You’ve probably found yourself confused and worried multiple times during your entire pregnancy. Expecting mamas usually have more questions than answers, what with the many changes happening to your body as you grow a tiny human being inside you.
Relying on countless pregnancy books and pieces of advice from those around you may only leave you feeling more clueless and a tad bit overwhelmed, especially during the challenging first trimester when everything seems foreign and unfamiliar to you.
Let us help you, mama. May these nuggets of wisdom help you get through some of the worst days of your first few months of being pregnant.
1. Find an OB-GYN you can trust.
Your choice of healthcare provider is one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make. After all, your OB-GYN will play a huge role in your pregnancy journey. He or she is the person you’ll entrust yourself and your baby to all throughout the nine months or so. Check their track record and skills. It’s even better if you have someone in your circle who can recommend them or knows them personally.
When you find one whom you trust, regularly attend your prenatal checkups to ensure a healthy pregnancy until you give birth. Don’t be shy to ask questions and share with her your fears and worries.
2. Don’t forget to take your prenatal vitamins.
Taking your doctor-recommended prenatal vitamins is one of the easiest ways to promote your baby’s healthy growth and reduce their risk of developing various birth defects. So always set a reminder to take your folic acid, iron, calcium, and more.
3. Rest whenever you can.
Do not be surprised if this is the most tired you’ve ever felt. Those raging pregnancy hormones — which rise sharply during the first trimester — make you feel fatigued and extremely sleepy most of the time. Since you will be more exhausted than usual, you’ll obviously be needing more rest. Go to bed earlier and take naps when you can. You might also want to reduce your workload as you’ll be needing those extra hours of rest and sleep during this period.
4. Wear a comfortable bra.
Early on in your pregnancy, you may already feel that your breasts are sore and tender, no thanks to your pregnancy hormones. Bid your regular bra adieu and say yes to a maternity bra that is designed to give your breasts the support and comfort they deserve during this time.
5. Eat a balanced diet.
A baby is growing and developing in your tummy, so it’s only a must that you nourish them in the healthiest of ways. Ensure you are getting enough proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals in the food that you eat. As much as possible, avoid undercooked meat and raw food.
6. Stay hydrated.
Did you know that water can work wonders whenever you feel nauseous and sluggish? Many pregnant women find that sipping water makes them feel better especially at the height of their pregnancy symptoms in the first trimester. You also need to stay hydrated as you need more water to support all the work your body undertakes to accommodate a baby.
You may also want to cut out alcoholic drinks and decrease the amount of caffeine you consume. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your baby.
Enjoy your first trimester and the rest of your pregnancy, mama!
TAGS:first-trimester
