We’re having a Tare Shop baby! I’m about 12 weeks pregnant now, and so excited to have my first baby. The first trimester was a rough one for me! The fatigue, the nausea, the acid reflux. All of it was a lot, but now that I’m nearing the end of the first trimester, I’m starting to feel better.

Here are some of my first trimester essentials that got me through it! 

Bamboo straw:

 

Hydration is always important, but staying hydrated when you’re pregnant is even more important. Sometimes the nausea was so bad that it was hard for me to drink water, but I always found that drinking from a bamboo straw made it easier. It’s also easier to drink from a straw when lying down, which I felt myself doing most of the time I wasn’t at work!

Switching prenatal vitamins:

Taking a prenatal is one of the most important things and one of the first things my doctor asked about. I started taking a prenatal the day I found out I was pregnant, but eventually couldn’t stomach that brand. I ended up changing up the timing of when I took it which helped, and then eventually switched to a new one that was much easier on my stomach.

Lemon ginger honey tea:

Ginger is great for nausea. Ginger ale and my homemade ginger tea helped to settle my stomach (although nothing ever made the nausea truly go away). To make my homemade ginger tea, I just cut up an inch or so of ginger, a slice of lemon and spoonful of honey and pour boiling water on it. This is also great when you’re feeling under the weather with a sore throat!

Snacks!

I’m so grateful for all the package-free snacks at The Tare Shop. They’ve gotten me through my first trimester as I am constantly snacking to try and combat the nausea (it’s worse when you’re hungry). My favourites have been:

• Dried mangoes
• Corn chips
• Nuts

The rezip bags are perfect for keeping snacks beside the bed or taking to go.

 

I’ve also been making my own granola bars/balls with Tare Shop ingredients!

Easy meals

Pasta. Pasta has been my go-to meal. I love the quinoa spaghetti or penne for some added protein, and add in some cheese powder, butter and milk and youve got a package-free KD! I also love making my own tomato sauces and have been making big batches to keep in the freezer and pull out when I need. I usually sneak in lots of vegetables and red lentils to make it more nutritious and filling. 

The falafel mix has also been one of my go-tos for quick and easy meals. You just mix 1 cup of the mix with 1 cup of water, let it sit for 15 minutes and then fry it! I often make a bigger batch and keep it in my fridge so I can fry them fresh as needed throughout the week.

Exercise 

To be honest it’s the last thing I’ve wanted to do throughout most of the first trimester, but I always feel better when I move, no matter if it’s a workout class at my favourite gym MOVE EAST or a walk with my dog. Staying active throughout your pregnancy (if your doctor oks it) is so important. For me, I haven’t added any new exercises and always listen to my body if something doesn’t feel right. Definitely consult with your doctor though!

What's help you through your first trimester?