I’m so excited that my family will welcome a new baby! Much like my first pregnancy, I spent most of my first trimester feeling overwhelmingly exhausted and alternating between nausea (don’t talk to me about food!) and hunger (if I don’t eat right now, I’m going to scream!). This time around, there’s just one significant difference…I have my 2-year-old daughter to take care of.
At times, my daughter has been a welcome distraction from how I’m feeling, but other times, I wonder how we’ll make it through the day until my husband comes home. Now that I’m feeling more like myself (other than my baby bump!), I thought I’d share five tips and tricks that helped me survive the first trimester of my second pregnancy.
1. Sneak in some extra sleep whenever you can get it!
I started napping during my daughter’s afternoon nap and going to sleep (very) soon after her 7:30 bedtime. I know this might not fit everyone’s schedule and commitments, but any extra sleep makes a big difference.
2. Plan your meals.
Try crockpot meals, oven-baked dishes, soups, Mason jar salads, freezer food, etc. Prepare your meals when you’re feeling well. Then, when you’re feeling hungry, you’ll have healthy options ready, and if you’re feeling nauseous, you don’t have to worry about cooking. Or try a meal delivery service.
3. Ask for help and accept help when it’s offered.
As a stay-at-home mom, my daughter is in my full-time care, and I’ve been lucky to rely on family who generously offer to babysit. If not, I’d consider hiring an occasional babysitter or mother’s helper. Better yet, organize a babysitting swap with a friend!
4. Lower your expectations.
Taking care of my daughter is my priority, and growing this baby is my next priority. Cooking, cleaning, and errands have temporarily dropped on my priority list, and that’s okay.
5. Talk to your OB/GYN.
Dr. Google tells us that pretty much anything can be a pregnancy symptom, but if something still doesn’t seem right, mention it to your doctor or nurse at your next appointment.
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