During both of my pregnancies I tried my best to get through the unpleasant symptoms of the first trimester. My doctors were very understanding during this time period and they offered many suggestions on how to cope. I also read various health articles and books to try and figure out what worked best for me.

All women react differently to pregnancy. A lot depends on age and your general health going into the first trimester. This is a time of roller coaster emotions and hormones that are in complete upheaval. But certain things do seem to help.

I cannot stress prenatal vitamins enough. Your B vitamins are extremely important during your entire pregnancy but they also seem to aid in getting you through those hard months. They boost your energy levels and they help with your nausea.

Also keep a stash of crackers and water beside your bed. When you first wake up in the morning don't even try to get up. Simply roll to your side and nibble on a few crackers and sip some water. This will help with the nausea. It truly does work. Yes, its impleasant to each crackers in bed but the benefits are far outweigh the negatives.

A lot of books will tell you to sip ginger ale throughout the day. This does seem to settle your stomach. So its not just on old wives tale.

Its also best to avoid unpleasant odors. During pregnancy your sense of smell improves a hundred percent. This can be an added benefit but it can also throw a person for a loop when it comes to avoiding vomiting. Many odors that never bothered you now make you run for the bathroom in a fit of nausea. I could not even walk by the seafood section of our local supermarket. I had to avoid this at all costs.

Many women experience some cramping and even slight spotting during the first trimester. At any indication of spotting please contact your doctor immediately. But this is not uncommon and you should always prepare for it with panty liners and avoidance of any clothing that might stain.

Often your skin will erupt in acne that you have not suffered from since your teenage years. Its adviced by doctors that you not use any type of acne medication. So the best thing you can do is keep your face as clean as possible and exfoliate which seems to help.

Also make sure you have an excellent fitting bra which will help as your breats swell and become extremely tender. It seems that the tenderness is worse during the first trimester and seems to ease as the pregnancy progresses. Although the size continues to increase.

Learn more about this author, Kim Sharpe.
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