Pregnancy care for your first trimester

Pregnancy care for your first trimester

Whether you are trying to conceive or if you are already pregnant, there are some things that you should do during your first trimester (first 3 months of pregnancy) to make sure that everything goes well. Pregnancy can be very exciting yet also very stressful. A woman goes through so much emotionally, physically and mentally that it could affect her day to day activities. If she gets stressed or if something doesn’t agree with her it could have a negative effect on the baby as well. It’s important that you keep a healthy diet, keep yourself relaxed and calm. Aside from all this, there are other things that you should do to ensure a safe pregnancy.

Here they are:

1. Book your appointment with a good hospital- It is important that you schedule your appointment as soon as possible with a trusted hospital that can cater to your needs for a successful birth. You should also choose a doctor, who will be there throughout the pregnancy and guide you about when you need to go for your screening tests and ultrasound scans.
2. Start taking folic acid supplements- This nutrient is very important because it can protect your baby from any brain or spinal issues. A balanced diet will work well along with taking the tablets.
3. Quit Alcohol and Smoking- Be very strict about this if you do smoke or drink. Smoking can affect the baby negatively and make him or her turn out stunted or they could have issues with their total growth and development. If you drink while you are pregnant this could cause similar effect and miscarriage. It’s only 9 months, give it up if you have to.
4. Follow a balanced diet- Follow a healthy diet and stick to that, cut down caffeine and aerated drinks. You don’t actually need more calories during your first trimester, you just have to keep to a healthy diet.
5. Try to prevent morning nausea- You should try to eat little and eat frequently in order to combat morning sickness. Limited physical activity is recommended during the first 3 months of pregnancy
6. Get plenty of rest- It is common for a pregnant woman to feel exhausted during the first trimester. Get as much rest as you can, sleep early, take naps, you certainly need it.
7. If you need to do chores, do them safely- Be careful when handling certain products or chemicals because that could be harmful or it could cause your nausea. Always use gloves while doing your chores and if your work could affect your pregnancy, then you need to take leave from the start.
8. Traveling should be minimized: to necessity and avoid exercise like walks, taking stairs frequently or household work like sweeping and moping, carrying buckets of water during the first trimester

It is important that you take care of your every need while you are pregnant and try your best not to put yourself in any situation that might affect the baby.  Follow the steps above to ensure that you get the care that you and your baby need.

Remember that the safer you are, the safer your baby is going to be when it’s time to deliver

Although you may not see him or her right now apart from ultrasounds, the baby is still within you and growing. Your delivery can be a successful one but, be sure to take care of your health from the beginning of the first trimester. A healthy you equals a healthy baby after all.