The Ultimate Pregnancy To-Do List: First Trimester
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Have you just found out that you are going to have a baby? Are you overwhelmed? While pregnancy does bring in a lot of excitement, it also makes you nervous. And, that’s pretty normal given the number of responsibilities that are headed your way. Also, pregnancy does bring in its own set of dos and don’ts. In fact, this thought can be even scarier during your first trimester since you are still getting a hang of it. Don’t worry, we are here to ease your stress. Here, we bring you all those things that you should be doing in your first trimester:
1. Ensure It Is A Positive
Most home pregnancy tests are able to correctly detect whether or not you are expecting. But, if you see a faint positive or negative result on the test, you may want to give it another shot after a week or so in case you still haven’t got your menstruation. You can also consult your gynecologist to be 100 percent sure.
2. Choose Your Doctor Well
If you have already found your doctor, you are all set. But if that’s not the case, it is time to do some homework. You can have a chat with your family and friends, ask them to recommend someone, or even do some research online. But, find the healthcare provider that works the best for you.
3. Prepare For Your Prenatal Appointment
There are many doctors who will not give your first prenatal appointment until the eighth week of gestation. But, it is still safe to get an appointment earlier since the doc’s calendar can fill up quickly. You can perhaps make a list of questions that constantly cross your mind. Talk to your family members and check whether or not you have any medical history, be it a chronic disorder or any genetic abnormality.
4. Let Your Doc Know About Any Medication
A lot of medications might not be safe for an expecting mother. But, this does not mean that you stop taking medicines altogether. Just call your doctor right away and let him/her know about what you have already been taking. The doc will let you know immediately whether or not it is safe to continue with the same. Just make sure that you mention everything, be it supplements, vitamins, or alternative therapies.
5. Stop Smoking
Smoking can lead to a lot of complications during pregnancy. This can increase the risk of stillbirth or miscarriage. It might also cause birth defects or respiratory problems in the little one after birth. This can also reduce the amount of oxygen that is available to both you and your infant (1). So, stop smoking immediately as it is never too late to let go of bad habits.
6. Don’t Consume Alcohol
Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature labor, or even lead to possible birth defects (2). While many contradict saying that a little bit of it does not make a difference.
But, there is no concrete research for the same so it is always better to steer away from it altogether.
7. Be Careful About Activities You Indulge In
Some activities might not be quite safe during pregnancy. There are some chores that you should steer away from. And, also avoid several home products such as cleaning agents, solvents, and pesticides, among others. Try to keep away from harmful chemicals, radiation, and biological agents. So, have a chat with your doc or medical professional, discuss your everyday activities, and make an effort to eliminate any harmful activities or things that are a part of your daily routine.
The first trimester of pregnancy can be a scary time and that’s pretty natural. But, incorporate all these suggestions into your daily routine. And, let your doctor know immediately if something worries you. All the best!
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