If you just found out that you are pregnant, congratulations! The first trimester can be an exciting time filled with uncertainty and fear. However, we are here today to help elevate some of that. These are our tips for surviving and thriving in the first trimester.
See A Doctor
You need to see a doctor during your first trimester for a variety of reasons. First, to verify your pregnancy. Yes, over the counter pregnancy tests can be reliable, but, you don’t want to give anyone false hope. I would suggest confirming your pregnancy with the doctor before you tell all your friends, family, and the world of social media.
Next, once you have figured out that you are pregnant, it’s time to get some prenatal vitamins. When you see your doctor, it is smart to ask what vitamins and supplements he would suggest and prescribe for you to take during your pregnancy. At this time, also ask your doctor if it is safe to continue taking any medicines you are currently on.
Decide How You’ll Announce It
Once you are sure that you are pregnant, it’s time to celebrate with friends and family. You get to decide how you present this fabulous information to the world, so be smart. Take a photo shoot, call those you loved, or make a witty Facebook post. Telling the world you are pregnant is between you and your husband, so let your personality shine through this time.
Keep Exercising
It’s a good idea during the early stages of your pregnancy to ask your doctor what activities are safe and which should be off-limits during your pregnancy. This is especially important if you work at a labor job, or a job where you are often on your feet. Also, ask your doctor if it is safe for you to keep exercising. Even just walking every day has been proven to increase your mood and the health of your baby.
Start Eating Smart
Yes, you may feel the need to eat more because you are eating for two, but don’t go overboard. It is recommended that women only eat around 1,800 calories per day during their first trimester. So, take it easy on stuffing your face, it is only going to make it harder for you to lose all that weight when the baby is born. Make sure that you research and ask your doctor about the foods you should not be eating when you are pregnant.
And, though it’s hard, try to satisfy your cravings with healthier foods and ingredients. It may be a good idea when you first discover you are pregnant to go through and get rid of a lot of the junk food and guilty pleasure snacks around your house. If you only stock your house full of healthy and nutritious foods, you will only eat healthy and nutritious foods. Some great foods to eat when you are pregnant include eggs, salmon, sweet potatoes, yogurt, walnuts, beans, and fruits and veggies.
Sleep Well
Make sure that you are getting between 8-10 hours of sleep each day. Your body needs extra sleep because of how much you are growing. Also, try your best to sneak in some naps throughout the day. If you work, try taking a nap during your lunch break in your car, at your couch in your office, or at home. An extra 10 to 15 minutes can do wonders for your mood. If you feel like you aren’t getting enough sleep, don’t be afraid to take some time to get more shut-eye.
Watch What You Drink
During the start of your pregnancy, and throughout it all, make sure that you are drinking plenty of water. It is recommended that you drink 10-8 ounce glasses of water per day, with an additional 8 ounces for each hour of activity. Make sure that you have completely stopped drinking any alcohol; and, that you have significantly cut back your caffeine intake.
Most doctors recommend that you stay away from caffeine all together throughout your first trimester. This is because caffeine has been linked to causing miscarriages. If you absolutely can’t live without your coffee, limit it to one cup per day.
Be Open With Your Spouse
The first trimester is a great time to talk to your husband about how to raise and parent your upcoming child. Talk about what you would want to include in their childhood, traditions, and ways you would want to discipline. This is also a great opportunity to talk about baby names, think about how you would want to decorate your baby nursery and other baby supplies you might need. Use this time to come together as you prepare to welcome someone new into your family.
Push Through The Morning Sickness
Unfortunately, a significant downside of the first trimester is morning sickness. You are already going to be moody, exhausted, and irritable, so why not add nausea and throwing up on top of that? But, realize that this will pass. Talk to your doctor about certain foods you can eat and other treatments you can try if your morning sickness lingers past the first trimester.
Be Encouraged By Others
Pregnancy can be a very trying and exhausting time, but you don’t have to go through it alone. This is the perfect time to get parenting and baby advice from your parents, confide in your best friend, and complain to your husband. Make sure that you aren’t bottling up your feelings and stresses inside. Confide in other people and let others who have been through childbirth encourage you. You are going to do a fantastic job with your child. Don’t doubt that just because pregnancy has gotten you down.
Create A Budget
Especially if this is your first child, it might be hard not to go crazy and buy everything in sight. Make sure that you sit down with your husband and decide what you are going to spend money on and what you are going to wait on. Remember that if this is your first child, you will have a baby shower and be able to get plenty of handy gifts there. If this is your second or third child, try to utilize things that you already have. No one is going to fault you for buying a baby outfit when you go out, but, make sure that you reign it in. After the baby shower, create a list of the things you still need and go from there.
As you can see, there is plenty to keep you busy during your first trimester. I hope that these tips can help you get on the right track and start your pregnancy off right!
