What I Am Eating During Pregnancy (and What Has Helped With Nausea)
Let me be very real with you about pregnancy eating. The first trimester was not a time of beautiful salads and thoughtfully balanced meals. It was saltines. It was whatever I could get down without immediately regretting it. It was ginger ale at 9 PM because nothing else sounded survivable.
Things got better in the second trimester, and I have been a lot more intentional about food since then. Here is an honest look at what I have been eating, what has helped with nausea, and what I have actually been able to sustain.
What Helped Most With First Trimester Nausea
Ginger, in almost any form, was the thing that made the biggest difference for me. Ginger chews were my constant companion for about six weeks. They are not magic, but they take the edge off enough to get through a meeting or a car ride. I kept them in my purse, my nightstand, and my car.
Eating small amounts frequently rather than three full meals was the other thing that helped. An empty stomach made the nausea significantly worse, so I was eating something small every two hours even when I did not want to.
Prenatal Vitamins That Do Not Make Things Worse
One of the most common reasons women skip their prenatal vitamins is that many of them cause or worsen nausea. Taking them with food helps. So does switching to a gummy prenatal if the pill form is not working for you. I found a prenatal vitamin with DHA that I take with breakfast and it has been completely manageable this trimester.
What I Am Actually Eating Now
More protein than I thought I would want. Eggs are my current best friend. Greek yogurt, nuts, a good amount of chicken. Protein keeps me full longer and I have noticed I feel better when I prioritize it.
Fruits and vegetables in their most accessible form, which for me right now means smoothies, easy salads, and whatever requires the least prep. I am not cooking elaborate meals. I am eating what I can make in under ten minutes and not feeling guilty about that.
Staying Hydrated
I bought a large water bottle that I actually like and it has made a real difference in whether I hit my hydration goals for the day. Having something appealing to drink from sounds like a small thing but it genuinely matters. I also add electrolyte packets occasionally, especially on warm days or after exercising, which helps more than just water alone.
Snacks That Travel Well
For the bag, the car, the desk: nuts, dried fruit, crackers and peanut butter, protein bars. The goal is to never be caught too hungry because hungry plus nauseous is a combination I want to avoid. Pregnancy-friendly snacks on Amazon are easy to stock up on so you always have something on hand.
What has helped you with pregnancy eating or nausea? I am still collecting tips for any future rough patches. Leave them in the comments.
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So glad you are here. xo, Pam
