So, this is it. The doctor confirmed it and you. are. pregnant. How do you feel? Excited? Maybe a little overwhelmed?  

If you’re anything like me, early pregnancy kind of feels like you’ve been thrown in the middle of an ocean with only a floatie to get you to shore. You know the general direction you’re headed, but how to get there…totally lost.

So, let’s tackle one of the burning questions that is on your mind right now: What do I buy for the first trimester?

Luckily for you, there’s not a lot. You have several months to save up for cribs, clothes, and diapers. For the next few weeks, your main priority is laying back and dealing with all of these strange early pregnancy symptoms you’re experiencing.

Below you’ll find my first trimester must haves. These items will fight your early pregnancy symptoms, keep you sane, and help you and your baby enjoy a healthy pregnancy.

Sound good? Let’s get started!

RELATED POSTS:

• THE ULTIMATE FIRST TRIMESTER CHECKLIST
• FIRST TRIMESTER CRAMPS: WHAT’S NORMAL AND WHEN TO WORRY
• COMMON AND WEIRD VERY EARLY PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS YOU MIGHT EXPERIENCE BEFORE A MISSED PERIOD

First Trimester Must Haves: 15 Pregnancy Essentials You Don’t Want to Miss

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase from one of the links I will make a small commission at no charge to you. Blunders in Babyland does not diagnose, treat, or give out any professional advice for any medical conditions.

Before we get started, you should know that I buy everything on Amazon. Seriously.

If you’re a millennial that somehow, someway hasn’t become intimately acquainted with Amazon Prime yet, now is the time. I purchased most the of the first trimester must haves in this post from Amazon, simply because the box stores just can’t compete with the prices.

If you’ve been on the fence about joining Amazon Prime, you can access a free 30 day trial here. I also highly recommend creating your Baby Registry on Amazon as well. Once your baby shower is completed, you’ll receive up to a 15% discount on all of the items left on the registry, plus you’ll receive a welcome box with tons of free baby stuff.

RELATED POST: 17 Legitimate Pregnancy Freebies You’ll Actually Use

1 A Good Prenatal Vitamin With Or Without DHA

On the off-chance that your doctor hasn’t already told you this, you will need to take a prenatal vitamin for the duration of your pregnancy.

A prenatal vitamin supplements your growing baby with whatever nutrients you may not be obtaining from your diet. Studies have found that taking a prenatal vitamin can help prevent your baby from developing disorders, such as neural tube defects. Plus, a prenatal vitamin will keep you in tip-top shape as well.

There’s been some debate as to whether you should take prenatal vitamins with or without DHA. DHA is short for docosahexaenoic acid; it’s an Omega 3 fatty acid that has been shown to improve fetal development and decrease the chances of your baby developing neural and mental disabilities.

But, like anything else, too much of a good thing can be bad. Make sure you speak to your provider about which vitamin is appropriate for your personal health conditions.

If you’re looking for recommendations, I love the Rainbow Light Prenatal vitamin. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and the only vitamin to withstand my nausea (barely). The particular one I used did not have DHA, but Rainbow Light does sell a DHA-Prenatal One combo pack.

2 Pregnancy Course or Books

During my first trimester, I was so overwhelmed. As excited as I felt, there was just so much I didn’t know. I mean, I knew the basics (don’t smoke, drink, or eat raw eggs), but what did I do next?

If you’re really wrestling with the big unknowns of pregnancy, I highly recommend investing in some reputable resources. Below are just a couple of my favorite books that can educate you on the important facts of pregnancy.

You’ll also see a pregnancy course listed below as well. Most experts don’t recommend enrolling in a childbirth class until the end of the second trimester/beginning of the third.

Having said that, the Mama Natural Birth Course is the one pregnancy class I would recommend taking now simply because it contains so many helpful tips on how to begin your natural pregnancy right from the start. Plus, later in your pregnancy, you can explore the vast information it contains on how to have an unmedicated childbirth.

Helpful Pregnancy Books

• Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth
• Waiting in Wonder: Growing in Faith While You’re Expecting (Pregnancy Devotional)
• What to Expect When You’re Expecting
• Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
• Real Food for Pregnancy

The Best Online Class for a Natural Pregnancy

• Mama Natural Birth Course (An online course that teaches how to have the best natural pregnancy and childbirth)

RELATED POSTS: The Mama Natural Birth Course Review

PIN THIS POST FOR LATER

3 Big ol’ Tumbler

Have you already had “the talk”? You know, the one your doctor gives you when he takes you aside and says, “Hey, I need you to drink TEN glasses of water a day.”

Yes, it’s true, and no, he’s not talking about a combination of coffee, juice, and tea.

Water is your strongest defense against morning sickness, pregnancy cramps, and premature labor. It’s also the main expressway for nutrients to reach your baby. And (just in case you need more convincing), it’s an excellent preventative against stretchmarks.

Even so, when my midwife quoted me that number, I just about passed out. Prior to pregnancy I literally survived on sweet tea and coffee. I tried to drink the required amount by keeping a water bottle with me at all times. I think I only managed to get in about 32 ounces in a day (I’m also the poster-child for pregnancy cramps, dizziness, and braxton hicks… all signs of dehydration).

It wasn’t until I started breastfeeding that I discovered this neat trick: buy at least a 30z tumbler with a straw.

The tumbler serves a dual purpose: it reduces the number of water bottles you carry around with you and, when combined with a straw, allows you to ingest less air and more water.

4 Caffeine Substitutes

On the topic of liquids, if you’re used to consuming gratuitous amounts of caffeine, you might want to take it down a notch. Most providers suggest reducing your caffeine intake to about 200mg a day or at the absolute maximum 300 mg.

Aside from the major concerns, like a miscarriage or birth defects, there are several reasons to cut down on the caffeine when you’re pregnant. You’ll find that drinking excessive amounts of caffeine can cause insomnia, exasperate heartburn, and produce acids that irritate your stomach.

If you’re like me and still need that little kick in the morning (or afternoon), don’t worry, you still have options.

• Mommee Coffee I love this product because it’s low acid and you can choice how much caffeine you want in each cup. They sell decaf, ¼ and 1/2 caffeine, and full. Plus, beans are organic!
• Peppermint Tea (Make sure you consult your doctor before taking any herbal teas) – Peppermint stimulates you without the caffeine. Plus, it’s an excellent remedy for morning sickness.
• Decaf Coffee
• Chai Lattes Low on caffeine, high in sugar. (My obsession is Big Train Vanilla Chai Lattes…)

5 Morning Sickness Remedies

Even if you’re not prone to morning sickness now, there’s a good chance it’ll hit sometime within the next few weeks. Most morning sickness remedies are pretty inexpensive, so try to stock up on a couple of these first trimester must haves before the occasion arises.

• Tummy drops
• Saltines
• Ginger ale (if you don’t like carbonation, there are several natural ginger tea is a good natural alternative).
• Water
• Peppermint tea
• Acupressure Band

7 Rubber Band

First, let’s talk about what you’re not going to see on this list: a waist-extender! You’ve probably seen these on Amazon or other first trimester must haves posts. Waistband extenders can be handy, but if you can get away with free, then why not?

Cheap and effective, a rubber band can be your ticket to prolonging the use of your non-maternity pants.

To start, loop the rubber band through your button hole so both ends are perpendicular to your body. Loop one end of the rubber band through itself. Then, twist the remaining end of the rubber band around your jean’s button.

Voila! Instant waist extender!

8 Bra Without Underwire

If there was one first trimester must have I regret not getting sooner, it was a wireless bra.

The next few weeks might be a little rough. Your breasts and nipples will probably feel sore as they prepare for the task of nourishing your baby. Even if it’s just temporary, there’s nothing wrong with trading a supported bra for wireless.

If you want to kill two birds with one stone and purchase a maternity bra now, then go for it. There are a couple good maternity bras on Amazon, but in my experience (unless you have small breasts or a big wallet) it can be difficult to find a good, supportive maternity bra without an underwire.

If you do take the regular bra route, I found my favorite non-maternity bra at Victoria’s Secret. I love the support and I still wear it today!

9 Pregnancy Pillow

A pregnancy pillow is essentially a body pillow with a few more curves. It wraps around your back, neck, and legs to improve your posture, relieve pressure from your back, torso, breasts, and inferior vena cava.

Most of that comes into play towards the end of your second trimester, but in my humble opinion, it’s never too early to use a pregnancy pillow. If you’re struggling with back pain, indigestion, digestion issues, or insomnia, a good pregnancy pillow may be just what you need.

You can spend upwards of $100 on a pregnancy pillow, depending on the shape, and materials. Honestly, I spent about half that and was completely satisfied with mine.

10 Coconut oil

Coconut oil is another multipurpose, inexpensive first trimester must have that you’ll use throughout pregnancy and beyond. You can use coconut oil for baby’s cradle cap, your postpartum hair loss, breastfeeding pain relief and hemorrhoids. Ah, yes.

Coconut oil is particularly known for its effectiveness in the prevention of stretch marks.

Over the next few months, your body will be rapidly expanding and stretching. Coconut oil keeps your skin hydrated, increasing its elasticity. Even now, in the first trimester, you can start rubbing the areas that will be prone to stretch marks, such as your stomach, hips, butt, and thighs.

11 Leggings

Calling leggings a pregnancy must have is kind of a misnomer. It’s basically a motherhood essential. You will use leggings throughout your entire pregnancy, your postpartum period, and (let’s be honest), most of your early motherhood days.

Leggings are way cheaper than maternity pants and, depending on which brand you purchase, they can ease some of that pressure from your growing baby bump.

12 Phone App

Downloading a pregnancy app is totally free (most of the time) and can easily become one of the funnest parts of pregnancy. Typically, pregnancy apps will give you a weekly update on your baby’s development, as well as time-appropriate topics to consider. For example, at 20 weeks your app will let you know that your baby is the size of an apple and remind you to go to your anatomy scan.

I downloaded two apps during my pregnancy, the Ovia Baby App and Babycenter App. Post-pregnancy, I discovered the Mama Natural Week-by-Week email updates, which offers a similar service, but with a natural-oriented spin.

13 Probiotics

During pregnancy, your immune system might take a nose dive. Scientists aren’t 100% sure about the cause for this, but many believe that it’s to protect your body from rejecting your baby’s developing cells.

In any event, there’s a good chance you’ll become more susceptible to common cold or flu.

To prevent the perpetual sniffles is your prenatal vitamin and probiotics. Basically, probiotics are composed of “good” bacteria that help get rid of the “bad bacteria”. In addition, probiotics helps you maintain a healthy gut, which can eliminate other early pregnancy symptoms like diarrhea and heartburn.

You can consume probiotics naturally by eating yogurt, kimchi, or sauerkraut, or you can take a probiotic supplement.

13 Daily and Weekly Planner

Is your mental state a little bit foggy?

Pregnancy brain, or momnesia, is an actual phenomenon that occurs in many women. During pregnancy, your body produces excessive amounts of estrogen and progesterone that can affect your spatial memory capabilities. In other words, you might forget the small things like your doctor’s appointment, a new acquaintances name, or where you set down the milk.

If you’ve got the mom brain, it’s time to purchase a planner to help you organize your thoughts! Using a planner is a useful habit to curate, especially postpartum when things get really busy.

14 Healthy Snacks

During the first trimester, you’ll only need to consume about 1800 calories. While this isn’t exactly eating for two, your body can tell you otherwise.

Fill your stomach with healthy, low-calorie foods (as opposed to Grandma’s cookies or glutinous quantities of ice cream like I did). The type of snacks you choose will depend on your individual health concerns, but most pregnant women benefit from leafy greens (like spinach), bananas, kiwi, avocados, nuts and seeds, chicken eggs, grapes, broccoli…you get the idea.

My go-tos were homemade energy bites, yogurt, and smoothies.

15 Rolaids or Zantac

If you’re struggling with acid reflux, you’ll want to keep these first trimester must haves in your bag.

All of the progesterone running through your body relaxes your muscles, preparing your uterus for your developing baby. Unfortunately, it also relaxes the flap between your esophagus and stomach acids.

Rolaids were a godsend for my pregnancy. I simply popped one in about a half-hour before I ate. For those extra difficult days, I took Zantac. Zantac is a class B drug, which means its safe for pregnancy use.

However, any pharmaceuticals probably shouldn’t be your first option. You can prevent heartburn by eating smaller quantities avoiding greasy or spicy foods, and eating meals earlier in the day. If you’re already in the middle of a heartburn episode, lemon water, apple cider vinegar, and peppermint are all great natural remedies as well.

You Have Your First Trimester Must Haves…Now What?

Once you’ve gathered your first trimester must haves, you should really bunker down on what you need to accomplish before the second trimester.

Not entirely sure what that is? Check out my First Trimester Checklist post. It highlights all of the first trimester necessities you’ll need to accomplish!

The first trimester is tough, but hopefully these first trimester pregnancy favorites will help you just as much as they helped me. Just remember, your main priority is taking it easy and letting your body do it’s thing. You will have plenty of strength in the coming months to perform all of your nesting duties.

That’s about it! If you have any questions, please let us know in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!

Would you believe that some women don’t even get a positive pregnancy test until they’re 8 weeks along?

Sometimes pregnancy is downright confusing, especially when you’re losing your mind trying to figure out where all of your sudden, weird afflictions are coming from.

In this post, we’re going over the most common and weird very early pregnancy symptoms that could appear before a missed period. Just to give you a little extra insight, we’re also including some epic, strange early pregnancy stories by our favorite mom bloggers.

Are you ready? Let’s dive into the crazy world of pregnancy symptoms!

RELATED POSTS:

• First Trimester Checklist: The To Do List Every New Mom Needs
• First Trimester Cramping: Causes, Remedies, and When to Worry
• The Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy Classes: What to Take and When

20 Common and Weird Very Early Pregnancy Symptoms You Need to Know About

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase from one of the links I will make a small commission at no charge to you. Blunders in Babyland does not diagnose, treat, or give out any professional advice for any medical conditions.

Common Early Pregnancy Symptoms

Implantation Bleeding and Cramps

Just in case you weren’t already second-guessing things, you might experience some period-like spotting and cramps right before you get a positive pregnancy test.

Implantation occurs a few days before your menstrual cycle begins. Your fertilized egg will travel down your fallopian tube and burrow into your uterus. The bleeding and cramps are a  side-effect from the drop in progesterone caused by the event.

I’ve always had irregular periods due to my PCOS so our baby was definitely a surprise! Looking back at it now, I had ALL the symptoms but simply confused them with pms. I had sore breasts, fatigue, cramping etc. It wasn’t until after my first doctors appointment, after finding out that I was pregnant, that the nausea kicked in. I had nausea every day at various times, not just in the morning. It was tough! I had to quit my job because it was so bad. Certain perfumes from my pregnancy days still make me nauseous when I smell them.

Melissa M. | The Dulcet Mama

RELATED POST: First Trimester Cramps: Causes, Remedies, and When to Worry

Nausea

Feeling nauseous for no good reason? This is another clue that you could be carrying a little one!

While the exact correlation between pregnancy and nausea still hasn’t been confirmed, many researchers believe the culprit is a rise in HCG levels (or the pregnancy hormones). Most moms don’t experience nausea until about 6 weeks into gestation, however, many of the mamas on this list report it as one of their first symptoms!

When I found out I was pregnant I was thrilled but morning sickness soon kicked in at six weeks. I constantly felt like I was on a boat! It slowly got worse and I developed migraines and dizzy spells. At our 8 week scan we found out why… we were having twins! I had double the hormones floating around in there. Later on in the pregnancy I developed pre-eclampsia and SPD! The twins ended up being delivered at 36 weeks, still pretty good for twins after everything!

Rebecca | Living with Peas

Fatigue and Exhaustion

From the moment of conception, your body will produce progesterone like crazy. One of the most common side-effects of this hormone is exhaustion.

During my pregnancy, this was a dead-giveaway. The day before I tested positive, I slept a good 14 hours!

“I remember I started falling asleep on the couch in the middle of the day, even while watching my 3 year old. I was so tired I couldn’t help it! I took a pregnancy test and it came back negative. It wasn’t until another 5 days of pure exhaustion that my pregnancy test came back positive. I was about 4 weeks along when I got the positive test.”

Samantha  | Journey to SAHM

Bloating and Weight Gain

Your baby might be the size of a mustard seed right now, but that doesn’t stop your body from announcing your pregnancy to the world!

No joke, I gained 5lbs the first week I was pregnant and grew a baby bump basically the first month of pregnancy! If you’re in the same spot, try a warm (not hot) Epsom salt bath and drink plenty of liquids.

SHORT ON TIME? PIN THIS POST FOR LATER

Breast Changes

Your pre-teen growing pains ain’t got nothing on this. Breast tenderness is a wildly common sign of pregnancy. If you’re used to breast pain during your regular cycle and having trouble differentiating, keep an eye out for these other changes:

• Immediate breast-size increase (due to water retention)
• Darkening nipples and areolas
• Feeling of heaviness
• Leaking

I knew that something was up around 2-3 weeks. My boobs were larger and more sore than they ever were during my pregnancy. The areolas were also much darker and larger than before. I just knew had this feeling and I just knew that I was pregnant. I took a test the day after I missed my period, and sure enough, it came back positive. I believe I was only 4, maybe 5 weeks along at that point.

Mallory Herrera | Mama on Parade

My very first symptom in pregnancy, the one that scream’d “I think I’m Pregnant!” was tender breast! I had never experienced anything like that, even on my period. It happened within days of conception and I’m pretty sure it was the very first symptom I had with each of my pregnancies.

Stormy Stevenson | Pregnant Mama Baby Life

Unusual or Weird Very Early Pregnancy Symptoms

So, let’s say that you’re not experiencing the common stuff yet, but your gut is still telling you that something is just off.

You’re not alone! In fact, below are some strange early pregnancy symptoms stories and other unusual early pregnancy symptoms you should probably be familiar with.

Mood Swings

Pregnancy mood swings are odd. During my own pregnancy, I was incredibly giddy some days and overly whiney others. If you’re starting to notice odd mood changes that don’t typically correlate with your usual cycle, it might be time to whip out the pregnancy test.

My symptom was unnecessary rage that came out of no where. My husband bought the wrong cottage cheese and I literally saw red. I couldn’t believe he could have made such a mistake! I was so angry I had to leave the room so I wouldn’t just berate him. Once I calmed down and realized how stupid it was to be mad over cottage cheese it dawned on me that just maybe I was pregnant. Yep, I was expecting my twins.

Kim | Team Cartwright

Headaches and Migraines

Do you have a strange headache that won’t go away? This can actually be an unusual pregnancy symptom as well. Typically, early pregnancy headaches are caused by the sudden increase in blood flow, dehydration, or progesterone.

Heightened Smell

Are you ready for your new superpower?  Some moms report a heightened sense of smell as one of their first pregnancy symptoms. Be careful though, this can be a blessing and a curse, especially if you develop food aversions!

I woke up, rolled over and asked my husband who was having a bonfire at 7am. He asked me what I was talking about. “I smell wood… like a bonfire… like camping..” I sniffed around the room and realized it was large my antique dresser I was smelling. I knew immediately and went to take a pregnancy test. I can smell EVERYTHING when I’m pregnant.

Megan | Going Crunchy Not Crazy

Bleeding Gums

Many pregnant mamas fight sore and bleeding gums throughout their pregnancy. Once again, hormones and increased blood flow are the cause of this ailment, making the gums more susceptible to gingivitis.

Most women don’t experience pregnancy gingivitis until the second trimester, but if you’re anything like me, you’ll notice it the first week of pregnancy!

Cold and Flu Symptoms

A rite of motherhood is the endless cycle of seasonal bugs. In that aspect, pregnancy is the perfect trial by fire.When you’re pregnant, your immune system takes a nosedive, making you much more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections (which is why it’s absolutely essential that you start taking a prenatal multivitamin now).

For some moms, getting sick is actually a weird very early pregnancy symptom.

I suddenly came down with horrible diarrhea. I got so dehydrated I ended up in the ER. I got a negative pregnancy the week before so when they asked if I could be pregnant I said, “probably not, but I guess it’s possible.” They did some tests including a pregnancy test. Pregnancy test came back positive and so did the parasite cryptosporidium. Apparently when I got pregnant my immune system tanked and allowed the dormant parasite to activate. Therefore, the parasite was my sign of pregnancy!

Siraya Gloudemans | Stay at Home ZooKeeper

Change in Body Temperature

If you’ve been trying to conceive, you’re probably already familiar with basal temperature. A high basal temperature, or resting temperature, earlier in your cycle indicates ovulation. As your cycle progresses and you pass the ovulation phase, your basal temperature lowers.

That is, unless you’re pregnant.

If you’re waking in the middle of the night feeling a little hot or if your basal temperature hasn’t lowered, pregnancy might be the cause.

Digestive Issues – Diarrhea, Constipation, and Gas

Your bowels and bladder might take a hit during pregnancy, even at this stage. Some moms experience constipation, while others have the worst case of upset stomach and diarrhea ever.

My earliest pregnancy symptom was an upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, and once or twice I even vomited! My husband and I were on our honeymoon in the Dominican Republic, and I just chalked it up to a travel bug, without really digging much deeper into it. On the tour bus though I had to actually stop the bus, and get off to vomit on the side of the road. Everyone at our hotel, and even the bus driver kept saying “It must be a baby!” We laughed it off at the time…but they were all right. I guess after the second person said something I should have started to believe it.

Simone Clement | Simone Clement

Heartburn

Are certain foods haunting you at night? Do you feel a burning sensation behind your breastbone after a big meal?

If you’re all of a sudden having heartburn issues, you might be experiencing another weird very early pregnancy symptom. Once again, progesterone is the villain in this scenario. Progesterone relaxes your uterus, allowing your baby to grow over time. However, many other muscles begin to relax as well, namely the valve separating your stomach acid from your esophagus.

If you’re experiencing this early sign of pregnancy, there’s good news: there are several natural remedies you can use to relieve symptoms. I especially love the apple cider vinegar tip from Mama Natural.

On that note, when you’re ready to take a childbirth class, I highly recommend the Mama Natural Birth Course. It’s hands-down, the best pregnancy resource for natural-minded mamas!

RELATED POST: The Mama Natural Birth Course Review

Weird Food Cravings and Aversions

Food cravings and aversions are definitely staples of pregnancy, but did you know that it can actually be one of the first indicators?

That was certainly the case for me. Right away, I had the insatiable need for red meat! This need continued for a good two weeks, until it changed to Mexican food.

My first pregnancy I didn’t find out I was pregnant until I was just after six weeks. I have longer cycles so for me this was about a week late. I really didn’t think I was pregnant when I took the test, but in hindsight there were a few early pregnancy symptoms. The most obvious was that my eating habits changed. One day I really wanted sweet potatoes fries for lunch at work, another day I couldn’t bring myself to eat anything for lunch except carrots covered in ranch…and usually I don’t like ranch.

McKinzie Bean | Today Mommy

Frequent Urination

Frequent urination is sort of an unheard early pregnancy symptom, but it’s actually pretty common. It’s caused by a couple factors, but mostly the HCG hormone increasing blood flow to your pelvis.

Acne

Just like PMSing, the dramatic change in hormones can cause skin ailments. Even if you weren’t prone to acne prior to pregnancy, you might experience it now. Often times, that “glowing” look pregnant women have is actually sweat and excess oil. (#sadbuttrue)

There were two that stood out to me: all day sneezing, and sudden acne all over my scalp and the back of my neck. I remember washing my hair with medicated dog shampoo to try and get rid of the acne! (Clearly desperate!)

Jamie @ Growing Into Momhood

Strange or White Discharge

White discharge in early pregnancy is actually pretty common, but most moms still think of it as an unusual early pregnancy symptom. Probably because it is never talked about.

The technical term for white discharge is leukorrhea. Typically, it’s a little milky with a mild odor. You’ve probably seen it during the ovulation phase of your cycle, but sometimes women notice a dramatic increase in it during the early days of pregnancy.

Pregnancy Brain

The news is out! Pregnancy brain is real and it’s here to stay. For some moms, the brain fog descends almost immediately, once their bodies start to produce the pregnancy hormones. So, don’t worry. You’re not going crazy, but you might be pregnant. 😉

Breastmilk Changes

If you’re a breastfeeding mom and your baby is suddenly rejecting your milk, it could be more than just teething. Some breastfeeding moms notice a distinct change in the taste of their milk as well as their production.

Insomnia

Fatigue tends to get the spotlight, but many women experience insomnia as well.

Hormonal changes can cause insomnia directly, but more than likely it’s a result of your other pregnancy symptoms, such as discomfort, hot flashes, or increased need to pee.

For me, the insomnia seemed to stem from my sudden heartburn symptoms and bloating. If your insomnia continues, do yourself a favor and get yourself a pregnancy pillow. A pregnancy pillow is worth its weight in gold. It’ll your improve comfort, posture, and digestive processes (by helping you sleep on your left side).

Back to You: What Are Your Weird Very Early Pregnancy Symptoms?

So, what do you think? Are you experiencing common or weird very early pregnancy symptoms? What about the strange early pregnancy stories? Anything hit close to home?

The good news is, most of these symptoms occur right before or while pregnancy is detectable. So, if you haven’t taken a pregnancy test yet, now is the time.

I hope this post gave you a little affirmation that you’re not going crazy. Pregnancy is a total rollercoaster and a completely individualized experience. If it turns out that you’re pregnant, I hope you’ll come back and visit me. I have tons of resources I’d like to share with you to help you with your journey through early motherhood.

In the meantime, I would love to hear from you. Please let me know in the comments below!

Do you dream of a peaceful, unmedicated birth experience?

In a world where most hospitals see birth as a medical event and friends and family don’t quite understand your motivations, getting the support you need to achieve a natural birth can be difficult.

That’s where natural childbirth classes come in. A natural childbirth class can help you prepare for your labor and give you the confidence you need to have the unmedicated birth experience you want.

[Read more…] about The Mama Natural Birth Course Review: Is It Right for You?

Nothing is more nerve-wracking than having cramps during your first trimester.

I still remember the first day I experienced early pregnancy cramps. My husband and I were getting ready for a week-long trip to the Grand Canyon. We were putting gas in the car when I felt the first, shocking twinge. Throughout the trip, the consistent aches were every bit as strong and uncomfortable as menstrual cramps. In my mind, these cramps were a sure sign that something was off or my baby was unwell.

Thank goodness, I was wrong.

If you’re experiencing something similar, let me be the first to reassure you that early pregnancy cramps are completely normal. Almost 20% of pregnant women experience cramps at some time or another during the pregnancy.

Most importantly, the overwhelming majority go on to have completely healthy pregnancies!

But that statistic alone probably won’t stop that nagging worry you’re dealing with, or the pain you’re experiencing. By the end of this post, you’re going to know what causes first trimester cramps, how to treat them, and what cramps should  warrant a trip to your provider.

RELATED POSTS YOU MAY ENJOY:

• 17 Legitimate Pregnancy Freebies You Need to Grab
• The Ultimate First Trimester Checklist
• The Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy Classes: What You Need to Take and When

First Trimester Cramps: Causes and Remedies for Early Pregnancy Cramps

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase from one of the links I will make a small commission at no charge to you. Blunders in Babyland does not diagnose, treat, or give out any professional advice for any medical conditions.

Sometimes pregnant mamas tend to envision the worst case scenario any time they start to feel any aches or pains down there. In reality, there are several causes for cramps during the first trimester. While we will go over the dangerous causes in a moment, let’s touch on normal causes for first trimester cramping.

What do Early Pregnancy Cramps Feel Like?

Most of the time, normal early pregnancy cramps feel like menstrual cramps, ranging from a dull, radiating ache in the pelvis, to sharp, pin-point sensations.

First trimester cramps can become very uncomfortable, but they should never be severely painful and or long-lasting.

Normal First Trimester Cramping Causes

Implantation

Implantation occurs about 8-10 days after ovulation, when the egg burrows itself into the uterus. You’re not technically feeling the physical event of implantation, rather the cramps triggered by the hormonal process behind it. It’s a lot like getting your period, so some women experience implantation bleeding (spotting) as well.

From personal experience, these cramps seemed less severe than menstrual cramps and lasted for about a day. However, some women may experience implantation cramps for up to 3 days.

Implantation cramps are considered a sign of early pregnancy. If you’ve already confirmed your pregnancy with your doctor, implantation isn’t the reason behind your first trimester cramps.

Uterus Expansion

Pregnancy will transform your body in ways you never imagined. Unfortunately, many of these changes cause aches, pains, and lots of discomfort. (If you haven’t experienced breast pain yet, get ready for it!)

Right now, the biggest change is happening in your uterus. As this muscle grows and expands, it pulls and stretches, causing period-like cramps. Cramps from uterine expansion range from dull (or not-so-dull) aches to sharp pains when you twist quickly or turn.

Dehydration

Water is the primary mode of transportation for nutrients to your baby. When your body isn’t getting enough water, your uterus will be the first to complain. It will send you little warning signs–like cramps–to make you aware of the  problem. Listen to your body, if you’re experiencing frequent cramps, get yourself some water.

Later on in your pregnancy, these cramps will turn into contractions, a much, much bossier sign of dehydration.

Bloating and Gas

Progesterone, the hormone that’s causing all of the ruckus your body is experiencing, can also cause painful bloating and gas. These two side effects can actually cause pelvic and abdominal cramps.

When my midwife suggested that my cramps were actually caused by gas and bloating, I didn’t believe her. Prior to pregnancy, I certainly had never experienced gas this painful.

But, it’s true!

Gas can cause a distinct feeling of pressure in your pelvic area, as well as sharp, period-like pains. Sometimes, in cases of severe gas, you might experience pain in not only your pelvis, but your abdomen, back, and chest.

Hey, Mama! Are you feeling a little nervous about pregnancy? Check out this FREE Mini-Prenatal Class! In one segment, it actually discusses what signs you need to look for that warrants a trip to the doctor’s visit!

Diet

Sometimes the diet we’re used to doesn’t quite align with the diet our pregnancy demands. There are actually several foods that can trigger contractions and cramps in the uterus.

Take a quick inventory of your diet to ensure that isn’t the root cause. For example, raspberry leaf tea is excellent for building up uterine strength and reducing your labor time. However, if ingested more than once a day in the first trimester, it could cause a little too much uterine activity.

A few other foods to keep in mind are:

• Papaya
• Motherwort
• Pineapple
• Peppermint
• Caster Oil

First trimester cramps can also be caused by a deficiency in your diet. Make sure that you’re getting an adequate supply of potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C by regularly taking a good prenatal vitamin. If you haven’t bought a prenatal vitamin yet, I loved the Rainbow Light Prenatal One. It was the only vitamin that didn’t increase my nausea.

Round Ligament Pain

Towards the end of your first trimester, your round ligament could be the culprit for your early pregnancy cramps.

Your round ligament supports and connects your uterus to the pelvic area. As your uterus grows, your round ligament extends and stretches. Movement especially can cause round ligament pain. It’s most often described as a sharp, stabbing pain that occurs when you get up, twist, or even get out of bed in the morning. It can originate from one side, both, or in the center of your pelvis.

Sex and Orgasms

Unfortunately, your love life isn’t even safe from first trimester cramps.

Many moms notice period-like cramps after they have sex or, more specifically, orgasm. Don’t worry, though. This does not mean that having sex is hurting you or your baby! Most of the time, these first trimester cramps are simply a side-effect from the excessive blood that flows to your uterus after an orgasm.

You may also experience this later on in pregnancy, as your cervix begins to ripen and becomes even more sensitive.  

Abnormal First Trimester Cramping Causes

Unfortunately, sometimes first trimester cramps can be a warning sign that you shouldn’t ignore. Below are a few conditions that you need to look out for.

Yeast Infections or UTI

From 6 weeks to 24 weeks, you’re more likely to develop a urinary tract infection. UTIs and yeast infections can cause period-like cramps from time to time. If you first trimester cramps are accompanied by a burning sensation when you pee, more frequent trips to the bathroom, or cloudy, smelly urine, it’s time to call your provider.

Miscarriage

The unfortunate fact is, miscarriages do happen more frequently in the first trimester and sometimes cramps can be an indicator of one. Evaluate your level of pain and trust your gut. If you’re experiencing severe cramps that simply won’t let up, you need to visit your physician.

In addition, keep an eye out for these signs:

• Bleeding (Spotting is normal, bleeding is not. Look for bright red or brown blood.)
• Severe lower back pain
• White-pink discharge
• Decrease in pregnancy symptoms
• Excessive passing of tissue

Ectopic Pregnancy

In a healthy, normal pregnancy, the fallopian tube releases the fertilized egg to the uterus, where implantation occurs, and your baby begins to grow. In the sad case of ectopic pregnancies, the egg remains in the fallopian tube or somewhere outside the uterus.
The symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy usually occur between 6- 8 weeks if the developing baby remains in the fallopian tube, or a little later if it’s growing in the abdominal cavity.

If this is an early ectopic pregnancy, women might experience cramps or bleeding. If the condition has progressed into a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, the mother might experience these symptoms:

• Dizziness
• Pain in the neck and shoulder
• Signs of shock (from internal bleeding)
• Weakness
• Vomiting
• Stabbing pain in pelvis

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How to Treat First Trimester Cramps

Drink Water

Drinking lots and lots of water needs to be your go-to solution throughout your pregnancy. Your body uses a ton of water during pregnancy. It’s the main way nutrients travel to your baby. When your body is starting to get dehydrated, your uterus will let you know!

Pregnant women should drink about 10 8oz. glasses of water a day. I know that seems like a lot, but I’m not kidding when I say that your body needs it. Water will help prevent urinary tract infections, pregnancy cramps, and eventually, preterm labor.

My pregnancy hack for getting enough water was drinking from a huge tumbler with a straw. The tumbler was 30oz, so I knew I just had to drink 3 a day to hit my goal. Plus, drinking from a straw created a vacuum, allowing me to drink more in less time.

Warm Compresses

It’s okay to apply warmth your your pelvis, as long as the heat isn’t too great. At this stage of pregnancy, a hot pad may be damaging for your baby. Instead, apply warm, gentle heat to treat your cramps.

Try filling a plastic bottle with warm water, wrapping it in a towel, and holding it over your pelvis. A warm, wet washcloth is also a great, safe way to ease your muscles.

Warm Baths

You may have already heard that hot baths can be detrimental to your baby. However, research also suggests that a warm bath (where the water temperature is below 100 degrees) is just fine. A good rule of thumb is to make sure that your body temperature does not exceed 102 degrees for over 10 minutes. A warm bath eases and relaxes your muscles, providing some relief for your cramps.

You can also safely add a cup of epsom salt to your bath. The magnesium in epsom salt is well-known for its ability to relieve poor, aching muscles.

Change positions or activities

If your cramps are continuous, try shifting into a different position or doing a different activity. Or, if you’ve been inactive, try getting some exercise. Sometimes, your body just needs a little bit of stretching to get the kinks out.

Get Your Nutrients

If you’re not taking a prenatal vitamin, find a good one ASAP! Regularly taking a prenatal vitamin can improve fetal development and decrease the chances of birth defects like spina bifida.

Plus, when you’re lacking key nutrients like magnesium, vitamin c, sodium, or potassium, you’re more subject to cramps (including Charlie Horses).

When You Should Talk To Your Doctor About First Trimester Cramps

Most first trimester cramping is normal, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take your concerns to your provider. This is your pregnancy and your body. If you’ve been having cramps off and on for the last couple days and things just feel off, there is nothing wrong, embarrassing, or paranoid about calling your provider.

Just keep in mind the big warning signs:

• Severe cramps accompanied by blood
• Burning sensation when peeing
• Dizziness
• Irregular shoulder or neck pain
• Contractions
• Back Pain
• White-pink discharge
• Clots of discharge tissue

Stay Calm and Preggo On

I hope by now you’re feeling a little better about your first trimester cramps, or at the very least, have an idea of what’s going on. I understand how scary it can be to experience these sensations. You have no idea what’s going on, and all you can do is interpret the obscure signals your body is giving you.

Just remember, most mom-to-be’s that experience pregnancy cramps have absolutely no issues and go on to deliver healthy, happy babies. Just monitor your discomfort and keep an eye out for the red flags above.

If you’ve experienced first trimester cramps in the past and have a great tip you’d like to share, we’d love to hear from you. Let us know in the comments below!

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When I found out that I was pregnant, honestly I couldn’t believe it. I mean, I said I wanted to be pregnant. I tried hard enough to get pregnant, but when it actually happened it just wouldn’t click. The idea of a tiny life growing inside me blew my mind.

The next thought that bubbled up was, “What do I do now?”

I was vaguely aware that I should tell my husband and probably set up a doctor’s appointment, but that was pretty much it. If you’re like me and feel like a complete newb at this whole pregnancy thing, you are not alone. We’ve all been there!

This first trimester checklist will tell you exactly what you need to do for this early stage of pregnancy.

Are you ready, Mama? Let’s dive into the world of pregnancy!

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• 17 Legitimate Pregnancy Freebies You’ll Actually Use
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• Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy Classes: What to Take and When

The First Trimester Checklist: 10 First Trimester To Dos That Should be a Priority

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase from one of the links I will make a small commission at no charge to you. I only recommend what I trust. Blunders in Babyland does not diagnose, treat, or give out any professional advice for any medical conditions.

Confirm Your Pregnancy with Your Provider

The first and most important of your first trimester to dos: make sure you’re actually pregnant!

After you’ve taken a few (or several) home pregnancy tests, you’ll want to immediately schedule a visit with your provider. She will most likely confirm your pregnancy with a urine test, but she might try to kill a few birds with one stone by doing a blood test as well.

If you’ve chosen that practitioner as your prenatal provider, you’ll be directed to schedule your first trimester prenatal visits.

If you haven’t decided, that’s your next task.

Choose a Provider: Midwives vs. OB-GYN

Choosing the type of provider you’ll see for the remainder of your pregnancy is a critical decision. Despite what people say, as long as you choose a qualified professional whose ideals align with yours, there is not a right or wrong choice.

Midwife

To be perfectly honest, I didn’t even know what a midwife was until I got pregnant. I envisioned this medieval woman dressed in a white apron who was only brought in on the final hour of my labor.

In reality, a midwife is medical professional (usually a certified nurse) specifically trained to help women through the entire birthing process. From first trimester to the postpartum recovery, she’s there to guide you, answer whatever questions you might have, and help you experience pregnancy your way.

By definition, midwives deliver a personal touch that doctors most can’t. A midwife prenatal visit is usually longer, with an emphasis on personal, emotional care. Typically, using a midwife for the duration of your pregnancy is less expensive than a family doctor or an obstetrician.

OB-GYN & Family Doctors

But don’t discount family doctors and OB-GYNs quite yet!

Obstetricians are experts in the field of women’s reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth. They will be your greatest asset for dealing with any complications you might encounter along the way. Ideally, your doctor will be able to spot severe conditions before they become a problem and provide any medical intervention necessary.

If you or your family has a history of high blood pressure, heart defects, or diabetes, you’ll want to seek out an obstetrician.

While many family doctors may not specialize in women’s healthcare, they are still well-qualified to help with your pregnancy. Many women feel comfortable using their family doctor because of the trust and rapport already developed.

Schedule Your Prenatal Visits

Once you’ve confirmed your pregnancy and selected a provider, you should expect to attend a prenatal visit every four weeks until the third trimester.

For the most part, prenatal visits just record your vitals and the progress of your pregnancy. Since the first trimester is short, you’ll most likely only have two (albeit very exciting) prenatal appointments.

• 8 Weeks – This is the first prenatal visit after you confirm your pregnancy. Essentially, your doctor will give you a physical, check your vitals, review your medical history, perform a pap smear, and take a few blood tests.  
• 12 Weeks – This is the exciting one: your first ultrasound. Your provider’s goal is to confirm your baby’s heartbeat and establish a preliminary due date. Some doctors combine the ultrasound with a prenatal visit while others schedule them as two separate appointments. Unfortunately, your first ultrasound will mostly like be trans-vaginal (i.e., they will be sticking the wand where the sun don’t shine…).

The First Trimester Screening

A genetic screening is usually performed at the 12 week visit. The test determines your risk of carrying a baby with a genetic disorder such as down syndrome or congenital heart defects.

At this stage, the screening is non-invasive, and only takes a small blood sample and a few measurements of your baby’s neck during the ultrasound. It is not 100% accurate, but it is does a pretty good job of identifying when a mom is carrying a baby with down syndrome.

Opting in for a genetic screening is a completely personal decision.

It can give you the chance to prepare emotionally and financially for a child with special needs. Or, it can put a black cloud over your pregnancy.

Personally, my husband and I opted out of the genetic screening. If we did get a positive, we didn’t want to spend the rest of the pregnancy worrying about something we couldn’t change.

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Buy Your First Trimester Must-Haves

Now that we have the medical necessities taken care of, it’s time to move on to the more fun aspects of your first trimester to-do list. Shopping! Most of the items you need, you don’t even have to leave the house for.

Prenatal Vitamins

A prenatal vitamin is the most important item on this first trimester checklist! Regularly taking a  prenatal vitamin can dramatically reduce the chances of birth defects, nausea (for you), preterm labor, and even autism.

Not only that, vitamins keep you in tip top shape.

Having said that, not all prenatal vitamins are created equal. Make sure that your prenatal vitamin is highly-rated and contains an ample portion of folic acid. Personally, I loved the Rainbow Light Prenatal Multivitamin. It was the only prenatal multivitamin that didn’t make me nauseous!

An Organizer

You’ve probably heard the jokes about pregnancy brain, but believe me, it’s an actual thing. Whether it’s exhaustion, hormones, or the busyness of pregnancy, a lot of stuff is going to fall off your mental radar. Buying an organizer or planner can keep you on track.

Ideally, you’ll need an organizer that can track all of your prenatal appointments, pregnancy todo lists, and provider contact information.

My favorite pregnancy planner is the Bump Smart Nesting Planner. With over 190+ pages of checklists, pregnancy journal pages, and organization templates, it’s easy to keep everything in one place and carefully documented.

I also loved that it included goodies that go beyond pregnancy, like the Breastfeeding Handbook (one of my favorite resources!), baby milestone printables, interview worksheets, and baby growth trackers.

If you’re interested, you can find the Bump Smart Nesting Planner here.

Leggings

The best (and least expensive) investment you can make during your pregnancy. They’re comfortable and they’ll grow with you. A good pair of leggings will last until the third trimester!

Nausea Remedies

If you haven’t already, get ready for morning sickness. Typically morning sickness hits most women around six weeks  and lasts right up until the second trimester. Ginger ail, saltines, water, and ginger tea are your classic home remedies.

Having said that, several moms swear by morning sickness products like Natural Peppermint Tummy Drops and the Morning Sickness Candy by Pink Stork.

Maternity Bras

You may not be producing milk yet, but that doesn’t mean that your breasts aren’t preparing for it. As your pregnancy progresses, your breasts will begin to change and grow.

(If you still have any fond memories your puberty days, it kind of feels like that.)

While you may not need maternity bra right now, at least get one without the underwire.

Start a Pregnancy Journal

You’ll treasure your pregnancy journal forever, and eventually so will your little one.

A pregnancy journal ideally begins from conception to birth. It can be prompts or devotionals, or completely free-form. You can simply record the events leading to your little one’s birth, or write a series of personalized letters.

If you’re looking for suggestions, the Nesting Planner I mentioned above has a pregnancy journal included. My favorite pregnancy devotional was the Waiting in Wonder: Growing in Faith While You’re Expecting pregnancy devotional. The prompts and associated verses were so brief yet thought-provoking. I truly believe that it helped me adjust emotionally to the idea of motherhood.

Confirm Your Insurance Coverage

Do NOT try to pay for pregnancy wholly from your own pocket!

Even if you don’t have insurance, there are so many resources available to assist with your pregnancy. Not only does pregnancy open a special enrollment period for insurance, but you can apply for Medicaid as well. Some hospitals and birthing centers offer financial assistance as well.

If you do have insurance, now is a good time to double-check your coverage. Get your insurance provider on the line and double-check these things:

• Co-pay
• Deductibles
• Are childbirth classes covered?
• Are you eligible to receive a free breast pump?
• How many ultrasounds can you have?
• Coverage for doulas and midwives vs. doctors
• Coverage for birthing centers vs. hospitals

Adjust Your Lifestyle

If you’ve ever wanted to get into a healthier routine, pregnancy provides the perfect inspiration! The remainder of this pregnancy checklist focuses on creating a better environment for baby to grow in and a happier, more fulfilling pregnancy for you.

So, let’s align your lifestyle choices with your condition!

Work out routine

Frequent, low-impact exercise routines are best for pregnancy.  If you’re already well-accustomed to a more intense work out routine, you might be able to get away with moderate activity (such as jogging or weight-lifting) with your provider’s permission.

A good rule of thumb is to keep your heart rate between 60-70% of your maximum if you’re used to rigorous exercise, and 70-90% if you are.

Diet

Everything you eat gets back to your baby in some form or another. So, make sure that you’re eating a balanced diet. A steady diet of whole foods like fruit, meat, vegetables, whole grains, and even some fish can help your baby develop and make your pregnancy easier.

(If you’re still looking for a childbirth course, The Mama Natural Birth Course has a great, easy-to-follow pregnancy diet included!)

Having said that, you should also check out what foods you need to avoid during pregnancy.

Drink LOTS of Water

Water is the main way your body gets nutrients to your baby. Not only is it essential for a healthy pregnancy, but it’s a great cure for general aches and pains and even nausea. Try to drink between 8-10 8 ounce glasses of water a day.

Stop Smoking and Drinking Alcohol

Smoking is linked to several undesirable conditions for your baby, including an increased risk of SIDS, brain damage and addiction due to nicotine, and low birth weight. Alcohol comes with several risks as well, including fetal alcohol syndrome, mental disabilities, and physical abnormalities.

I don’t mean to scare you, Mama, but if you ever needed motivation to kick these habits, the time is right now!

Sleep

You might think it’s funny that sleep is on a pregnancy checklist, but hopefully that’s an indication of how ridiculously important it is.

Not only does a little extra sleep promote fetal development, but it will make you feel way better. During the first trimester, your body will be producing progesterone like crazy. The side-effect is often exhaustion.

So, it’s totally okay to schedule in a nap during your lunch hour. In fact, you’re even encouraged to.

Caffeine

As a fellow caffeine addict, it pains me to tell you this…but you’re going to have to cut down on the coffee. Too much caffeine may be linked to an increased risk of miscarriage. Some providers say that 300mg (about two cups of coffee) is fine, but all agree that 200mg (approx. 12 oz) is a safe number.

Read Up on Pregnancy

You picked a great time to get pregnant. In this modern world, there are so many {free} resources available to help you navigate through your pregnancy. The more you know, the more prepared you’ll feel, the more confident you’ll be when baby arrives.

Research and Save Up for Pregnancy Classes

Most experts recommend enrolling in childbirth classes during the second trimester and attending at the beginning of the third. At least check out the pregnancy classes offered in your area. If they don’t look so hot, you should know that online pregnancy classes are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and reduced cost.

RELATED POST: The Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy Classes: What You Need to Take and When

Buy Some Pregnancy Books

Before I found out about online pregnancy classes, I stocked up on tons of pregnancy books.

“Pregnancy” books can cover all aspects of early motherhood, including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, infant care, infant sleep, and much more.

Here are just a few of my favorite pregnancy books:

• The Christian Mama’s Guide to Having a Baby
• Expectant Parents
• On Becoming Babywise
• Secrets of a Baby Whisperer
• The Breastfeeding Handbook (eBook)

Free Pregnancy Mini-Courses/ Email Lists

These free resources are developed by experts and bloggers that want to help you become as informed as possible about your pregnancy. It can also help you get connected with excellent products, people, and tips to make motherhood easier.

Here are some free pregnancy e-courses and email lists you need to check out:

• Mama Natural Week-to-Week Pregnancy Tips
• Bump Smart Week-by-Week Email Course
• Babycenter Pregnancy Tracker
• Free Beginning Prenatal Class
• Free Breastfeeding Class

Plan Your Pregnancy Announcement

Okay, this one probably goes without saying. I bet you’re already trying to figure out how you’re going to announce your baby to the world!

Most families wait until 12 weeks to announce a pregnancy. At that point, your chance of a miscarriage dramatically reduces and you’ll have some nice ultrasound photos to share. Having said that, there is absolutely nothing wrong with announcing before that point. If you don’t think you can contain your joy, then by all means, shout it from the rooftops!

There are so many cool ways to announce your pregnancy on social media! Just find one that fits your vibe and go for it.

Adjust Your Budget

There is one last piece of business you should add to your checklist for the first trimester: your family budget.

If you’re anything like me, the financial aspect of pregnancy has you a little worried. Those hospital bills will start to trickle in, you’ll discover exactly how expensive baby gear actually is…it just hits hard.

While budgeting is an important aspect of pregnancy, try not to worry about your finances too much. You’ll find that the money actually is there, hiding in places you hadn’t noticed before.

If you start making a few adjustments now, you absolutely can make it through this pregnancy without financial loss.

You can pay for the extras by temporarily giving up a few luxuries, working just a couple more hours, or creating a HSA spending account to take advantage of tax-free dollars.

During my own pregnancy, I started working online to bring in a few hundred dollars a month. This might not seem like much, but it can pay for those ultrasounds and pregnancy classes.

Here are a few essential factors you should look at when creating your pregnancy budget:

• Ultrasounds and doctors appointments
• Prenatal Classes
• Birth
• Baby’s first doctor’s appointments
• Babymoon
• Maternity Leave
• Budgeting for Baby’s First Year

RELATED POST: 17 Legitimate Pregnancy Freebies You’ll Actually Use

Other First Trimester To-Dos:

• Start taking baby bump pics
• Sign up for a baby registry (I love Target and Amazon on the most!)
• Join a prenatal yoga class
• Investigate your company’s maternity leave policy
• Buy your first baby outfit
• Start talking to your baby

Okay, Mama!

Hopefully after reading this checklist for the first trimester, you have a fair idea of what you have some semblance of a game-plan.

Once you get the preliminary financial and medical logistics completed, your main priority should be keeping healthy. Give yourself permission to slow down and focus on being the healthiest you can be. Relax, allow yourself time to emotionally adjust to being a mother!

And for those nagging questions and unknowns?

We have so many resources for you here. I created Blunders in Babyland for new moms just like you that want to enjoy early motherhood to its fullest.

But before you go, I want to hear your story. Do not be shy. Tell me about your pregnancy so far. Is it what you expected? How did you come to be pregnant? What are your biggest concerns? What’s your biggest joy so far?

Let me know in the comments below! 

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Whether you’re an Irish descendant or a fond admirer of all things Celtic, choosing an authentic Irish baby name can be downright fun. From its early clan system to Anglicization, and devotion to ancient mythology and Catholicism alike, Irish names are complex and rich with history.

Just in case you’re new to Blunders in Babyland, my baby name lists revolve around a common theme: I like names that are unique and meaningful. Every baby is so special and I believe his name should match!

If you’re like me and love the idea of finding unique Irish boy names for your unborn Celt, then read on!

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40 Unique Irish Boy Names with Strong Meanings

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase from one of the links I will make a small commission at no charge to you. I only recommend what I trust.

Just a quick note before we dive in!

As search through Irish baby boy names, probably notice that a few have interesting spellings and even more interesting pronunciations.

Names like Siobahn, Bebhin, or Bógáin are more closely related to the original Gaelic variations. Since Ireland came under English rule in the 16th century, many of these names were anglicized. Most of the time, that meant shortening or altering the name to its phonetic version.

The list below contains both Gaelic names and phonetic versions, with pronunciations as needed.

Aban

This unique Irish boy name has roots in both Arabic and Gaelic. In Gaelic, however, it means “little abbot”. If your religious terminology is a little bit fuzzy, an abbot is the head monk at an abbey.

Alaois

If you suspect that you’re carrying a vibrant, feisty boy, Alaois could be the perfect Irish baby name for him. It means one who “enjoys the perks of life” or, alternatively, is “famous in war.”

Brogan

Brogan is a strong, simple name that was decently popular in Ireland for a time. This particular spelling is the anglicized version of Bógáin, which means “little shoe.”

Bain

This unique Irish boy name is pronounced exactly how it looks and means “fair-haired one.”

Caelan

(Shay-lan or Kay-lan). Just like its varied pronunciations, Caelan has multiple meanings. In some situations, it means “slender” or “child”. In others, it means “mighty warrior” or “victorious people.” The name is now considered unisex.

Daly

Daly stems from the Irish surname, O’Dalaigh. Dalaigh is best translated as, “one who attends an assembly” or “counselor.”

Declan

The old Irish version of this name is Deglan. There’s some debate on its pronunciation. Some pronounce it as “De-glawn” while others prefer its phonetic version, “de-clawn.” In any case, this traditional Irish boy name means “full of goodness.”

Coileáin

O’Coileáin is a common surname throughout Irish history. You might be more familiar with the anglicized version of the name, Collin. It means “cub” or “young one.”

Devlin

This is probably one of my favorite Irish baby names on this list. It means “fierce bravery”. Not only can it embody your unborn baby’s developing temperament, but its a great motto for him to live by.

Diarmuid

You might be more familiar with the phonetic version of this name, “Deermot” or “Dermot”.

Diarmuid has a rich history in old Irish mythology. He was the demi-god lover of Grainne, the daughter of the High King Cormac mac Airt. In the legend, Diarmuid and Grainne run away together, ruthlessly pursued by her elderly betrothed, Finn mac Cumhaill. In the end, Diarmuid meets an untimely demise, but his character was fearless and admirable.

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Eoghan

(Own) Eoghan is an ancient Irish boy name. He’s the infamous son of Niall of the Nine Hostages. Eoghan means “from the yew tree” or “young.”

Eamon

(Ay-mon or Ee-Mon) Eamon is a thoroughly Irish baby boy name meaning, “guardian” or “wealthy protector.”

Fallon

Fallon is actually a unisex name, designating that he or she is the offspring of a high king. In modern times, Fallon simply means, “leader.”

Fiadh

If you’ve checked out my Irish Baby Girl Names post, you might remember seeing this name. For both boys and girls, Fiadh means “wild.”

Galvin

The anglicized version of the Gaelic name, Gealbhan, Galvin means “bright one.”

Hagan

Pronounced exactly as it sounds, Hagan is the anglicized version of the surname O’Uiginn, which means “viking”.

Hugh

The Gaelic version of Hugh, Aodh, means “fire.”

PSSST! Are you ready for your baby to arrive yet? No? Check out our Pregnancy Class Guide. You’ll be glad you did!

Jamie

There’s some debate as to whether this is a Scottish name or an Irish name, however, it means “supplanter”. It’s most likely derived from James.

Jarlath

A very unique Irish boy name, Jarlath (originally Iarfhlaith in Gaelic) means “tribulatory lord.”

Iollan

(Ul-an) This unusual Irish boy name stems from another character in Irish mythology. Iollan was the pursuant of Dierdre and Naoisi.  Iollan means “one who worships a different god.”

Kane

Originally spelled, Cian, Kane means “ancient” or “enduring.”

Keiran  

Keiran is the phonetic version Ciaran, which means “dark.” The name gained its popularity from the Irish saints, Ciaran the Elder and Ciaran the Younger.

Leith

Leith is actually a Scottish name as well as an Irish name. The Scottish version refers to river, whereas the Irish version means “wide.”

Lonan

Lonan, or Lonán in Gaelic, means “little black bird.”

Merric

Merrick is a relatively popular name now, meaning “fame” or “popular”. However, this name actually gets its roots from Ireland. The original version, Merric, means “ruler of the sea.”

Nevan

Nevan originates from the Irish baby boy name, Naomhán. It means “holy.”

Niall

Pronounced and often spelled, Neal, Niall rightfully means “warrior” or “champion.” Niall comes with an incredible, bordering on fantastical, history; High King Niall created a dynasty that ruled Northern Ireland for four centuries.

Odhran

(O-rawn) Also known as Orrin, Odhran means “little green one.”

Oisin

(O-sheen). Oisin was another important player in Irish mythology. He was the son of Finn mac Cumhaill, the warrior that pursued Grainne. Oisin had a slightly gentler spirit than his dad, and while he was still a warrior, he was also known to be a poet. warrior, poet. Oisin means “little deer.”

Phelan

The phonetic variation of Faoláin, Phelan means “wolf.”

Quillan

Quillan is a cool variation of Collin.

Riordan

O’Riordan is another common surname, but typically considered an unusual Irish boy name. It means “royal poet” or “bard.”

Rourke

Sometimes referred to as a clan name, Rourke means “champion.”

Saorirse

(Seer-sha) Although Saorirse is more commonly used as a girl name now, it was originally an Irish boy name meaning, “freedom.”

Taber

This is a simple name, meaning “well.”

Tadgh

Pronounced TY-EG, Tadgh is Gaelic for “storyteller.”

Torin

Torin has a variety of meanings and origins, depending on how its spelled. The Irish varation, Torin, means chief from the crags. The English version, Tauren, means woodland.

Veon

A variant of Taveon, Veon means hillside or sky.

Whelan

Like Phelan, Whelan is a variant of the Gaelic name, Faolán, meaning wolf.

Yven

Technically, Yven is not an Irish baby boy name. It was a term used by the French to denote someone as a Celt. It stems from the word “yew” or “yew tree.”

You Can’t Go Wrong with an Irish Name

When you’re searching for your baby’s name, you’re not just looking for something that sounds nice. You want to find a name that not only speaks to your heart, but your child’s bright future and personality.

Without meeting your child, that can be quite the challenge.

The Irish boy names above are beautiful, yes, but they’re also timeless and special. Whichever one you choose, you know that his name will be as unique as he is.

If one of these names just didn’t speak to you, check out our other baby names posts.

• 50 Unique Baby Names with Beautiful Meanings
• 35 Powerful and Unique Biblical Baby Names
• 45 Old Fashioned Baby Names for Boys and Girls
• 30 Lovely Irish Girl Names for Your Celtic Baby

I created Blunders in Babyland for new and expecting moms that want to thrive during the early motherhood phase. If that’s you, check out a few of our most popular posts. I think you’ll love them!

Good luck with the baby name search, Mama!

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