First Trimester Must Haves

First Trimester Must Haves by popular blogger Life By Lee

Let’s go ahead and acknowledge Noah in the background before we jump into today’s post, LOL. He has been obsessed with opening & closing doors, which includes the doors in my office. It makes it super easy to get work done, ha! Also, this dress is non-maternity, but it’s perfect for pregnancy because it’s stretchy. It comes in a TON of colors, and is an essential for Spring. My light weight duster cardigan is one of my favorites, and it’s on sale right now for $35!

Okay, so I’ve been out of the first trimester for about a week now. It really flew by this time around! I’m so excited that I finally was able to share the news with you guys. It feels like I’ve been keeping a giant secret for a long time now! For me, the first trimester has been all about exhaustion, and a belly that was growing a lot quicker than the first time around! I thought it would be fun to share some of my first trimester must haves with you guys on the blog.

First Trimester Must Haves by popular blogger Life By Lee

Belly Band- started showing a lot earlier this time around. I literally couldn’t button my jeans anymore at 9 weeks, making it hard to disguise the bump in outfit photos. The belly band really came in handy when it came to still wearing my favorite jeans. I didn’t use one during my first pregnancy, and I’m so happy I came across it this time around. It is a total first trimester must haves this time around. I like to still wear my non maternity jeans when possible!

Belly Cream– I didn’t start applying moisturizer or stretch mark cream until the second trimester the first time around, but I started around 10 weeks this time. Supposedly the earlier you start the better, and it’s important to apply a cream daily. I’ve been using Burts Bees Belly Butter this time around, because I actually had some leftover from last time. I used a few things during my last pregnancy, but I used this one a lot. I also used a homemade stretch mark cream that consisted of shea butter and coconut oil, and I used that a lot last time. Luckily I didn’t get any stretch marks with Noah. I have no idea how I didn’t, because I totally got stretch marks during puberty! If I come across another product that’s amazing I’ll make sure to let you know here on the blog later on.

Prenatal Vitamins– I spend quite a bit on prenatal vitamins, but I want the best when it comes to vitamins. I took the New Chapter Perfect Prenatal vitamins last time around, and loved them, so I’m taking them this time too. You do have to take them 3x daily, because they are made from food. These are hands down the best vitamins ever. Dylan even sneaks them sometimes, lol. I either pick them up at Whole Foods or if I’m thinking ahead I order them on Amazon to get a better deal.

Extra Sleep- I know this is pretty obvious, but I have to sneak in as much sleep as possible during the first trimester. I was so tired this time around. I would literally fall asleep every night on the couch before 9 pm. My biggest advice is going to bed as early as possible. When I wasn’t pregnant I would put Noah down for the night, and then open up my computer to work more. During my first trimester I had to cut out that work time, and basically hit the sheets about an hour after I put him down.

Loose-Fitting Tops– Since I wanted to keep my pregnancy a secret until I was out of the first trimester, I had to disguise the bump in loose-fitting tops often. I wore a lot of Free People & comfy brands from Nordstrom that fit loosely. I also was pretty good at positioning my body so the bump wasn’t showing in photos, ha! I wore this one all of the time & it’s currently still on sale, and comes in a ton of colors!

Boyfriend Jeans– Boyfriend jeans fit much baggier than skinny jeans, and I’ve been loving this pair. I posted them in this recent Instagram 

Inexpensive Maternity Jeans– I actually have been wearing old pairs from last time around, but I’ve had this pair & this pair on my radar. I think it’s time to add them to my shopping cart, because I want a couple of new pairs for this time around. Plus, all of the ones from TopShop at Nordstrom seem to be around $70. I would love to splurge on a pair from Paige like these, but I haven’t decided on that just yet!

Good Water Bottle– Staying hydrated during pregnancy is so important. I was really sick with a sinus infection during the really early weeks in my pregnancy, and I got really dehydrated. When I was getting my blood drawn they noticed my blood was darker meaning I was really dehydrated. After that doctor apt I got online and ordered a fun water bottle that I could keep with me at all times. It’s been the best reminder to drink water constantly.

Chamomile or Ginger Tea– Long gone are the days of a glass of red wine in the evening, so I’ve been trying to de stress after a long day with a warm cup of Chamomile Tea. I actually look forward to it in the evening, and it’s super delicious with a little bit of honey. I also hear that Ginger Tea is great if you are experiencing nausea!

A Good Book- I read way too many super serious parenting & birth books the first time around, this time around I’m keeping it a bit more relaxed with Bringing Up Bebe. I’ve just started reading it, but I love it so far!

 

Any other first trimester must haves I missed? Leave a comment below!

SHOP THE POST:

20 Comments

  1. cristin on March 13, 2017 at 9:09 am

    These are such good recommendations! I loved Bringing Up Bebe!

    cristin
    http://www.thesouthernstyleguide.com

  2. sarah lindner on March 13, 2017 at 9:17 am

    These are awesome tips! Ill have to save them for later!

    ​​​XOXO​
    Sarah Lindner
    http://www.thehouseofsequins.com

  3. Kelssey Layton on March 13, 2017 at 9:27 am

    I am seriously so excited for you!! And boyfriend jeans were my favorites during the 1st trimester- I couldn’t stand anything tight or fitted and they slowly became the only things that fit! ha!

  4. Sara on March 13, 2017 at 9:59 am

    Look at that adorable bump! These are all such great ideas/tips for mamas to be! Can I use a belly band even if I’m not pregnant? LOL the post-wedding weight gain is real!

    xo, Sara

  5. Maggie @ Polished Closets on March 13, 2017 at 10:28 am

    These really are must-haves!! I still use my bella band! Maternity pants just never seem to fit quite right!

  6. Anna English on March 13, 2017 at 10:28 am

    I’m so excited for you and that little bump!

  7. Sarah Jean Althouse on March 13, 2017 at 11:13 am

    My husband and I are hoping to get pregnant soon so pinning this to come back to when that happens!

  8. Summer @ Coffee With Summer on March 13, 2017 at 11:58 am

    This was super helpful to read through! I’m not pregnant right now, but we plan on getting pregnant hopefully soon (summertime-ish!) so I need to stock up on advice now. I never heard of the Burt’s Bee’s belly butter, but I love their products, so I’m sure I’ll like that. And I hope I’m like you! I keep thinking I’ll have stretch marks because I did during puberty…but you’ve given me hope that it might not happen!

    • Lee Anne on March 14, 2017 at 7:53 am

      Ha, just keep applying that cream and hope for the best. That’s all you can do! 🙂

  9. Laura @ Walking in Memphis in High Heels on March 13, 2017 at 1:17 pm

    I have that same water bottle and especially used it a lot then. I’ve heard that Belly Band is amazing!

  10. Logan on March 13, 2017 at 3:44 pm

    I read Bring up bebe and really loved it! A lot of it makes so much sense.

  11. Stephanie on March 13, 2017 at 4:26 pm

    I don’t think I ever got the chance to congratulate you when the news showed up on Instagram, so I apologize for that – but major congratulations! What an exciting time! I’m sure Noah will be really excited when baby comes!

    Stephanie // SheSawStyle.com

    • Lee Anne on March 14, 2017 at 7:52 am

      Thank you so much Stephanie!!!

  12. Heather | My Moxietude on March 13, 2017 at 5:29 pm

    All good suggestions especially the tea {I was SO sick} and Bringing Up Bebe. Loved it!!

  13. Kristen on March 13, 2017 at 6:18 pm

    These are all great must haves for the first trimester. I wish I would have read this before my first pregnancy.

  14. Courtney Andrews on March 14, 2017 at 9:59 am

    I have that same water bottle and it’s great!
    I hope the rest of your pregnancy is smooth and that you get lots of extra sleep 🙂

    xo,
    Courtney

  15. Sharon on March 14, 2017 at 10:24 am

    I am nowhere near but we plan to start trying next year. Regardless, I’ve already started prepping my tummy for stretch marks since I’m so prone to them. I use a normal body butter but I should really try out a belly butter to see if that provides any extra moisture. Thanks for the tip!

  16. Nina on March 14, 2017 at 9:42 pm

    I’ve heard mixed reviews about a belly band so I’ve been using the old hair tie trick. I’ll have to give it a shot!

    Xo, Nina
    Law of Fashion Blog

  17. Natasha Stoneking on March 15, 2017 at 8:53 pm

    isn’t it amazing how much different your must-haves are the second time around?!?!?! such a good listing of some favorites i loved too

  18. Catherine on March 21, 2017 at 12:12 pm

    I like your site! Congrats on the pregnancy. With a toddler at home too, the photos of your tot closing the door make me laugh. My kid does the same thing!

Leave a Comment





SUBSCRIBE

Get on my mailing list!

Every post straight to your inbox.