You know what? Even a planned pregnancy can be overwhelming sometimes. During the first trimester, I quickly learned that I knew very little about pregnancy beyond the typical stereotypes. Luckily, as soon as I opened up on Facebook and this blog, asking for help, readers and friends alike started sharing suggestions and wise words of wisdom.

Since these suggestions proved so helpful, I want to ensure I share them with you all, beginning with tonight’s post – First Trimester Favorites. The first section is items that I swore by during my first trimester while the second section is items that multiple friends and readers have recommended and loved.

• Sparkling Water –  One of my biggest pregnancy symptoms, especially during the first trimester, is an insatiable thirst. Since finding out I was pregnant I have enjoyed at least two La Croix sparkling waters each day in addition to lots of water flavored with freshly sliced lemons or cucumber. My favorite sparkling water is La Croix, especially lime and peach-pear.  In New York City, I find that ordering them on Foodkick or Jet is the cheapest option as they typically have at least one flavor on sale each week.
• Graham Crackers – The only solution I found to the morning nausea and headaches I felt upon waking up was to have half a graham cracker and cup of water before getting out of bed. Throughout my first trimester I carried graham crackers with me everywhere, often nibbling on a few throughout the day anytime I started to feel nauseous.
• Ginger Chews – I also found that during the day, having a ginger chew or two helped keep the dry heaving and nausea at bay, especially during taxi cab and subway rides.
• Prenatal Vitamins – Per the recommendation of my doctor, I started taking prenatal vitamins on a daily basis back when Bo and I actively started the conception process. However, it wasn’t until I found out that I was pregnant that I researched prenatal vitamins and realized my yummy gummy vitamin received a D ranking. Since then, I’ve switched to Rainbow Light Prenatal One .  I like that I only have to take one vitamin to get all the vitamins and minerals my baby and I need during this important time period. Unlike other vitamins, this is also very gentle on my stomach.
• Pregnancy Plus App – After trying a few different apps I found that I appreciated the wealth of information pushed to me on a daily basis through the articles as well as the 2D, 3D and basic images, videos and interactive timeline. There is even a section where I can upload belly pictures, appointment recaps, weight, and review their pregnancy guide.
• Soothing Eye Mask – Even though I typically have energy levels on par with the Energizer Bunny, during the first trimester I felt more like a college student with mono. All I wanted to do was sleep, even during the middle of the day. This mask helped me squeeze in weekend naps, go to sleep faster at night and provide a few moments of soothing comfort when my exhaustion or headaches forced me to lay down.
• Books – My girlfriend gave me a handful of pregnancy books when I shared our good news and so far I have enjoyed and found myself referencing What to Expect When You’re Expecting and Expecting Better more than any others.
• Cozy pajamas –  As soon as I started feeling bloated and pregnant, I didn’t want anything constricting around my mid-section. Pair that with the cooler temperatures and I found myself living in cozy pajamas. I ordered this striped pair and plaid pair in a size larger than normal so that I could enjoy them throughout pregnancy and after giving birth. I knew that come next year I’d appreciate the button down top which will allow for breastfeeding.

Reader and Friend Recommendations

• Peppermint and Lavender essential oils
• Bra Extenders
• Decaf coffee
• Mama Mio products
• Bella Band

I hope any of you who are trying or newly expecting find this helpful. I’ll be sharing my second trimester favorites as well as a recap on best maternity clothing, based on recommendations, over the next few weeks.

Your turn: What did I forget?