During the first trimester, you may experience morning sickness, fatigue and other changes and symptoms in your body. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by these changes, don’t worry. With some organization and preparation, things will become more manageable.
The first trimester of pregnancy is a fantastic transformation. During the first 13 weeks of pregnancy, you will experience many changes in your body. The baby’s organs, muscles, and bones are beginning to form, and the woman’s body adapts to her new little passenger.
It’s normal for every pregnancy to be different. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first, second, or third, you can begin your pregnancy on the right foot by following these steps.
Use our simple first trimester to-do list to guide you through the initial weeks of pregnancy or to prepare for a future pregnancy.
Also read: First Trimester Pregnancy: Major Symptoms & Changes
First Trimester To-Do List for Moms
1. Daily supplement
The first thing includes in the first trimester to-do list for Moms is proper prenatal care. If you have not started taking prenatal care, it is time you start. You must get enough folic acid when trying to conceive, especially during the first trimester. Folic acid reduces fetal development risk of developing neural tube congenital disabilities like spina bifida.
2. No alcohol and smoking
Smoking during pregnancy, drinking alcohol and consuming drugs like marijuana and opioids can cause pregnancy complications. Talk to your medical practitioner about your medical history and ask for help to quit. Also, certain hobbies or jobs can harm you and your baby. Talk to your doctor about your medical history to devise multiple ways to avoid them in your home or workplace.
3. Plan a healthy and balanced diet
You need to have a variety of healthy foods and nutrients throughout your pregnancy to help keep yourself and your child healthy. Some nutrients you will need for your prenatal care are:
- Folic acid
- Iron
- Vitamin B6
Plan your diet and frequent meals based on what your doctor prescribes.
4. Drink plenty of water.
During pregnancy, you should drink at least 8-12 cups or 64-96 ounces of water daily. It helps in digestion and helps form the amniotic fluid around the baby. Water also helps circulate the nutrients in your body and helps remove all waste material.
5. Learn the danger signs
If you have any of the following symptoms, then call your doctor immediately:
- Excess vaginal bleeding
- Excessive nausea
6. Exercise
During your first trimester, try low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, yoga and water aerobics. Some slightly vigorous activities such as running, moderate weightlifting and jogging are also considered okay, depending on what your doctor allows.
7. Announcing your pregnancy
If you plan on announcing your pregnancy, most women wait until the end of the first trimester or until they get to know their due date, That is due to concerns about miscarriage, mainly during the initial stages.
8. Let your partner get involved
When pregnant, both mom and dad have equal responsibility. So, why not let your partner get involved? Let them do the heavy lifting or help you with the daily chores. You could also do exercises like running or walking together to help keep that connection.
9. Decide a budget
Having a child means incurring expenses. So, in the first trimester stage, it is best to plan your budget and finances accordingly. It will help you in the long run because you can plan events such as baby showers, set up the nursery and buy baby items.
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First Trimester Facts
First-trimester symptoms vary from woman to woman. Some experience all the known common first trimester symptoms, while others only have a few. The extent of symptoms can differ.
The first prenatal visit means you will undergo an obstetrical history that includes a physical exam and specific blood tests, urine tests, genetic tests, and other screening tests, including blood type, to help assess your health and fetal development.
Past the eight-week mark, your embryo is referred to as the fetus.
Even though your baby is only 1-1.5 inches long during the first trimester, all the major organs have already formed.
During this stage, the fetus is susceptible to damage from alcohol, certain medicines, and drugs. They are also vulnerable to illnesses like rubella (German measles). Talk to your doctor about these in the first prenatal visit.
Signs of a Healthy Pregnancy in the First Trimester
Here are 11 healthy pregnancy signs that suggest your pregnancy is going well in the first trimester:
- You will feel exhausted
- You have missed a period
- You have heartburn
- Your breasts are growing and in pain
- You are constipated
- You are bloated and start developing a bump
- You start feeling nauseous
- You start having headaches
- The food cravings and aversions start
- A thick vaginal discharge begins
- You tend to urinate more often
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FAQs
1. The most critical week of the first trimester?
The first trimester is the crucial time in fetal development. It is during this period that your baby develops. During this period, most congenital disabilities, chromosomal abnormalities, and miscarriages occur. So, take care during the first 13 weeks.
2. How do you know your first trimester pregnancy is going well?
You know it is well when you go for your regular checkup and follow all the measures for diet and exercise that your doctor prescribes. Also, remember to take your vitamins and other medicines prescribed to you.
3. Sneezing during the first trimester
Most women sneeze more than usual during the first trimester. It is known as pregnancy rhinitis. Pregnancy rhinitis is a nasal congestion that starts at any point during the pregnancy and resolves within two weeks of the baby’s birth.
Conclusion
The first trimester of pregnancy is critical for both mother and baby. It’s important to be aware of the common symptoms, signs that your pregnancy may be going well, and potential risks and dangers during this period. Understanding how your partner can get involved in supporting you through this stage can help reduce stress levels while also fostering connections between partners.
Furthermore, deciding on a budget before getting pregnant is essential to prepare you financially when welcoming your new bundle of joy into the world. With these tips, we wish you all the best with a healthy first trimester!
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