The First Trimester Essentials I Actually Reached For
Here’s how I survived the early stages of pregnancy
The first trimester is such a strange stage of pregnancy. One minute you're staring at a positive test wondering if it's real, and the next you're exhausted, your boobs hurt, food suddenly tastes weird, and your body already doesn't quite feel like your own. Looking back on both of my pregnancies, there were a few things I genuinely loved having on hand during those early weeks. None of them magically fixed symptoms, but they made me feel more comfortable, a little more prepared, and honestly just helped me feel more like myself while adjusting to this huge change. If you're newly pregnant, these are the things I personally reached for most throughout my first trimester.
1. Bananas - My Nausea Savior
As soon as I woke up each day, it was like a race to the bathroom, where I'd brush my teeth and then immediately reach for something to eat. My go-to? A quarter of a banana. I'm telling you, this little fruit was a total lifesaver. The nausea really only hit when I was hungry, so I made sure to eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. Bananas, crackers, and fruit quickly became my best friends.
2. Hydrama by Mini+Me -A Little Extra Support
Staying hydrated felt much more important than I expected during those early weeks, especially when I was exhausted. I started drinking Hydrama by Mini + Me because it contains Vitamin B6, folate and electrolytes, and I genuinely noticed I felt better on the days I remembered to have it. It became a nice little ritual and something I looked forward to when plain water wasn't very appealing.
https://krumbledfoods.com/collections/hydramama
3. Pregnancy Care Kit + Nipple Butter - Surrendering to the Journey
One symptom I completely wasn't expecting? Itchy nipples. Nobody talks about that one. I wasn't really prepared for it, but I was prepared for a little self-care. I bought myself a pregnancy care kit and a nipple butter, and honestly it felt nice having something just for me during a time when my body was changing so quickly.
I almost finished an entire tube of nipple butter during my first pregnancy. It kept everything moisturized, soothed the itchiness and became one of those little products I repurchased without even thinking about it.
4. Sleepy Belly Pregnancy Pillow – One Purchase I Never Regretted
I know a pregnancy pillow isn't usually something people think about buying in the first trimester, but I'm actually glad I got mine early. While I wasn't using it every night straight away, by the end of those first few months I was already starting to notice sleeping becoming less comfortable. Having it ready to go meant I didn't have to wait until I was desperate for better sleep. Looking back, it was one of those purchases I never regretted making. It supported my growing belly, eased pressure on my lower back, and ended up being something I used throughout both pregnancies.
Comfy, Loose-Fitting Clothes - Comfort is Key
As my body started changing, I wanted to make sure I wasn’t fighting my clothes. I invested in a few pairs of sleeping shorts(in a size up) and basic crop tops that were looser and more forgiving. Honestly, I’ve been living in them.
My advice? Do yourself a favor and buy clothes that are comfy and loose from the start. Your body is going through so many changes, and the last thing you want is to feel cramped, uncomfortable or feel sad about sizing up. It’s easier on you getting a few pieces earlier on, so they are waiting for you. It helped me so much to embrace my changing body.
Looking back now, these probably seem like small things, but they genuinely made a difference during those early months. Pregnancy doesn't always feel magical, and sometimes having a favourite snack, a supportive pillow or clothes that actually fit can make all the difference.
Every pregnancy is different, but these were the things I kept reaching for and would happily recommend to another mum entering her first trimester.
Shop My First Trimester Favourites
From my favourite pregnancy pillow to little comforts that made a difference, you can find everything I mentioned in this post here.
