First Trimester Survival Kit

I have to admit, I am not a huge fan of the whole pregnancy process. Give me all the babies in the world, but can I skip the 9 mo. of uncomfortable and strange??

That being said, I have learned a good lesson or two these past few years after witnessing good friends go through the loss of their pregnancies, infertility, and even the loss of their newborns. I have shut up the complaining and turned it into a whole lot of gratitude that I even have this gift of life inside of me. The rest is miniscule. I have friends who love the whole pregnancy experience too. What about you?

However… I still unashamedly seek those little comforts to help out with the non graceful moments of my first trimester and beyond… and these my friends are my top products that got me through the last icky winter months…

Kiehls Ultra Facial Moisturizer  – Since I am terrible at keeping up with a skin care regimen (this happens when you don’t have time to think of what you look like until you run into a mirror), I try to do at least one thing right.  In the summer, all I use is tinted moisturizer with an spf, in the winter, this tall drink of water for the skin makes me feel like I am preserving dignity and grace in the shape of a moisturizer bottle. Its the best I have tried so far. Now to figure out a good product for the sudden pregnancy breakout parties that happen on my forehead..

Benefit They’re Real Mascara – I don’t wear a lot of makeup. I only have time for the basics, so mascara is my favorite tool to feeling awake and ready to go. I have tried every drugstore mascara (favorite being cover girl), and spent a good while at the mascara bar at Sephora. The result of the endless pursuit? This guy. It converted me from my $5 ways because it outshined and outlasted. Second runners up – Tarte and Urban Decay.

Teavana and Herbal Tea, 4oz – I drank a cup of joe a day with Gabriel and Veronica (they turned out fine!) and thoroughly enjoyed it. Due to a stomach condition, I can no longer have caffein (or any of life’s greatest pleasures for that matter like wine and chocolate). I have mourned and moved on, and discovered that tea is actually an incredible stomach soother, mental booster, and nerve calmer. Who knew?? My sister gave me Teavana tea for Christmas, and my brother gave me a tea cup with strainer. Its been the most used gift yet. Lipton’s Backberry Vanilla tea is fantastic – at your local grocery store.

Super B Complex and Magnesium – Thank you Grace for this life saving tip! We both are on the anemic side during pregnancy, so she recommended Blood Booster and Magnesium. I started taking these, B-complex, and pre-natals of course. (I know its a lot, but I don’t have time to be drowsy) These have helped immensely with my energy levels. It was worth the money to me to buy the extra sources of energy and good health for both me and the baby.

Yonanas Frozen Treat Maker – When I am feeling sick to my stomach, or don’t feel like eating in general. Smoothies, popsicles, or ice cream will always lure me. My MIL gave us this Yonana for Christmas and its been our favorite contraption in the kitchen. Straight sorbet from just frozen fruit! Its kept me away from indulging in too much ice cream as well. Plus! We add a little greek yogurt as well.

Microwaveable Herbal Heating Pad– I would have never thought to buy this for myself, but Gabe customized one from this shop as a birthday gift one year, and I have used it more times than I can count. It has been relief for headaches, cramps, and stomach issues. The herbal scent is divine and provides immediate aromatherapy relief.  I have used this throughout my pregnancies:)

I hope this helps some of you entering into pregnancy bliss (insert a little sarcasm- I can’t help myself.) Each person’s experience is so different, I would love to hear what worked for you?