The first trimester is an interesting time… you are so excited you are pregnant but you can't tell anyone you're pregnant AND you really don't feel that great. It's one of those times in life where you expected to be skipping around with overflowing joy but in reality, you are tired, emotional, kind of nauseous, and a bit anxious over all the early screening tests you are going through. To put it plainly: the first trimester can be challenging. Yes, it's a challenging time that is completely and totally worth it, but it's still a challenging time.

If you have been following my Yes, You Can Get Pregnant program to get pregnant then you are already living in a way that supports your hormones, blood sugar and overall health… and, the first trimester shouldn't be too rough on you. However, you're likely still going to have some challenges as your body is going through some major changes while it works to create a healthy, thriving baby.  Check out my latest video (above) on some useful tips & strategies to manage through the first trimester so you can do your best to feel your best in the early stages of your pregnancy (and set the stage for a healthy 40 or so weeks of pregnancy).

Here are my seven tips for managing morning sickness and feeling good during the first trimester:

1.Protein, Protein, Protein

Eat protein during the first 20 minutes of waking! This is the most important moment of the day to begin regulating your blood sugar.  And, regulated blood sugar for a woman in her first trimester = a woman who feels more well than not for the entirety of her day.

2.Limit the carbs

If you only want carb-y, comfort foods choose organic and preferably gluten free ones and be sure to add a protein to them. When I was pregnant and craved toast, I ate organic, gluten free bread and topped it with nut butter or sunflower butter or tahini and a little coconut nectar.

3.Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

As I said above, your body’s demand for water nearly doubles once you are pregnant. So drink lots of water (preferably filtered water!).  Often times the malaise that comes with the first trimester is purely dehydration.  I not only chose water, but coconut water as well. I consider coconut water nature’s Gatorade as it has plenty of electrolytes that aid in keeping you super hydrated.

4.Sneak your vitamins in when you’re feeling good.

A lot of women have challenges getting their vitamins in during the first trimester.  Even me!   I would spread my dose throughout the day and be sure to only have it with food in my stomach (usually with a smoothie). You can do the same.  And, you can also be easy on yourself if some days you just can’t get them in.  Do the best you can do and know that your baby in belly is thriving on all the healthy living you’ve been doing to get pregnant.

5.Drink bone broth, daily!

Yes, bone broth will help you feel better.  Sometimes during the first trimester, the idea of eating makes you feel sick and that is where bone broth comes in.  You can slowly sip it and not only hydrate yourself but give you and baby lots of nutrition.  I found that sipping on bone broth was the only way to get through my day!

6.Suck on almonds or cashews.

For me, throwing a few cashews or almonds in my mouth and just sucking on them helped sooth my stomach and it gave me some protein so that my energy levels stay up.

7.Take magnesium.

Magnesium not only helps you stay hydrated, it will ward off morning sickness and those pesky pregnancy symptoms like leg cramps, heartburn, constipation and headaches. You can use magnesium oil or add magnesium powder to your smoothies. Magnesium helped me so much during my pregnancy, that I created my own Aimee Raupp Beauty Mag-Ease Oil.

To receive more guidance, check out Yes, You’re Pregnant! – a monthly membership offering you support for a thriving pregnancy from conception to postpartum. As a Yes, You’re Pregnant member, you will receive ongoing support from Aimee, a women’s health expert, to guide you on the path to optimal health for both you and the baby in your belly. Plus, you’ll connect with a new tribe of new momma's and momma's-to-be in the Yes, You’re Pregnant community. Join today!