Your first trimester of pregnancy is a critical time when your baby’s major organs form and your body adjusts to hormonal shifts. If it is your first pregnancy then you will constantly be faced with the unknown and unexpected. I want to share with you the do’s and don’ts of the first trimester.
Do’s of the First Trimester
1. Book Your First Prenatal Visit
You should aim to book an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as you can. The main goal of this visit is to confirm your pregnancy. Your provider will also assesses your health via blood tests and ultrasounds and sets a care plan.
These initial checks are important as they are used to monitor risks like ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage which are more common in the first trimester.
2. Drink Water and Rest
Drinking water when pregnant can help with combating fatigue and nausea. I recommend that along with your prenatal workouts that you also include time into your busy schedule to rest. This includes achieving quality sleep.
3. Start Prenatal Vitamins
Begin taking a prenatal vitamin with including folic acid. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) highlights folic acid’s role in preventing neural tube defects like spina bifida.
4. Start Safe Prenatal Workouts
My first trimester exercise program has been specifically designed to provide women with safe and effective exercises during their 1st trimester. Some good forms of exercise include low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga.
ACOG endorses 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly to boost energy and mood. If you’re new to fitness, start slow; if active before, adjust intensity and skip heavy lifting until cleared by your doctor.
5. Listen to Your Body Mama!
It’s important you pay attention to what your body is telling you. Mild cramping or spotting can be normal as the embryo implants, but call your provider if bleeding’s heavy or pain’s severe.
Don’ts of the First Trimester
1. Avoid Foods Potentially Bad for Your and Baby
Avoid raw or undercooked meats, fish high in mercury, unpasteurized dairy, and deli meats unless heated. These carry listeria or toxoplasmosis risks, which can devastate early pregnancy. Stick to well-cooked, fresh options.
2. Don’t Smoke or Drink Alcohol
Quit smoking and avoid all alcohol immediately. Both can harm fetal development, raising risks of miscarriage, birth defects, or fetal alcohol syndrome.
3. Don’t Drink Too Much Coffee
I love a good coffee but too much during pregnancy can increase miscarriage risk, per ACOG. And be sure to avoid those unhealthy energy drinks.
4. Don’t Ignore Warning Signs
Notify your doctor if you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, or dizziness. These could signal miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
5. Don’t Cause Unnecessary Stress for Yourself
Every pregnancy is different. You will soon see that your first trimester can be unpredictable. You may experience nausea or not and that’s okay. Focus on progress and lean on your support system.
The first trimester is about balance and looking after you! That’s why thousands of mamas have used our PregActive first trimester fitness program to ensure they enjoy a healthy, fit and strong pregnancy.
