Do's and Don'ts of first pregnancy

You might experience some anxiety after learning that you are expecting. How can you help? Why wouldn't you act? What meals and beverages ought to be avoided? It can easily become overwhelming because there is so much knowledge available. To help you make the best choices for you and your unborn child during this critical stage of pregnancy, we have put together this list of dos and don'ts for your first trimester.

Things to do during pregnancy

Eat Well :

You're not really dining for two, despite what the proverb claims. There is no need to double your consumption at this point because you won't need as many calories or nutrients later on in your pregnancy. Think about the quality of your food rather than the amount. Feed your body nutritious foods. Eat from local food sources and opt for healthy food if you can. Your exposure to chemicals is therefore reduced.

Concentrate on folate:

In the first stage of pregnancy, you should consume 600 micrograms of folic acid daily. Start consuming folic acid supplements right away if you weren't doing so prior to becoming pregnant. Spina bifida and anencephaly, two prevalent and serious birth defects, are less likely to occur as a result. Some organizations go so far as to advise all women between the ages of 15 and 45 to take 400 micrograms of folic acid everyday, not just those who are expecting.

After confirming your pregnancy, your doctor will probably advise you to take a prenatal supplement. The intake guidelines for folic acid are met by these supplements. In relation to prenatal supplements.

Take your prenatal supplements as directed:

These vitamins help you meet your requirements for calcium, iron, and zinc while also supplying the folate that you need. Additionally, they supply the right quantities of DHA and EPA. These two varieties of omega-3 fats support your child's mental growth.

Eat all the colors of the spectrum:

Try to consume colorful foods when you're meal planning or in the mood for a snack. Pick up some blueberries, scarlet apples, golden bananas, orange carrots, dark green spinach, etc. Foods with a lot of hue provide the most nutrients and antioxidants. Additionally, a varied diet will introduce your child to a variety of flavors and tastes. Through the amniotic fluid, your baby absorbs what you consume, so if you eat a variety of foods, so will your baby.

Do sleep :

Your body is undergoing major adjustments as it creates a completely new life-supporting system for your unborn child. You'll probably experience extreme exhaustion on some days as the placenta develops. Additionally, you are experiencing significant hormonal and emotional shifts.

When possible, take rests. If you have a job, consider fitting in some downtime during your lunch break. You might need to slumber longer than usual at night. To give your body a restful eight to nine hours of sleep each night, set bedtimes and adhere to them.

Do exercise :

Regular exercise aids in overcoming the first trimester's hormonal, attitude, and fatigue changes. It also aids in the fight against insomnia and weight increase. No worries if your schedule doesn't already include daily exercise. You can lead a more busy lifestyle in a number of ways, even while pregnant. But speak with your OB provider before starting any new fitness regimen. In light of your current health and what is best for your baby, your provider can make recommendations tailored to your requirements.

Stay hydrated :

Preterm labor can be prevented with hydration. Additionally, it guards against nausea, vertigo, and renal stones. Staying hydrated can help you battle constipation and hemorrhoids if you're already dealing with these problems. You're receiving enough water if your urine is light yellow to clear. If it's dark golden, you should drink more water.

Stay active :

Being busy while pregnant is beneficial to both you and your unborn child. It can improve your quality of slumber, lessen your anxiety, and keep you healthy throughout your pregnancy.

If you were busy before getting pregnant, you can keep doing so. But if you start to feel uncomfortable, pay attention to your body and decelerate down. If you weren't an active person prior to getting pregnant, start out cautiously and aim for 30 minutes per day.

Do COVID-19 Vaccine:

COVID-19 poses a threat to expectant mothers and their unborn children. Those who contract COVID-19 while pregnant are more apt to require hospitalization and intensive care. Additionally, they are more susceptible to premature birth, stillbirth, and pre-eclampsia.

According to studies, getting the COVID-19 immunization while pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or wanting to get pregnant in the future is safe. If you're worried about getting vaccinated while expecting, talk to a doctor you trust. Your healthcare provider is able to handle all of your queries and worries.

Monitor your baby’s movements :

Your infant is healthy if you can feel them moving. Usually, between the ages of 18 and 24 weeks, you begin to sense the movement of your unborn child. You might not begin to sense movements until after 20 weeks if this is your first child. The motions may appear to be a light spinning or fluttering. You might experience jerky movements and kicks as your pregnancy develops.

Learn your baby's typical movement pattern and alert your midwife or maternity unit right away if you believe it has slowed down, halted, or changed. Even before going into labor and during it, you should sense your baby move.

Do have sex :

As long as you don't have a complicating factor like placenta previa or another form of high-risk pregnancy, having sex while pregnant is safe.Up until your period starts, having sex with your partner is secure. You might have to attempt different positions if you're uncomfortable. If you have any concerns about the safety of sexual activity while you are pregnant, consult your doctor.

Pregnancy Don’ts

Avoid smoking :

Children born to moms who smoke during pregnancy are more likely than children born to mothers who don't smoke to have lower birth weights and are more likely to have learning disabilities.

Due to physiologic nicotine addiction, children born to smokers are also more likely to start smoking at a younger age and develop a regular smoking habit earlier.

Stay away from drinking Alcohol :

Your baby's growth could be significantly impacted by alcohol. Fetal alcohol syndrome can be delivered by women who consume alcohol during pregnancy. birth defects, cognitive difficulties, and behavioral issues. Trailing trends in terms of developmental and growth benchmarks.

Alcohol can be a problem in even tiny amounts. There doesn't seem to be a healthy amount of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Consult your doctor as quickly as possible if you need assistance quitting drinking while pregnant. Your infant is more likely to be healthy the earlier you seek assistance.

Avoid eating raw flesh :

Meat and eggs that are raw or overcooked increase the risk of contracting food borne illnesses like listeriosis and toxoplasmosis. Another option is food poisoning.

These conditions have the potential to result in significant, life-threatening illnesses, severe birth defects, and even miscarriage. Eat only fully prepared meat and eggs while you are expecting.

Avoid caffeine :

It is best to consume as little caffeine as feasible because high levels have been associated with pregnancy complications. The NHS's most recent recommendations state that you should consume no more than 200mg per day. This equates to roughly two glasses of instant coffee.

AVOID remaining stationary for an extended length of time :

Long stretches of standing or sitting can damage your veins and ankles. After being on your feet for a while, take regular pauses to stretch and keep your legs elevated.

Avoid Artificial Nails :

Pregnancy causes your nails to develop more quickly, so perhaps it's best to let nature run its course. Additionally, the scent of chemicals in nail salons is frequently overpowering, and if something smells strong, it probably isn't good for you or your baby.

Additionally, at least one study has suggested that pregnant women who deal with noxious chemical solvents in manufacturing plants, dry cleaning businesses, medical labs, or nail salons may endanger the brain development of their unborn children.