The first trimester seems like a distant memory to me now and to be honest, I’m not missing it at all. I don’t think I will ever miss the first trimester of pregnancy.
I was extremely uncomfortable (nausea, growing belly, C-section pains) and vitamins was a big no-no for me.
I’m sure you thinking: “Shan, what is wrong with you?!”
I know, I know… many people say vitamins is extremely important during pregnancy and trust me, I tried hard to take it but every vitamin I tried made me vomit. I couldn’t take it, it made me miserable every day.
I still feel guilty for not taking my vitamins daily but after chatting to my doctor, I feel a little better about this. We ended up having a long discussion about the history of prenatal vitamins and why it exists.
Why are pregnancy vitamins so huge anyway?!
I’m so relieved that I found something that is still giving me the nutrition I need and isn’t in the form of a big ugly tablet.
My Favourites for the First Trimester:
1. Mom2B Pregnancy Shake – Strawberry Flavour
Mom2B Pregnancy Shake provides expectant and breastfeeding mothers and their babies with advanced nutritional support before and during pregnancy as well as while breastfeeding. This yummy shake is very high in folic acid, high in fibre and low in total fat. In addition, it contains a wide spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals that may support the development of the baby as well as the general well-being of the mother.
Mom2B Pregnancy Shake is:
- Good for moms and babies.
- Very high in vitamin B6 and folic acid.
- High in vitamin C, vitamin B3 and magnesium.
- A source of calcium and iron.
- Low in total fat.
- High in fibre as packed.
For more information, visit www.mom2be.co.za.
2. Boodywear Panties
I recently discovered this brand and I am already loving it! I think these briefs are perfect for a C-section recovery so I plan on purchasing at least two more before the baby arrives in June.
The best part is Boodywear products are made from bamboo which is naturally eco-friendly, wonderful to wear, resilient, superbly soft and healthy for even the most sensitive skin.
For more information on the range, visit www.boodywear.co.za.
3. Pregnancy Pillow
Vije bought me a pregnancy pillow when I was in my first trimester with Kitana and ever since then I’ve used it for all my pregnancies! It’s becoming uncomfortable to sleep especially since my thighs are starting to rub together.
The Frankie Beans Maternity Pillow offers excellent comfort and support for your tummy, back, hips and knees – ensuring that you are well supported throughout your pregnancy.
The Frankie Beans Maternity Pillow may be small and snug, but when it comes to a restful sleep, this pillow really plays a large role in getting the job done for that growing tummy and stressed back! For added benefit, the Frankie Beans Maternity Pillow is made from Hypoallergenic fibre and 100% cotton.
For more information, visit www.frankiebeans.co.za.
4. Living & Loving Magazine
Living & Loving has always been one of my favorites magazines to read for advice and tips, especially during pregnancy.
For more information, visit www.livingandloving.co.za.
5. What to Expect pregnancy app
I love this app! You get tons of information daily on the app and you receive regular emails updating you about every milestone. They remind you of the little things that you might have forgotten that is happening inside your body as the baby is growing.
For more information, visit www.whattoexpect.com.
6. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion
A friend suggested I try it and I am so glad that I did.
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks with a special blend of pure Cocoa Butter, Vitamin E, Shea Butter and Bio C-Elaste®. Bio C-Elaste® is a powerful combination of Collagen, Elastin, Centella Asiatica, Sweet Almond Oil and Argan Oil. This non-greasy, all over body lotion helps improve elasticity and suppleness of stretching skin during and after pregnancy.
For more information, visit www.palmers.com.
7. Carriwell Seamless Adjustable Nursing Bra
I’ve used the brand Carriwell ever since I fell pregnant with Kitana and I must say that the quality is just amazing! They are so worth the price. I’m still breastfeeding and at the moment I am hating padded bras so these nursing bras are just perfect for me.
The Carriwell Seamless Nursing Bra is a soft and comfortable bra that moulds to your changing body shape. The easy one-handed nursing clasps exposes the entire breast whilst nursing; maximizing skin-to-skin contact between you and your baby.
- Comfort: No irritating seams or stiff under-wire.
- Flexibility: Complimentary bra extender adding to adjustability.
- Recommended: Carriwell Seamless Nursing Bra is strongly supported by lactation consultants. Read report.
- Support: The wide under band substitutes underwire i.e. extra support and “lifting” of the breasts.
For more information, visit www.carriwell.co.za.
8. Mrp.com Leggings
Yes, I am that woman… the one who loves her leggings and long shirts! They are extremely comfortable and basically the only “pants” that fit me now since I didn’t buy any maternity wear yet.
Mrp.com seems to have a good maternity range that I plan on checking out soon!
For more information, visit www.mrp.com.
9. Oh So Heavenly Hydration wash
I’m sure by now you realized just how much I love this brand. I basically buy everything from their range! Make sure you check out the Mum and Baby range available.
For more information, visit www.ohsoheavenly.co.za.
10. Carmien tea for morning sickness
I love my tea but I never really explored with the different types of tea available. I came across Carmien tea at the MamaMagic baby expo end of last year and to be honest, I didn’t think it would work but I purchased it anyway because the flavors seemed interesting. Once I started having hectic morning sickness, I decided to try the tea – I was totally blown away when I realized that it was indeed helping my nausea.
For more information. visit www.carmientea.co.za.
What are your favorite products for the first trimester?
