Pregnancy Checklist During Your Pregnancy

It’s happened. You are pregnant. And you are thrilled, a little apprehensive, but most of all very eager to do everything right for the wellbeing of your precious baby during your pregnancy. For most of your first trimester of pregnancy your little one will be a tiny bean-shaped being. But mums-to-be can do so much to ensure their little bean has all the help it needs to grow big and strong. Here’s a check list for mums-to-be in those early days of a first trimester of pregnancy. Take Folic Acid Ideally you should have been taking this before you started to try to conceive, but as soon as you know you are pregnant start taking this key supplement daily. The correct dosage will be found in most multivitamins. It’s also found in many foods, like leafy greens, citrus, and beans. Folic acid helps prevent serious birth defects. See your GP See your doctor either to confirm your pregnancy or to register as a pregnant patient and check with them about all the initial tests you’ll need, ask anything you need to know about your diet and lifestyle, discuss any existing or recurring illnesses or conditions or any medicines you regularly take. Your GP can also give you information about free pregnancy clubs and websites you can join to get free samples and invaluable help throughout your pregnancy. See your dentist Ideally your teeth and gums should be as healthy as possible before you get pregnant. Pregnancy raises the risk of gum disease, and gum disease may increase the risk of early labour. Check your weight Being too thin can make it more difficult to conceive, but being too fat puts mums-to-be at risk for health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure and it can mean a longer labour. Exercise Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days. Walking, swimming, yoga and Pilates are all ideal during your first trimester of pregnancy and beyond. Eat well As a mum-t-be you’ll need plenty of protein, iron, calcium, and folic acid. Make sure your diet is rich in fruits, nuts, vegetables, leafy greens, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Cut back on convenience foods, fried and sugary foods and fizzy drinks. Cut the caffeine Some experts recommend that mums-to-be drink no more than one 12-ounce cup of coffee or four 8-ounce cups of brewed tea during pregnancy. Stop smoking Smoking during pregnancy can increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and even miscarriage. It also puts your baby at risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Ask your partner to give up too as breathing in second-hand smoke is also dangerous. Cut alcohol Drinking alcohol regularly during pregnancy can increase the risk of a baby having birth defects and learning problems. One drink on a special occasion is probably fine – but as nobody really knows the exact safe limits for the unborn child, it’s best to cut it out of your life while pregnant.