Precautions to be taken during First Trimester
Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful phases of life that parents can experience. The planning that goes in, the anticipation of missing monthly cycle and that anxiety while doing a pregnancy test; the entire experience cannot be described in words. While family members and close relatives are delighted by the news, only a mother can understand this out of the world feeling when she cares her palms over her belly, having butterflies and that feeling of someone would grow inside her! From your maid to your grandmothers you get tons of pampering and advices out of which you can actually create the whole encyclopedia of advices, myths, do and don’ts and what not but it’s all worth!
That being said, this roller-coaster ride has just begun, and the first trimester is like putting on your seatbelts and preparing for the journey. You need to be super careful and take care of few things which will benefit you in later phase and avoid any incidences like miscarriages or delivering a premature baby. As during first initial phase your body is overtime to build this little soul.
The first thing is the heartbeat which is developed and then other organs and systems start developing. Physically your body starts to change: you start gaining weight, you may experience tenderness in breasts, you are always tired and don’t feel like doing anything, morning sickness is frequent and expected. The only solution for all these is relax and give yourself tender love and care. Things will change for better slowly and eventually.
Few precautions to be taken are mentioned below:
Take your first appointment with your Doctor
After you have checked at home regarding your pregnancy now it’s time to get it confirmed from the gynaecologist about your pregnancy as this will give you a surety about the risks and actual things happening inside your body. Your gynaecologist will also confirm about single or twin pregnancies at this time. And yes being confirmable with your gynaecologist is important, which helps in having open conversations about your physical and mental health, thus choose your doctor as per your comfort.
Take prenatal Vitamins as prescribed
It can be the case that you don’t have any medicines in routine but let me tell you, yes you will have to take regular medication as prescribed by your doctor. As it is the initial stage of your pregnancy for fetus development and for mother’s health as well. So the doctors generally prescribe folic acid tablets, which is responsible for preventing birth defects. The doctor may even start some iron tablets that prevents pregnancy anemia.
If you smoke, it’s time say a big NO to it
It is difficult for habituated person to quit but if you want a healthy baby you need to do so. Smoking increases the risk of causing several complications like low immunity, below average birth weight, miscarriage, premature births and many more. Try to avoid passive smoking also.
Cut down on caffeine
For regular coffee drinkers to cut down caffeine is as difficult as alcohol. Caffeine consumption also increases the risks of miscarriage as it disturbs the nervous system and may cause irritability, anxiety and restlessness. Some doctors allow to have 2-3 cups of mild lattes but if avoided nothing like it.
Keep a watch on what you are eating
Just remember pregnancy weight is very difficult to manage later on. It doesn’t mean that you should keep on eating when you are pregnant one must have a balanced diet and make sure it contains all the nutrients for the growing baby. In this initial phase even if you do not gain weight it is okay. And remember “you need not eat for two” from now.
Exercise
Staying active is a must during pregnancy. A little workout as per your regular routine shall not harm you rather it will help you cope up with morning sickness and refresh your mind and soul and keep your metabolism high.
Get as much rest as you can!
Frankly speaking pregnancy is tiring hectic and exhausting job. In initial days it becomes more difficult for you to adapt, as your body is going through many changes and there are tremendous fluctuation in your hormonal levels. It becomes even more difficult when you are working. Try to take rest whenever possible. Try to sleep early if possible. Try to spend a lot of self-time like do things you like read books or listen to music. Stay away from screen, it even more stressful.
In the whole journey of pregnancy this initial first trimester is the most crucial time so be cautious in this duration, do not take unnecessary risks, take care of yourself and lots of rest and the most importantly be - BE POSITIVE! It really helps.