Pregnancy is not an illness, yet your first trimester may feel more like an illness than not. While there are no known ways to eliminating or avoiding morning sickness, vomiting and fatigue, there are ways you can help your body feel more refreshed as well as some tricks to feeling better overall.

No method is full proof or guaranteed. But if you feel yourself struggling to stay awake and alert throughout the day or morning sickness is lingering past the A.M., these tips may help you regain some control over your body and will hopefully make you feel better, even if it is a little bit.

So what can you do?

To get over fatigue, exercise is the name of the game. You’ll be surprised what a 30 minute daily workout can do. Besides it being healthy, working out will help get your body stronger to carry the weight of your growing baby thoughout your pregnancy. Exercising stimulates your energy, as well as strengthens your cardiovascular system which in turn helps you feel less tired.  Exercise also releases endorphins, which can help you feel relaxed. Working out can also help with body aches (like the ones that keep you from sleeping) and it can actually help with falling asleep if you frequently experience discomfort throughout the night hours.

Overcoming morning sickness may be a bit trickier than minimizing fatigue. Still, there are things you can do. For starters, eat five smaller meals though the day, rather than the typical three meals a day. Drink plenty of water (about 8 glasses a day) and avoid caffeinated drinks such as soda, tea and coffee. If you are not too keen on water, try adding a slice of lemon or orange to your water for flavor, or try carbonated water.

Keep crackers handy. Eating something first thing in the morning can help prevent nausea caused from an empty stomach.  Avoid greasy and spicy foods, which are more likely to cause nausea. Eat foods that are high in protein and carbohydrates. Also avoid strong odors or any familiar smells that induce your nausea.

If you find that you are vomiting excessively, speak to your doctor about it. Sometimes morning sickness can turn into a severe condition that poses a risk to both you and your baby. If you experience a combined lack of appetite and excessive vomiting, you should be monitored by your healthcare provider, since it can result in malnourishment and dehydration. A short hospital stay may be required.

And remember, at about 13-14 weeks, you should be feeling much better!