First Trimester Pregnancy Must-Haves
![first trimester must-haves](jpg/first-trimester-must-haves-march-2022-722x406.jpg)
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You just got that big fat positive and you’re going to be a parent. Congratulations!
The first trimester of pregnancy is an exciting — albeit often uncomfortable — time. Your breasts may be tender, you might feel more tired than usual and you may experience some morning sickness. While it’s all considered typical of pregnancy, it’s not always fun.
With that, it’s only natural to search for things to help your body better adjust to growing a baby. Luckily, there are tools out there that can help.
Of course, it’s easier said than done knowing exactly which products might help you feel better — they don’t teach this kind of thing in school, and you don’t automatically know how to deal with all the changes that can come in the first trimester. Here’s what you need to know.
What kinds of products do you need during the first trimester?
The first trimester has a reputation for being a little rough, and with good reason — your body is going through a lot of changes, says Christine Greves, M.D., an OB/GYN at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies in Orlando, Florida. “Some women may feel tired, a little nauseous and even have vomiting,” she says. “But it all depends.”
Food aversions can lead to changes in your diet, which may make you feel a little off, too, she says. And, of course, you’re growing a new life inside you — that takes a lot of energy.
When it comes to the first trimester, there are a few essential items that many moms-to-be find especially helpful during those first weeks. These products help alleviate nausea caused by morning sickness, ensure that you and baby are getting all the vitamins and nutrients you need and keep your changing body as comfortable and content as possible. Just keep this advice in mind, per Dr. Greves: “Do what feels right for you. You’re in survival mode at this time.”
How we chose the best first trimester pregnancy must-haves
We started by scouting out the most popular first trimester products on the market, including What to Expect readers’ favorites and what doctors have seen their pregnant patients find success with. Then, we narrowed down our picks to the top-reviewed and best-rated items to select products that are designed to help you get through this period of pregnancy with relative ease.
Check out our first trimester shopping checklist below for all the must-haves you'll want on hand those first few months.
Why Trust Us?
What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.
Prenatal Vitamins
One a Day Women’s Prenatal Multivitamins
![First Trimester Pregnancy Must-Haves - One a Day Women’s Prenatal Multivitamins, 30 Count](http://images.agoramedia.com/wte3.0/gcms/One-A-Day-Prenatal-1-Multivitamins.jpg)
- Good nutritional support
- free of artificial sweeteners
- contains lots of nutrients
- Large pills can be hard for some to swallow
Folic acid is particularly important in the early days of pregnancy, before many people even know they conceived. If you haven’t already been taking a prenatal, the time to start is now, Dr. Greves says. This multivitamin is packed with folic acid, plus iron, DHA and other good-for-you-and-baby vitamins and nutrients. (DHA, in case you’re not familiar with it, is thought to be good for baby’s brain and eye development.) Plus, the brand says that these vitamins are put through 100-plus quality checks, so you can feel comfortable knowing that they contain exactly what the bottle says.
Morning Sickness Soother
Tummydrops Ginger
![First Trimester Pregnancy Must-Haves - Tummydrops Ginger](http://images.agoramedia.com/wte3.0/gcms/natural-ginger-tummydrops-resealable.jpg)
- Can help soothe a queasy stomach
- lozenges last awhile
- formulated by a gastroenterologist
- The ginger can be too spicy for some
For many moms-to-be, morning sickness is one of the first signs that they’ve got a bun in the oven. If nausea is getting you down, eating a ginger candy might help calm your tummy. Ginger may or may not help — it depends on the person, Dr. Greves says, noting that “there’s no harm in trying.” She also notes that ginger “helps with nausea in quite a bit of my patients.” Lots of expectant parents turn to these extra-spicy lozenges, which are organic and non-GMO. If you don’t enjoy the taste of ginger, the brand also offers a peppermint variety.
A Waistband Extender
Maeband Maternity Belly Band
![First Trimester Pregnancy Must-Haves - Maeband Maternity Belly Band](http://images.agoramedia.com/wte3.0/gcms/maeband-maternity-belly-band.jpg)
- Allows you to get more life out of your pants
- three extender sizes and colors available
- adjustable velcro close
- Some say it wasn’t worth the price
- will show through tighter shirts
If you’re not quite ready to splurge on maternity jeans, using a waistline extender can help you to stretch your regular pants until you’re a little further along in your pregnancy. This extender comes recommended by some What to Expect community parents and is offered in several sizes to grow with your expanding belly. Paired with a tunic or longer shirt, no one but you will be the wiser.
Nausea Relief Band
SeaBand Mama Morning Sickness Relief Acupressure Wrist Bands
![First Trimester Pregnancy Must-Haves - Acupressure Sea Band Anti Nausea Wrist Band](http://images.agoramedia.com/wte3.0/gcms/Sea-Band-Mama-Anti-Nausea-Accupressure-Wrist-Band-600x600.jpg)
- Non-medicinal way to get relief
- less than $10
- easy to use
- Doesn’t work for everyone
Not a fan of ginger candy? Many parents-to-be swear by acupressure wrist bands as a natural and effective way to relieve morning sickness. These SeaBand acupressure bracelets — which are praised by lots of parents in the What to Expect community — might help soothe your tummy, and they’re washable, too. “The bands hit a pressure point that may help with nausea,” Dr. Greves says. “It’s worth a try and can’t hurt.” Dr. Greves also notes she’s had several patients who have seen relief with these bands.
A Gentle Toothbrush
Brilliant Expectant Mom Toothbrush
![First Trimester Pregnancy Must-Haves - Brilliant Sensitive Toothbrush](http://images.agoramedia.com/wte3.0/gcms/brilliant-sensitive-toothbrush-expectant.jpg)
- Gentle on gums
- easy to use
- bristles all the way around
- More expensive than regular toothbrushes
Thanks to those wonderful pregnancy hormones, many people experience sore and bleeding gums during pregnancy. Help keep gingivitis at bay — and those pearlies looking white — by using a soft-bristled toothbrush twice daily. Brilliant’s Expectant Mom Toothbrush has 360 degrees of extra-fine bristles to help you get to those hard-to-reach spots, made with a soft material that won’t irritate your gums. (Don’t forget to make a visit to your dentist every six months, too!)
A Pregnancy Journal
What to Expect Pregnancy Journal & Organizer
![First Trimester Pregnancy Must-Haves - What to Expect Pregnancy Journal](http://images.agoramedia.com/wte3.0/gcms/The-What-to-Expect-Pregnancy-Journal-Organizer-600x600.jpg)
- Easy way to organize your thoughts
- special sections for everything pregnancy-related
- People who aren’t into journaling may find it tedious
Your pregnancy is such an exciting life event, and you’ll want to remember it forever. A specially designed pregnancy journal can help you document all those special memories right from the moment you get a positive test. This journal from What to Expect creator Heidi Murkoff gives you special spots to write down everything, like visits to your healthcare provider, shopping lists, birthing plans, potential baby names and gifts you’ve received for baby.
The Ultimate Resource
What to Expect When You're Expecting
![First Trimester Pregnancy Must-Haves - What to Expect When You're Expecting](http://images.agoramedia.com/wte3.0/gcms/what-to-expect-when-youre-expecting-600x600.jpg)
- Answers all your pressing pregnancy questions
- an easy resource you can trust
- May take a while to read if you want to read cover to cover
This book (you may have heard of it!) is often referred to as the “pregnancy bible” as it contains everything you need to know about the growth of your little bundle. Filled with facts, helpful tips and reassurance as to what’s happening with your body and baby through all trimesters of pregnancy, it’s a must-have for helping quell parent-to-be anxiety.
A Helpful Hydration Tool
Yeti Rambler
![First Trimester Pregnancy Must-Haves - Yeti Rambler](http://images.agoramedia.com/wte3.0/gcms/yeti-rabler-18oz-bottle.jpg)
- Keeps water cold for hours
- easily fits in your bag
- dishwasher safe
- leakproof
- easy to carry
- May feel a little heavy compared to other water bottles
Hydration is crucial during your pregnancy. “Your blood volume is expanding so you need the liquid for that,” Greves says. And, she points out, if you’re struggling with morning sickness, you need to replace fluids you’re losing. “Hydration can just help you feel better overall,” she adds. Make sure you always have cold H2O ready to go with this Yeti Rambler. It has a double-walled vacuum to keep your drinks cold (or hot) for hours and holds up to 18 ounces at a time (a great size for day-to-day use). A wide bottle mouth makes it easier to drink lots of liquids at once, while sturdy construction means it can stand up to accidental drops. And, of course, you can use this well beyond pregnancy.
Nutrient-Packed Snacks
Kind Breakfast Protein Bars
![First Trimester Pregnancy Must-Haves - KIND Breakfast Protein Bars](http://images.agoramedia.com/wte3.0/gcms/KIND-Breakfast-Protein-Bars-600x600.jpg)
- Easy to take on the go
- mild flavor hopefully won’t aggravate nausea
- Not everyone likes the taste
It might be hard to stomach breakfast during the first trimester, which makes having a stash of protein- and fiber-packed bars a real lifesaver. Small enough to tuck into your purse but dense enough to keep you feeling full until lunchtime, these bars come in several flavors (with no artificial sweeteners) and are sure to satisfy those pregnancy cravings for something sweet without being overpowering. “Stay away from super sweet things — those tend to make women feel not so great,” Dr. Greves says. Each bar contains eight grams of protein to help sustain you as you go about your day.
Good for Replacing Electrolytes
Gatorade
![First Trimester Pregnancy Must-Haves - Gatorade](http://images.agoramedia.com/wte3.0/gcms/gatorade-classic-variety-pack-24.jpg)
- Quick electrolyte fix
- easy to sip
- lots of flavors
- Contains lots of sugar
- some people don’t like the taste
Gatorade has been a favorite sports drink for years, and it can help when you’re struggling with morning sickness, too. “Gatorade beverages can definitely help with replenishing electrolytes, especially if you’ve been vomiting,” Dr. Greves says. This 24-pack gives you plenty of flavors to choose from — lemon lime, orange, berry and fruit punch — so you can go with whatever your taste buds prefer on any given day. Note that it contains lots of sugar, though, so it may be a good idea to check in with your OB/GYN before chugging a bunch of this sports drink.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Morning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy, December 2021
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Oral Health Care During Pregnancy and Through the Lifespan, August 2013
- Christine Greves, M.D., OB/GYN, Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, Orlando, Florida.
- National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, The Relationship of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) with Learning and Behavior in Healthy Children: A Review, July 2013.