I spent my first trimester of pregnancy sheltering in place at home — these are the items that helped comfort me while struggling with isolation

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Emily Hochberg/INSIDER

• I found out I was pregnant at the start of the global pandemic and spent my first trimester sheltered in place.
• I navigated my fears surrounding COVID-19 while also dealing with nausea, fatigue, and insomnia — and had to hide it from nearly everyone I know.

I always imagined that were I ever to become pregnant, I'd spend the first few weeks bubbled over in joy, excitedly nibbling saltines at work (because surely that's all it would take to curb nausea).

In reality, I found out I was pregnant at the start of a global pandemic. I was sheltered in place and fearful of the grocery store, missing my family, and afraid of going anywhere that would risk the health of my precious new cargo.

Unable to share what was happening with most people, I stayed home and did what any newly pregnant person would. I googled — alternating between articles about how the baby was developing and horror stories about women giving birth alone in response to stringent coronavirus policies, all while panicking over minute choices like whether my skincare routine was pregnancy-safe.

I ventured out only for doctor's appointments, which I attended alone. Office safety measures barred my husband from joining, and he watched his child's first ultrasound movements over Facetime. In short, nothing was going as I'd envisioned.

But there were also silver linings, and for those I am grateful. By the time I started working from home, I was hit by all-day nausea and fatigue. Every day, I felt like I'd stepped off a red-eye flight while recovering from a nasty stomach bug. I have endless respect for every pregnant person who suffered through their commute, vomited at the office, and dutifully completed all assignments while feeling so tired, they might actually turn to dust.

I navigated those pains from the comfort of my home but recognize not everyone is that fortunate right now. I felt cooped up and lonely but was safe and healthy.

I joined work calls in sweats, took lunch breaks to rest, was able to make (and smell) only the foods that appealed to me, and vomited in the privacy of my own bathroom. In truth, my first trimester wasn't too far off from how I would have wanted to spend it. Just, you know, without the whole fear of going anywhere, catching a deadly virus, halting all travel plans, and being unable to see my family, friends, and loved ones.

Nothing can remove the fear of a pandemic, and all pregnancies are different, but there are helpful solutions. Only your doctor should advise what's best for you and your baby, especially when it comes to your health and easing troublesome symptoms.

The items below, however, brought me comfort while struggling with the isolation, fear, and uncertainties around my pregnancy right now. Better yet, they helped me focus on the joy this incredible period of new life deserves.