Every single pregnancy will be different and unique to that person. Even when you have multiple pregnancies, each one can differ, I’ve spoken to some people who had terrible morning sickness with one pregnancy and none with another, so it really can vary.
Although I’ve written about my first trimester here, I wanted to talk to more women about their pregnancy experiences, because it is such an unique experience.
I think it’s so interesting hearing different perspectives and how two pregnancies can really differ! All of these women are either currently pregnant (some are still in their first trimester whilst some are in their second and third) and a couple have newborn babies.
Trigger warning – miscarriage/s are mentioned in this post.
So, let’s begin :
Heidi
What were your main symptoms?
Constantly nauseous, not actually sick very much but nauseous 24/7.I also had a horrible taste in my mouth, especially after eating. Not really metallic just awful. I also was just so worried and upset most of the time.
Is this your first pregnancy or how has this compared to previous pregnancies?
First pregnancy.
What would you say were/have been your top 3 first trimester essentials?
Biscuits! Eating something small but often helped. Gaviscon, I had such bad acid as a result of the sick feeling and mouthwash to help with the terrible taste.
Shauna
What were your main symptoms?
Nausea, Sickness, exhaustion.
Is this your first pregnancy or how has this compared to previous pregnancies?
It’s my second pregnancy. My little boy is 13 months so it wasn’t that long before I got pregnant this time around, and the pregnancies have been completely different! My first pregnancy I had sore boobs for the entire first trimester , minimal sickness , no nausea , but I had a very big bleed at 13 weeks. My anxiety was also 10x worse with my first pregnancy.
I’m currently pregnant with a little girl so the old wives tale about pregnancies being different if you’re having the opposite sex is definitely true for me 👌🏻
What would you say were/have been your top 3 first trimester essentials?
My essentials this time we’re lucozade 😂👌🏻, rennie! Otherwise I’ve not really used anything product wise. The Pregnancy+ app has been fab though! So much information day by day on there.
Mum To Be #3
What were your main symptoms?
Currently feel like I’ve been punched in the boobs haha. I’ve also not had much appetite or been sleeping too well but that could be heat related!
Is this your first pregnancy or how has this compared to previous pregnancies?
This is my second pregnancy, I had a missed miscarriage last year at 7 weeks approx. I do remember feeling really tired last time so that maybe to come – not yawny tired but physically exhausted.
What would you say were/have been your top 3 first trimester essentials?
I only found out last week so it’s very early days but I can keep you posted.
Mum To Be #4
What were your main symptoms?
Extreme nausea, feeling bloated and sore breasts!
Is this your first pregnancy or how has this compared to previous pregnancies?
This is my first pregnancy
What would you say were/have been your top 3 first trimester essentials?
Nausea relief spray, sleep spray and loose clothing
Anna
What were your main symptoms?
I was really lucky that I didn’t really have any of the nausea symptoms some people get! (Sorry other mums to be 😂) I had no sickness, I was mainly super hungry and thirsty (more so than usual) a few people commented that I must be having a boy because being super hungry is a ‘sign’ but they were totally wrong I’m having a girl 😂
My main symptom was that my boobs were really sore from about week 4-week 9 and also very itchy! I googled this because I didn’t know if this was normal but apparently it is 🤷🏻♀️ the itchiness was definitely the most uncomfortable part of the first trimester. The only time I felt a little nauseous was when I hadn’t eaten so I started eating smaller meals throughout the day and that worked a treat!
I was also quite tired in the afternoons but luckily I was in a position where I could take a little nap which definitely helped!
Is this your first pregnancy or how has this compared to previous pregnancies?
This is my first baby 👶🏼 however I have 2 friends who are also pregnant, one has been very similar to me with little sickness and not many symptoms but my other friend has had horrible sickness!
What would you say were/have been your top 3 first trimester essentials?
1. A decent size water bottle- I ended up buying a 2.5l water bottle because I was so thirsty all the time and I was too lazy to keep getting up to refill my glass! It made a huge difference and I could make sure I was drinking enough, especially when the heat waves hit!
2. A really good, comfy set of bras- especially for sleeping in. My boobs were pretty sore during the night, I ended up getting some sleep/nursing bras from asos which I love.
3. A pregnancy journal- my friend got me a beautiful journal from Etsy, I hadn’t really thought about having one, I’m not super sentimental or anything but it’s honestly been so lovely documenting everything! I had to back fill a bit as I only got it at around 10 weeks but I absolutely love it!
Lauren
What were your main symptoms?
Nausea/extreme sickness and tiredness. and headaches!
Is this your first pregnancy or how has this compared to previous pregnancies?
It’s my first pregnancy
What would you say were/have been your top 3 first trimester essentials?
A sippy bottle with a straw for sipping water (gulping too much made me sick!), plain food such as digestives/dry crackers and Kool n Soothe Migraine Patches – they cool your forehead (no medication in them) and really relieved my headaches! I normally only ever take ibuprofen so paracetamol didn’t cut it.
Lottie
What were your main symptoms?
Tiredness for sure (2 naps a day!). Also I usually am ice queen (didn’t cry at my own wedding) but now even adverts make me cry. Any Disney film sets me off, sobbed for hours at lady and the tramp. which is very out of character!
Is this your first pregnancy or how has this compared to previous pregnancies?
First!
What would you say were/have been your top 3 first trimester essentials?
Cucumber stopped me from feeling sick – and a bowl of cereal before bed to stop those midnight hunger pangs (I don’t know if they are quite essentials!). A water bottle and reminder app to keep hydration in check. Pregnacare vitamins. Oh, and a very patient husband.
Charli
What were your main symptoms?
My main symptom has been the sickness in the first 16 weeks, it was so bad I actually lost over a stone and a half in weight. I spent days in bed and struggled to keep anything down.
Lockdown and working from home has been a blessing in this sense as I haven’t had to take time off work.
The first symptom was just feeling different and we found out I was pregnant at just three weeks.
Is this your first pregnancy or how has this compared to previous pregnancies?
This is actually my second pregnancy, my first pregnancy ended in a silent miscarriage at 10weeks. Both pregnancies up to that point were very different. My first pregnancy I was sick a few mornings and was quite tired, but generally I felt ok.
However this pregnancy the sickness has been a lot more intense, very fatigued and I had to have an emergency scan at 7 weeks due to pain on one side of my stomach. The worry was that this was an ectopic pregnancy, however they discovered I have a cyst on my right ovary.
What would you say were/have been your top 3 first trimester essentials?
Vicks vapour rub – I put this under my nose and it helps with the nausea, but I’ve always found the smell of vicks comforting.
Sparkling water – this is all I could stomach drinks wise, still water just would not stay down.
A cooling eye mask – this revived me after being sick and kept headaches at bay when I didn’t want to take paracetamol.
*Charli has very kindly offered to link to her personal Instagram for anyone else who may be struggling with pregnancy loss and would like to talk to someone else who has gone through it ❤️
Georgi
What were your main symptoms?
Main symptoms; lots of nausea and afternoon sickness (usually between 2-8pm!) Mild headaches and obviously a lot of tiredness
Is this your first pregnancy or how has this compared to previous pregnancies?
This is my first pregnancy ☺️
What would you say were/have been your top 3 first trimester essentials?
• Ginger tea, massively helped with sickness and just feeling less *bleurgh*
• Caudalie grape water – sounds boujee but really helped after an afternoon of sickness to spritz my face and feel a little more refreshed. Also been a life saver with all the hot weather!
- Rich tea biscuits – always carried these around with me so if a wave of nausea or hunger hit, these were an easy go to and not harsh on your stomach
Kirsty
What were your main symptoms?
My main symptoms were the sickness!! (Ewwwy) the constant tiredness and lack of energy!! I had something called hyperemesis when I was pregnant (it’s quite unknown by a lot of people) which is a pregnancy illness which causes really severe sickness. Nothing like the usual morning sickness. I was sick for the full 9 months.
Is this your first pregnancy or how has this compared to previous pregnancies?
My first pregnancy and now a proud mummy to my 11 month old baby girl.
What would you say were/have been your top 3 first trimester essentials?
Vanilla ice cream ( I craved that so much) A FAN 😂 and water!! Definitely water! When I couldn’t eat due to sickness, water was the only drink I could keep down ❤️
Mum To Be #11
What were your main symptoms?
My main symptoms was definitely nausea especially weeks 7 to 12, tiredness and more emotional. I started to notice I had gone off all my favourite foods and no longer wanted salads but just wanted carbs! I started needing naps or just felt more tired and just day to day tasks became harder.
I felt more emotional, little things would upset me and I was also anxious about the pregnancy in case anything went wrong!
Is this your first pregnancy or how has this compared to previous pregnancies?
First pregnancy
What would you say were/have been your top 3 first trimester essentials?
Something to snack on (crackers, plain biscuits or crisps) but having that to hand
Eating every couple of hours, it’s helped with energy and feeling less sick and lastly talking to people, you are entitled to feel happy then down then tired but just having someone you can talk to when days are harder.
Katy
Constant nausea – I wasn’t actually sick once but I would feel sick from the moment I woke up to the moment I went to bed. I couldn’t eat anything and would force either plain white bread or plain pasta down me just so I’d eaten. I was horrifically tired, and basically just looked like I had one long ongoing hangover 😂
2. Water – I’ve never drank so much water as I have in pregnancy, and it was the only thing that kept me going especially not eating.
3. Calming bath salts or some pillow spray – I was super anxious throughout the first trimester especially until you’ve got that 12 week scan, so would do anything to try and feel calm and not stress myself out anymore than needed
Rachel
What were your main symptoms?
My first trimester has been pretty plain sailing to be honest, I had some bad nausea before I got my positive and the odd bit of nausea here and there but nothing too bad!
Is this your first pregnancy or how has this compared to previous pregnancies?
It’s my second pregnancy and I’d say it’s been even easier than my first (which was also pretty easy compared to some women’s symptoms). Last time I suffered badly from exhaustion and I would nap ALL the time but I am currently on furlough this time round so have been home with my little one and although she is hard work I guess I’ve not had to be travelling and mentally it’s been easier on me because I work in IT so I’d have to be troubleshooting a lot.
What would you say were/have been your top 3 first trimester essentials?
Top 3 essentials I’d say always have some kind of ginger item in your cupboard, tea, biscuits etc you’ll want a remedy for if/when that nausea hits! Which leads me onto snacks in general, hunger hit me quick and hard so eating little and often helps a lot. And Netflix! Sit and relax whilst you can if it’s your first pregnancy your body’s going through a lot of changes so rest up! That advise applies to the whole pregnancy 😂 even more at the end haha
Meryl
What were your main symptoms?
Pregnancy sickness-nausea and dry heaving. Felt hot. Burping! This was from day 1 until week 12. Food aversions and craved prawn cocktail crisps.
Is this your first pregnancy or how has this compared to previous pregnancies?
With my first only a few weeks of nausea but extremely tired. Very strong sense of smell and craved milk.
Second was migraines, pregnancy sickness; vomiting, nausea but only lasted a few weeks. Food aversions and a craving for pickled onion crisps and Branston.
What would you say were/have been your top 3 first trimester essentials?
1. Mints- the hard boiled ones, to help with nausea.
2. A non wired bra.
3. Sleep.
Hannah
What were your main symptoms?
Main Symptom was the tiredness I would just need to come home and go straight to bed. I was still getting up in the morning to go to the gym though so mornings were fine for me but evenings was literally tea and bed! Luckily my sickness came in waves and wasn’t too bad!
But I was having the same thing for dinner every night which was mass cooked stew as I couldn’t have cooked a meal so was so handy to just have to microwave what I wanted and get into bed 🙈
Is this your first pregnancy or how has this compared to previous pregnancies?
This is my first and in all honesty it’s been a dream 🙌🏻 I’m currently 36+4 and even in this heat no swelling or anything I have just gone back to feeling a little tired
What would you say were/have been your top 3 first trimester essentials?
Water and biscuits on me at all times to help with sickness even if it’s just for peace of mind knowing you have them if you need them.
Peanut.. it’s a support app for mums to be and new mums. You may have seen celebs like Lucy Meck and Lydia bright promote it. But it’s so useful to have a place you can ask the questions you have, seek advice and support from others who have been in the same situation.
And find local mums in your area to make new friends. You can post anonymously as well so if your a bit shy to ask something no one knows it’s you. It’s really handy especially in these times where everything is so up in the air to ask the questions and see what other hospitals or even your local hospital (as they do support groups for different areas too) are currently doing. Highly recommended it!
Claire
What were your main symptoms?
I was quite uncomfortable in the first trimester. I found out quite early at like 4 weeks. Lockdown started soon after I found out. I didn’t really have any sickness but horrendous nausea, was so tired, headaches, and mood swings. I got very hot as well and quite uncomfortable. I got some cramping and bleeding which I hated and was hard with doctors and midwives as lockdown was on and couldn’t see anyone and appointments were cancelled. Found that really hard.
Is this your first pregnancy or how has this compared to previous pregnancies?
This is my first pregnancy. I have endometriosis which I have had a few operations for and I wasn’t sure if I could get pregnant or not so we were over the moon when we found out.
What would you say were/have been your top 3 first trimester essentials?
Ice lollies to help with the nausea – found these really helped. A fan – there’s been a few heat waves whilst I’ve been pregnant and a fan really helps and can use all the way through. A pregnancy pillow – even though not much bump I found it really comfy in bed. Pregnancy vitamins with folic acid – I have taken these every day and helped with my levels etc. Pregnancy apps – I found these really useful for all the information, and could see how baby was growing and all the information. Made me excited how Much baby changed each week. My favourite were Pregnancy + and Emma’s Diary. Sorry I gave you my top 5.
I found out in March I was pregnant and was definitely hard with the lockdown and didn’t feel much support from my GPs or midwives. I know it was a struggle for the whole country as a pandemic on but even on the phone it was hard.
Mum To Be #17
What were your main symptoms?
Symptoms wise, from week 6-8 I had such bad nausea, only a few times I’ve been sick though. I felt completely wiped out. Nobody really tells you how exhausted you feel. Currently week 10 and feel loads better but the nausea is still there but not as bad and I’ve got the horrible metallic taste in my mouth. Also can we talk about discharge here, no one ever tells you about that and apparently it just gets worse as the pregnancy goes on 🤣
Is this your first pregnancy or how has this compared to previous pregnancies?
So this is my first pregnancy, I came off the implant in February and 6 months later I got a positive. I still feel so nervous that the m word may happen.
What would you say were/have been your top 3 first trimester essentials?
Top 3 essentials I would say are appletiser (I’m addicted, it’s just so refreshing and gets rid of the taste. Anything frozen so like frozen grapes and ice lollies. And I would say those cold head strips you can use for headaches. I don’t always use them for that but great to try ….
And have a nap with and feeling a bit more refreshed, especially after hugging the toilet for hours on end. Ohh another one is little packs of haribo, so handy to have in my pocket at work and to keep sugars up and try and get through the nausea and bad taste.
Tami
What were your main symptoms?
This is my second pregnancy and it’s completely different this time round! I don’t know how true it is to say it varies whether it’s a girl or a boy but my cravings have been for more sweet things this time round and I’m a LOT more hormonal.
Alice
What were your main symptoms?
Main symptoms were sore boobs and tiredness. No nausea, very lucky!
Is this your first pregnancy or how has this compared to previous pregnancies?
This is my first pregnancy.
What would you say were/have been your top 3 first trimester essentials?
Top three are: comfy soft bras, pregnancy affirmations to keep me calm and positive when I felt anxious as hell, and an eye mask so I could nap wherever and whenever. Often involuntarily!
Mum To Be #20
What were your main symptoms?
Hangover like symptoms – light headed, tired and nauseous, often sneezing fits would occur when I’m hungry too 😂
Is this your first pregnancy or how has this compared to previous pregnancies?
Yes my first pregnancy- according to boyfriend not the last 😂
What would you say were/have been your top 3 first trimester essentials?
1. Cold water 2. beige food- arrowroot biscuits were my fave and 3. my boyfriend to cook for me when I was too nauseous. Sadly not much else worked for me.
Rachel
What were your main symptoms?
Period like cramps! Thought i was going to come on so didn’t even take a test for a while! And sickness! Sooo sick until week 15 🙈
Is this your first pregnancy or how has this compared to previous pregnancies?
Second pregnancy, both times felt like i was going to have a period?! But just much more sick this time round from around 8 weeks to 15, Otherwise pretty similar!
What would you say were/have been your top 3 first trimester essentials?
Pre natal vitamins (especially because i wasn’t eating much and was vomiting so much 😂🤦🏼♀️)
Can i count napping as an essential?! 😂 (yes!)
Nikki
What were your main symptoms?
Main symptoms include, nausea (no actual sickness) , extreme tiredness and constipation (a daily glass of 100% prune juice will be your friend for life if you suffer with this).
Is this your first pregnancy or how has this compared to previous pregnancies?
This is my first pregnancy
What would you say were/have been your top 3 first trimester essentials?
A) Jolly Rancher sour boiled sweets – it was the only thing that got rid of my nausea.
B) prenatal vitamins are a must – I use seven seas
C) a good pregnancy app – I like bounty or Baby centre. They give you common symptoms which is reassuring, show you the size of the baby and he/she is developing. Bounty also offer discounts on items such as stretch mark oil/creams, accessories etc. These are great if it’s your first pregnancy and you have no idea what is going on. Lol!
Tasha
What were your main symptoms?
My main symptoms have been sickness from week 5 until week 11. This was pretty much constant all day. Completely went off food but had to force myself to eat dry things like biscuits, crackers, pasta etc. After this point nausea and early morning sickness. So much saliva in my mouth. Was the weirdest thing!! Tender and sore breasts for weeks but thankfully this has gone now. On the plus side I actually have boobs now 😅
Is this your first pregnancy or how has this compared to previous pregnancies?
This is my first pregnancy and if I am honest the first trimester was a real struggle.
What would you say were/have been your top 3 first trimester essentials?
Top 3 trimester essentials have to have been ice lollies they were a saviour for my sickness. Comfy trousers as by the time I got to dinner time (when I could finally eat again) I looked like I was 6 months pregnant. Boiled sweets as they helped to ease nausea for a small period anyway
Alliyah
What were your main symptoms?
My main symptoms were nausea, fatigue and cramping. Luckily, I was never physically sick but I honestly would get home from work and straight into bed! I was slightly worried about the cramping and I am generally a very anxious person so I went for a scan at 6 weeks but all was well 💕
Is this your first pregnancy or how has this compared to previous pregnancies?
This is my second pregnancy, my first I wasn’t physically sick either and I think I didn’t have the cramping but I remember being tired and hungry all the time 😂
What would you say were/have been your top 3 first trimester essentials?
Top 3 first trimester essentials would be my pregnancy pillow, because even though my bump wasn’t obvious I couldn’t sleep and it really helped me be comfortable, smoothies so that I could get my fruit and some veg in, otherwise I can forget to have any and my pregnancy apps!
Lauren
What were your main symptoms?
Main symptoms: were morning sickness (all day sickness), tiredness, mood swings 🙈, couldn’t drink tea anymore which was mad as I loved tea before!
Is this your first pregnancy or how has this compared to previous pregnancies?
This is my first pregnancy, but definitely speaking to family members in the first trimester once they knew so I could get advice about symptoms etc to help me stop worrying.
What would you say were/have been your top 3 first trimester essentials?
– Travel sickness bands, I wore these all the time as my nausea was so bad, they honestly helped so much and took away the feeling for most of the day.
– Mint imperials, they were the only thing I could stomach and the mint taste helped again with the nausea.
– Hot water and lemon, I used to have this in place of tea which helped hide the pregnancy easier at work as I was still having hot drinks and also it helped with nausea waves.
Mum To Be #26
What were your main symptoms?
Nausea – I felt constantly sick. The closest things to compare it to is either a constant hangover or sea sickness where you feel you could be sick at any moment! Luckily I wasn’t sick but I was pretty much debilitated by the nausea. It was a real struggle taking my prenatal vitamins every day. I would constantly snack on plain salty snack like tuc crackers, mini cheddars to curb the sick feeling and only wanted plain food in general. I completely went off sweet things, which is very unusual for me as a chocoholic!
Tiredness – along with the nausea I was constantly exhausted. I’d sleep 9 or 10 hours a night, so have no energy whatsoever and also had daily naps.
Sore boobs and boob growth – this was only quite early to be honest and was a sign that I was pregnant! During the first few weeks my boobs were so sore to the touch.
Is this your first pregnancy or how has this compared to previous pregnancies?
This is my first pregnancy, we’ve been so lucky to conceive naturally. I was naive to how hard the first trimester could be!
What would you say were/have been your top 3 first trimester essentials?
This is a hard one!!!
1. A comfy bra – I lived in sports bra that weren’t too restrictive but held me in place!
2. TUC crackers – I would not have survived without these, I carried them everywhere!
3. Icy water – so boring but I was so thirsty all the time!!! I really craved icy cold water, so had the freezer stocked with ice 🤣 think it helped the nausea too
Lauren
What were your main symptoms?
I was lucky in that I didn’t have sickness however I had constant nausea all day. I couldn’t eat between weeks 6-10 ( apart from crisps and sour sweets). I suffer from migraines so they got worse and I was unbelievably tired! Luckily I was working from home so that was quite good as I could rest!
Is this your first pregnancy or how has this compared to previous pregnancies?
My first pregnancy
What would you say were/have been your top 3 first trimester essentials?
My essentials – if you can’t eat find something that you do like that makes you feel less nauseous and it will change your life haha, mine was sour sweets and they were life savers. Naps – I had a nap everyday from 4-6 as I that was when I felt worse. Support from family and work – we told our families at 6 weeks as I was feeling awful and I had to tell work as I work in a school and needed to shield, but it was great to have their support.
Mum To Be #28
What were your main symptoms?
1- Nausea……. all day every day!! Fortunately haven’t had any sickness and not too much tiredness but nausea has been constant.
Is this your first pregnancy or how has this compared to previous pregnancies?
2- First pregnancy
What would you say were/have been your top 3 first trimester essentials?
3- Ginger biscuits, ice cold water and toast (sorry, all food and drink related!)
Sam
What were your main symptoms?
Main symptoms were lack of appetite, thirst and getting emotional every time my husband cooked dinner 😂
Is this your first pregnancy or how has this compared to previous pregnancies?
First pregnancy, going well so far 🤞
What would you say were/have been your top 3 first trimester essentials?
Number 1 essential was a bottle of water everywhere I went. Others were the Pregnacare gummies (for those not great at swallowing tablets) and elasticated clothes for the comfort!
Laura
What were your main symptoms?
My main symptoms were feeling offish, dizzy, and like I was coming down with the flu and some cramps initially.
Is this your first pregnancy or how has this compared to previous pregnancies?
it’s my second pregnancy, first one was 12 years ago 🙂 This time its been much harder, not sure if it’s because I’m having a boy this time or my age. I’ve struggled more this time, with aches and pains and definitely more symptoms.
What would you say were/have been your top 3 first trimester essentials?
Too first trimester essentials would have to be
* The mama mio leg/feet cooling gel, had such restless legs in the first trimester.
* Primark non wired bralettes, still using them now, they’re amazing and wear them at night helps with the soreness.
* lastly I’d say anything lavender, pillow spray, oil for the bath etc, just help me shut off and relax, had such a struggle sleeping in the first trimester with insomnia, and now it’s back in the third 🙁
Sophie
What were your main symptoms?
Morning sickness (not just in the morning) which was only helped by eating tiny amounts constantly so I never had an empty stomach. I took a banana to bed every night to eat when I woke up for a wee!
Headaches and shoulder tension from my changing posture really got me.
And fatigue. I was absolutely exhausted which turned out to be missed iron deficiency anaemia – but even once treated I would have to rest constantly. It completely changed my work output.
Is this your first pregnancy or how has this compared to previous pregnancies?
This was my first pregnancy! And I’m hoping my next will be smoother! The birth was easier than the pregnancy I’d say.
What would you say were/have been your top 3 first trimester essentials?
In all honesty, D-Mannose herbal supplements to prevent UTIs (so much more likely to get them in pregnancy!!). A heat pack to pop around my shoulders (great during labour too). The last one would be having constant snacking foods around – I carried Graze bars, Naked bars, Mini Cheddars and Bananas everywhere I went. I had them in my car, in with my maternity notes and in my bedside table! + a cosy blanket on the sofa!
Hayley
What were your main symptoms?
Main symptoms were:
• Exhaustion/fatigue (no-one prepares you for HOW tired you feel!)
• Nausea/sickness and bloating
• Heightened sense of smell
Is this your first pregnancy or how has this compared to previous pregnancies?
First time pregnancy
What would you say were/have been your top 3 first trimester essentials?
My top 1st trimester essentials would be:
• Snacks – anything dry and plain. Crackers/biscuits really helped on those sickie days. Rich teas were my saviour!
• A comfy bra – soft and unwired for sore bosoms
• Anti-sickness sea bands – really helped with the constant nausea
Steph
What were your main symptoms?
Luckily I didn’t get any of the ‘traditional’ symptoms, however at 5 weeks I was in chronic pain and ended up in A&E with what we later think was implantation pains (it was like no pain I’ve experienced before). Luckily baby is ok and it wasn’t anything serious. Other than that, it was extreme exhaustion. I’d be tired constantly, wanting to go to bed about 7pm (often doing so) and feeling so tired while I was working. It’s eased off a bit in 2nd tri, but still not fun!
Is this your first pregnancy or how has this compared to previous pregnancies?
Yep, first pregnancy
What would you say were/have been your top 3 first trimester essentials?
1.A decent water bottle (that you actually keep topped up!) I’m terrible at remembering to drink and having a water bottle with you all the time is essential.
2. Bio oil, although I didn’t start using until the end of my first tri, I wanted to reduce the visibility of any stretch marks I may get.
3. A fan. I bought a handheld fan (usb charged) from amazon for about £8 and it’s the best investment I’ve ever made. It goes with me on hot and ‘normal’ days…and it’s saved me while I’ve not been able to regulate my temperature very well. So worth the faff of having to take it everywhere!
Mum To Be #34
What were your main symptoms?
Food aversions! Nothing tasted good, I wasn’t craving anything. I was hungry but had zero appetite. Some days I had to force myself to eat so that I wouldn’t die lol!
Is this your first pregnancy or how has this compared to previous pregnancies?
First pregnancy
What would you say were/have been your top 3 first trimester essentials?
Maternity pants/leggings. I was already having a baby bump at 5 weeks so I wasn’t able to wear My jeans. I wish I had bought maternity clothes well in advance so I wouldn’t feel bad trying on other pants and then having to toss them in the ‘no’ pile.
2. Water bottle; you need to consume lots of water so I had a hydro flask with the straw for Easy consumption and the water stayed cold all day.
3) Knowledge of what not to consume, I was very strict with myself on my diet because miscarriages happens so often especially in first trimester so I had a list of things I’m not allowed to eat on my phone and checked it all the time!
So there we have it, I hope you’ve found this post interesting, I’ve loved reading all these different experiences of the first trimester! A big thank you to all these Mum’s to be for being so open and honest!
If you’ve ever been pregnant or are pregnant, how was your first trimester?
