UPDATED: First Trimester Troubles & Triumphs (+Product Guide)
- Ashley Marie
- Aug 18
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 20
"Pregnancy is the happiest reason for ever feeling like crap."
Isn't that the truth? At least it was for me for both pregnancies now. Each 1st trimester was very different, but still rough. All worth it though. I have dreamt about this moment for years. It's all a part of the process. The fight, the symptoms, the unexpected, I embraced it all and savor this magical and rewarding experience.
During my first pregnancy, I think most of the 1st trimester, I was running on adrenaline, which helped push through the discomfort. I focused on one day at a time, one appointment at a time, one milestone at a time.
After a four year infertility journey, it was hard for my husband and I to fully comprehend that pregnancy was actually happening for us. We were blessed to have a healthy baby boy in March 2021. We then went on to have another little miracle through IVF, a baby girl in February 2023.
Now we are 14 weeks pregnant with our third baby, due in February 2026. One thing I've learned is how very different each pregnancy can be. Let's get into it so you know you're not alone and that you can take steps to overcome the challenges that accompany bringing a baby into this world.
Every Pregnancy Is Different
Pregnancy is pretty fascinating. It's exciting, overwhelming, beautiful, wild, suspenseful, and there are so many unexpected moments. I compare experiencing pregnancy to getting a job after college.
You can never be fully prepared until you have real-life experience. You take things as they come, face obstacles, and strategize solutions, or at least remedies to help you get by. And just like jobs, each pregnancy is unique in its own way.
I've had a total of seven pregnancies, and so far, the successful ones have been through IVF. I continued hormone stimulants, estrogen and progesterone, until we were between 8-10 weeks pregnant. With my first pregnancy, after we stopped stims, I immediately lost five pounds due to the medicine halt and because I felt so nauseous all of the time.
I never threw up in the first trimester, but I felt like I was on the verge of doing so until about 13 weeks pregnant. I could barely stomach food, and what I could eat wasn't the best nutrition-wise. I lived off rice, vegetarian sushi rolls, bagels and cream cheese, and gluten-free breadsticks dipped in marinara.
Anything else sounded dreadful to me. As a nutrition specialist, this was very difficult for me to accept. I felt like I was failing and not providing my baby the nutrients he needed. My nurse assured me that if I were getting in plenty of water, taking my pre-natals, and focusing on eating what I could, the baby would be o,k and to just focus on being better every single day.
With this second pregnancy, I either had an empty pit in my stomach or was nauseated. I had to have food in me every 1-2 hours. I spaced out my food and worked to get as many nutrients as possible. I could stomach most everything, but nothing ever really sounded good, besides bagels and cream cheese, pasta, and carb-based foods.
Luckily, I did feel more in control the second go round when it came to my eating. I also started showing at 12 weeks, which is early compared to last time between 16-18 weeks. The hardest part of that pregnancy was the exhaustion and fatigue.
While a lot had to do with pregnancy, it was also due to raising a toddler, being a working mom, and carrying another child simultaneously. It's a lot, but you figure it out.
Now, for the third pregnancy, the first trimester was brutal. From nausea the moment I opened my eyes, to throwing up, daily headaches, exhaustion, food aversions, and a sense of disconnection I didn’t expect. Especially as someone who usually thrives on being an extrovert, movement, and nourishing food, I’ve had to surrender, slow down, and lean hard on my tribe, especially my husband, who’s held us together.
This pregnancy is a blessing, and I know how lucky I am, but I also believe we can honor both the gratitude and the struggle. If you’re in it too, you’re not alone. You can check out my IG post detailing first-trimester struggles.
First Trimester Tools, Tips, & Tricks
That being said, I found so many tools to be helpful to get me through the first trimester with some ease and comfort. While I use affiliate links for products, which might mean I earn a commission, I only share products I've tried, tested, and become totally happy with!
First Trimester Comfort Products
To break down my favs, both pregnancy pillows are game changers. The larger one is for sleeping. It's way more comfortable with the growing belly to sleep on your side and straddling something soft and plush sends me into dreamland pretty fast.
The small wedge pillow is great to help ease lower back pain. I use it while working at my desk, in the car if I have to drive a long distance, or while lying on the couch watching TV.
This body oil has been so nice, keeps things nice and smooth. It also helps to prevent stretch marks as well. Genetically, I have not experienced stretch marks, but I do notice my skin elasticity changes as it expands.
To be proactive, prevent stretch marks, and firm the skin, I use this oil on my boobs, stomach, butt, and the back of my legs daily. It's so smooth, hydrating, and smells delightful.
This healing balm stick is multi-useful. I have one for my kids, but it has become my go-to for hydrating my lips, which always seemed to be dry and chapped.
I can't live without my water container and shaker for my caffeinated greens and/or electrolytes. It holds me accountable to drink at least 80 ounces of water per day if not more, plus it helps reduce headaches, which leads to my next non-negotiable.
The Therafae cold and hot depuffing wand is perfect because you can have an ice roller on the go or the heat component to improve circulation. The wand cools or heats up in just seconds. It's always in my purse.
Also, from someone who drank 1-2 cups of coffee per day and now can't even stand the taste of it, I've been able to get in 120 mg of caffeine through my favorite greens company, Better Days Company (use code "leggday" for a discount). My favorite flavors are grapefruit twist, juicy lime, and tangy toro.
I also wore these sea bands to help with nausea. I wore them for three months straight. I'm not sure if they took away some of the symptoms, but they sure did give me peace of mind. I also noticed they reduced car sickness on road trips and while flying.
My gratitude journal is necessary. Practicing daily gratitude allows you to appreciate what you have in the moment rather than focusing on what you don't or are lacking. These blue light glasses also helped reduce headaches when reading, writing, and working on my computer.
This crop tank is the perfect loose, but flattering crop that I feel comfortable in with a growing belly. It's super soft, and I have it in like five different colors. It pairs great with these leggings, which are not restricting on the belly. I will now start to size up to give myself a little more room, but they are so soft, breathable, and not constricting. Worth the investment.
Compression socks are also a must, especially when traveling. My legs get achy often, so these help wonders. I also take Epsom salt baths 3-4 times per week, and this clean option helps reduce so many aches and pains and just relaxes me.
My house slippers are so helpful to cushion the feet and joints as I have a hard-surface first floor. My nightgown slip is the perfect piece of clothing to put on after a long day. It almost feels like I'm not wearing anything. The fabric is high-quality from my favorite loungewear company MasonGrey.
The heating pad is a must, especially as the belly gets bigger and the lower back starts to ache. It feels good daily.
Snacks and Sustenance for First Trimester Troubles
To the snacks, carbs truly save me. I have fallen in love with Simple Mills because their ingredients are just that, simple. High-quality nutrients without sacrificing the taste. I've also been craving candy daily. YumEarth also has cleaner alternatives. While candy is still sugar, I feel better indulging in companies that focus on quality rather than adding high fructose corn syrup and other harmful ingredients.
Now, to my ultimate pregnancy craving, bagels and cream cheese. My family does indulge in the real deal once a week, and it's glorious, but on a regular basis, I opt for Dave's Killer Bread or Royo as these companies also focus on higher-quality ingredients. All of their bread options are delicious, from bagels to bread, English muffins, etc.
I also enjoy whipped cream cheese because the serving sizes are higher, and it honestly tastes better to me.
Bone broth and collagen also helped me get some protein in when food was revolting and I couldn't eat much. Bone broth I would sip on by itself or add to recipes, and collagen I would mix in some healthier ramen (use code "ashleylegg" for a discount at checkout) smoothies or shakes, in oats, etc.
TOST beverages allows me to drink a sparkling festive beverage without the alcohol, obviously. The ginger ingredient also helps settle and soothe my nausea.
What to Wear During the First Trimester
Being 38 and pregnant, expecting my third child, I started showing extremely early this round, making it tough to feel good in any of my clothes. I bought some things to help me through. This two-piece ruffle set is beyond comfortable and cute. I have it in pink and blue.
I also can't get enough of this lightweight t-shirt romper I have in four colors. It feels like I'm wearing a baggy t-shirt that easily slips on and off. I love this two-piece sleep/lounge set. So flowy and pretty.
Do You Have First Trimester Tips or Questions?
If you're pregnant, congrats, mama. What a beautiful blessing. If you are trying to conceive, sending you so much strength, hope, courage, and baby dust. Please know you are not alone, and there is help and support out there. Keep fighting for your miracle. Sending you love, safe pregnancy vibes, and baby dust your way. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas, don't hesitate to email me!
-Ashley Legg
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