Tips for Surviving the First Trimester

August 24, 2026

The first trimester of pregnancy can be very difficult to get through. You could be struggling with nausea, extreme fatigue, bloating, mood swings, soreness, or all of the above.

We’re here to help you survive with practical tips to help manage and relieve your symptoms!

Surviving Nausea

Feeling queasy? Ginger, peppermint, and lemon are three natural ingredients that are known to help reduce nausea. There are a few ways you can use them, such as:

· Drinking them in tea/hot water

· Adding them to smoothies

· Adding them to meals

· Using their essential oils

Ginger ale is also effective for nausea. Add a squeeze of lemon juice if the ginger ale doesn’t initially work by itself. Additionally, eating small and frequent meals of bland foods like crackers can help settle your stomach.

Surviving Fatigue

Constantly tired? There are a few things you can do to boost your energy.

· Eat often. Just like with nausea, having regular small snacks/meals can help with fatigue. The more nutritious the meal, the better.

· Get quality rest. You may need to take naps during the day or go to bed earlier to get more sleep.

· Stay hydrated. Consistently drinking water is key to keeping yourself healthy and energized.

Your body is working overtime to support your baby. During that amazing process, you’re going to feel fatigued. Remember that it’s okay to rest and take breaks!

Surviving Soreness

Are your muscles sore and tight? Here are some ways to relieve the pain and discomfort.

· Gentle exercises. Going on daily walks can help keep your circulation moving and loosen up your muscles.

· Stretching. Slow and safe stretching is very effective at relieving sore muscles.

· Massages. Gently massaging the sore areas is a great way to relieve tension.

Surviving Bloating

Feeling bloated and uncomfortable? You can help reduce these symptoms by:

· Go on walks. Taking some time to go on a walk, especially after a meal, can help your digestion and relieve your bloating.

· Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water throughout the day to keep your bodily functions flowing.

· Eat more fiber. Increasing your fiber intake can help with bloating and your digestive track.

· Eat in smaller amounts. Have small and frequent snacks/meals throughout the day to help with both bloating and nausea.

Surviving Mood Swings

Struggling with a shifting mood? Here’s a few things you can do to make yourself feel more stable.

· Get good sleep. Prioritizing your sleep can help even out your moods.

· Be open and communicate. Talk to your partner, family, and friends to let them know the mood changes you’re experiencing and that your emotions will be constantly shifting. Setting the standard early can help work out any problems that may arise later.

· Be forgiving towards yourself. Pregnancy is an amazing process, and you’re working through a lot of changes. Give yourself some grace as you navigate through the ups and downs.

How We Can Help

If you think you may be pregnant, LivingWell is here for you. We offer free medical grade pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and medically accurate information on all of your options. Click here to contact us or give us a call at (530) 272-6800.