Congratulations! You are pregnant!

The even better news is that you have probably found out a third of the way through the first trimester! Only two thirds still to go…

The first trimester is arguably the hardest trimester to get through.

After the excitement can come morning sickness (i.e. all-day nausea), severe fatigue, intense emotions and maybe even some anxiety. It doesn’t matter if this is your first pregnancy, or the last, the symptoms and feelings never change. And as a working-mother-to-be, the challenges are twofold.

Even if you are lucky enough to skip the morning sickness, there are SO MANY doctors’ appointments and ultrasounds to schedule which can play havoc with your work obligations.

Throw into the mix extreme tiredness and some pretty intense emotions swirling around before you can announce your good news and it can be a tricky to balance it all without giving the game away. And don’t even get us started on trying to navigate social occasions or, God forbid, Christmas functions, without being able to adequately explain why you are skipping on the champagne.

So, what is the best way for modern mothers to navigate the new and sometimes treacherous waters of early pregnancy without skimping on their work and life obligations?

Here are some of the best and most practical ideas to get you through…

Tell someone you trust

Most of us have a group of work friends or a trusted work confidant. If you can tell your manager or even your HR advisor, you really should. They are going to need to approve your leave for medical appointments and they have an obligation to keep your news confidential. PLUS if you are hit hard by morning sickness then they are going to be more supportive if they know why you need to take more leave than usual.

Ask for help

You don’t have to do everything alone. Ask colleagues to help you out with work tasks, your partner or family with home tasks, and trusted friends with your news to help you navigate social situations. It takes a village to raise a child, and you may as well start building yours now.

Pamper yourself

Take the time to take care of yourself and do the things that really make you happy. Maybe get a massage, or some beauty treatments, whatever it is that you feel makes you feel more ‘you’. You could always order one of our first trimester gift boxes for yourself (or drop a little *hint hint* to someone to order one for you) for the ultimate in practical yet luxurious pampering options.

Outsource

This is a great time to let things go and focus on resting where you can (see point below). Hire a cleaner, order a meal delivery service or online shopping. You can outsource pretty much anything and the first trimester is the perfect time to do it! Plus, if you get in the habit of outsourcing now, it will make it easier to do once bub gets here, and from one mum to another, this is when you are really going to need it!

Rest and recharge where you can

Modern life moves at a million miles an hour, but you don’t have to. You can step out of the rat race for a few weeks without it impacting your life in any conceivable way. Cancel anything non-essential in your own time and REST!

The good news is that the second trimester usually brings a return to energy levels, and a clearing of the nausea and fatigue, so you can pick right back up where you left off, only if you want too, of course.

You can navigate the tricky period before anyone knows your pregnant by utilising these tips. Don’t forget to check in with friends or family who have been through this before for extra advice too. You’ve got this, Mama.