know, I know this one is unexpected but again, I say trust the nurse. Go get those chompers checked out. Pregnancy can wreak havoc on teeth, especially if you vomited a lot in the first trimester. Do yourself a favor and nip that problem in the bud now.
Read this for more information on dental disease during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Hack # 11 Take a Babymoon
Go away and relax. Things are about to get real up in her. Take some time and do something you enjoy. Spend a week at the beach, or a weekend away in a city, whichever you can, do it!!!
Self-care is the new black and I am so on board with this. AS an older mom, I can tell you this has not always been the case. When my older kids were little, it was about them and not you. You sacrificed for your kids. Which is still true but thank God someone somewhere coined the term, Self-care for moms.
I hope these tips helped you and help you to get things in gear. The list is not all-inclusive, it's just a small list of important pregnancy hacks.
