The First Trimester Pregnancy Dos and Don’ts

The first trimester pregnancy is when it all happens. It is at this stage that your baby’s organs start to form and develop, it is also the time when you experience the full effects of being pregnant with feelings of sickness, exhaustion and mood swings as your hormones rocket through the roof. With all these changes going on it is important to know what you should and should not being doing for both you and the baby. Here are some first trimester pregnancy dos and don’ts... Do eat healthily Ditch the junk food and make sure you are eating a healthy and balanced meal with plenty of fruit and vegetables so you are giving your growing baby all it needs, as well as keeping your own body in good condition. Make sure you are consuming high calcium, iron and folic acid foods as deficiencies in these areas are linked to common problems in pregnancy. Do drink lots of water Water flushes out toxins, aids digestion and ensures our bodies absorb the essential nutrients from the food we eat which is even more vital when pregnant. A common problem in the first trimester pregnancy is constipation and drinking plenty of fluids can help with this. Do exercise It is a good idea to keep fit so your body can cope with carrying a baby and labour as well as losing the weight afterwards. If you haven’t exercised before, avoid taking up strenuous workouts. Regular, gentle exercise is recommended, particularly in the second trimester pregnancy and onwards as your bump grows in size. Do put your feet up Try finding time in the day to simply relax. The first trimester pregnancy is a tiring time and your body is working hard growing your baby so it needs time to rest and recharge. Do make love Many couples are naturally afraid to make love for fear of harming the baby but there is actually no risk involved and in fact it can be important to maintain a close and intimate relationship with your partner during this time of big changes. Don’t smoke Smoking harms your unborn baby as cigarettes restrict the essential oxygen supply which means their heart has to beat harder every time you smoke. Don’t drink alcohol Current medical advice says to avoid alcohol altogether whether you are trying for a baby, are in the first or second trimester pregnancy or close to giving birth. Excessive drinking can increase the risk of miscarriage and lead to abnormalities in the baby. Don’t diet Now is not the time to diet. While it is not a good idea to “eat for two”, on average you should be getting about 2,500 calories a day during the first trimester pregnancy which is an increase of 400 calories for when you are not pregnant and these calories are needed by both you and your baby. You should expect to gain about 25 to 30 pounds during pregnancy.