First Pregnancy Trimester: The Do's and Don'ts You Need to Follow

The first trimester of your pregnancy is one of the most crucial phases, it begins from week 1 to the end of week 12, the development of your baby in this phase is faster than any other time, and by the end of it, your baby will look like a tiny human being and will be called a fetus. You're probably freaked out by the responsibility of taking care of your baby, what to do and what not to do in the first few weeks of pregnancy and all the precautions might be overwhelming.

Here's a guide of the do's and don'ts you should know in your first trimester

The first trimester do's

Do follow up with an OB/GYN

Find an OB/GYN that you feel comfortable with, as changing your doctor, later on, might make you less relaxed, also early prenatal care protects your baby's health.

Do take ginger and vitamin B6

To manage your morning sickness, ginger and vitamin B6 will help with nausea and vomiting, just consult your doctor on how often you should take them.

Do wear comfortable clothes

You'll be experiencing back pain, swelling, heartburn and wearing tight clothes will make it worse, so loosen up and give your pregnant body a break.

Do use Bio-oil or any pregnancy-safe cream for stretch marks

Your bump will start to show after the first trimester, and your skin will start to stretch at a very fast pace, so you better keep your skin soft and moisturized and prepare it for the next phase and minimize the appearance of stretch marks.

Do eat a rainbow of food

Following a varied diet will provide your little one with all the nutrients needed. You're supposed to consume more organic and homemade food that is rich in iron, calcium and folate as this will also introduce your baby to new tastes through the amniotic fluid.

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Do take prenatal vitamins

Eating a varied and balanced diet that's rich in vitamins and minerals might be a good way to provide your body with all of the healthy nutrients it needs to support the baby. But bare in mind that a healthy diet alone may not be enough for pregnancy. Taking prenatal vitamins is necessary for your first trimester as it contains higher doses of certain nutrients that your body will need to help develop the fetus and prevent birth defects.

Do stay active

Maintaining bed rest is a myth advised to pregnant women in their first trimester. Pursuing normal activities, walking, and gently exercising is good for the mama as well as the baby unless your pregnancy is critical and you're advised otherwise by your consultant.

Walking is the best exercise for pregnant women it helps control blood sugar levels, thus reducing the risk of gestational diabetes. Regular exercises will help you combat insomnia, muscle pain, excessive weight gain, and mood swings.

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Do visit your dentist

Not visiting your dentist is also another misconception for pregnant women, but what you don't know is the routine care helps prevent serious issues, as fluctuating hormone levels can cause swollen and bleeding gums, with when left untreated, can lead to periodontal disease, which raises your risk for low birth weight and premature delivery

The first trimester Don'ts

Don't smoke

During pregnancy whatever you put in your body affects your baby too. So, as smoking and drinking are harmful to your body they can be detrimental to your baby's growth and will increase the possibility of miscarriage, birth defects, and stillbirth.

Don't visit the sauna

Any activity that may raise your body temperature may disrupt fetal development, even soaking in too hot water can double the risk of miscarriage, therefore you should stay away from saunas and hot tubs.

Don't consume excessive amounts of caffeine

Many of us can't start the day without a cup of coffee. However, it's advisable to limit caffeinated drinks like tea, coffee, and cola to just one serving a day during pregnancy. Excessive caffeine may increase the chance of miscarriage. If you still have a craving, limit yourself to a single caffeinated drink a day.

Don't eat raw or processed food

It's advisable to avoid raw food like uncooked and unprocessed dairy products like soft cheeses which can lead to premature delivery, miscarriage or stillbirth. If you're a sushi lover stay away from sushi made with raw fish, but you're welcome to enjoy California rolls containing imitation crab meat or fried sushi.

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Don't take any medicine unless approved by your doctor

There is a big health risk for the mother and child caused from self-medicating as whatever you consume your baby does too. So all the over-the-counter or prescribed medications, even herbs, and vitamin skin creams must be approved by your doctor.

Don't eat for two

You do have a tiny human growing inside your belly, but all you need to keep him healthy is an extra 300 calories from nutrient-rich food, so don't double the amount of your food intake.

Don't lift an heavy weight

Lifting heavy objects and bending is bad for pregnant women as it might lead to an increased risk of premature labor and low birth weight. So, even if you are used to it, it's better to be careful when it comes to lifting anything heavy.

Main Image Credits: Instagram @leamichele