First timer Tips for Pregnant Moms The Do's and Don't

The first trimester of pregnancy is crucial for both mom and baby. As a mom, your body is growing and transforming while your baby too begins to grow. Here are a few tips on what you should and shouldn’t do during the first trimester while enjoying this journey towards motherhood.

 

Each and every woman and pregnancy are different, so listen to your body and make adjustments to your routines and daily life as required.

 

Do’s

 

  • Take prenatal vitamins

Vitamins will provide the required folate and fulfill the requirements of calcium, iron and zinc. It will provide the necessary nutrients required for the baby’s growth and development.

 

  • Food as fuel

Eat a balanced diet to ensure that you are healthy and have the required energy. Organic food from local sources would be ideal. 

 

  • Sleep well

Take naps and rest regularly. Your body is going through changes, and you are providing for a new life. It is natural to feel tired, so sleep well.

 

  • Exercise

Regular exercise is a must as it will prevent weight gain and help you with your sleep, frequent mood swings, hormonal changes and fatigue. 

 

  • Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated helps prevent headaches, dizziness, and kidney stones. With pregnancy, you may feel constipated or have hemorrhoids; thus hydrating yourself is the best way to avoid both. 

 

  • Maintain dental health

Dental visits will help you ensure your oral health as you are at a higher risk of gum disease, which can affect your baby’s health as well. 

 

Don’ts

 

  • Avoid smoking and consuming alcohol

Smoking is not good for either you or your baby and can cause major health issues. Similarly, avoid drinking alcohol as it can cause complications in your baby’s development. 

 

  • Too much caffeine isn’t good for you

Do not consume too much caffeine as it can pass through the placenta, which in turn will increase the baby’s heart rate.

 

  • You don’t need to eat for two

While you do need extra calories, you should not overeat because that will result in weight gain and can lead to obesity in your baby later in life. 

 

  • Avoid the consumption of raw food

Raw or undercooked meat and eggs should be avoided as there is a risk of contracting listeriosis and toxoplasmosis, which causes serious and life-threatening illnesses. In general, it is best to avoid uncooked food as it can transfer various types of organisms that can be harmful.

 

  • Don’t allow your temperature to rise

Avoid saunas and stay in hot tubs for prolonged periods as it will overheat your body and affect your baby’s development.

 

  • Avoid cleaning cat litter

Having a pet cat is fine, but do not clean their litter boxes while pregnant as the litter contains a multitude of parasites that are harmful to your baby.

 

Always take care of yourself because your health determines your baby’s health. The first trimester is a time of joy and anticipation as you prepare to bring a new life into this world. Enjoy the journey.