First Trimester Pregnancy: What to Embrace, What to Avoid

A first trimester pregnancy has all the ingredients for panic and distress. Momentous changes, hormones, and an endless to-do list that all but uproots your entire lifestyle. Let us see what we can do to avoid the drama, by accentuating on the most positive actions in the first trimester.

Rules & Regulations

The first rule is always to avoid consuming nicotine, alcohol, and non-prescription drugs – recreational or otherwise. Women who are thinking about having a baby ought to do this even before the baby is conceived. But if not, you should then put this at the top of your pregnancy checklist.

While the old scientific hearsay about eight glasses of water has been debunked, the point about rehydration is still valid.  Since you will experience many more frequent urges to use the bathroom, you might be tempted to cut down on liquids altogether. Resist the temptation.

Diet & Exercise

Other things to consider during the first trimester of your pregnancy include an exercise routine that is as moderate as it is consistent.  Coupled with a diet high in protein and carbohydrates, you should be able to manage fatigue and blood sugar levels better as time goes on. Iron, folic acid, and calcium are all essential to your baby’s development, so it would be easier for you to plan this in consultation with your doctor. She may also be able to advise you on other potential procedures, such as prenatal testing for those with a family history of heritable disorders.

As for caffeine, the general rule is to abstain where possible. There are no hard facts on this universal question despite decades of research, so the general consensus in the scientific community remains “First, Do No Harm.”

The bottom line is that in the first trimester, pregnancy tends to wreak havoc in your body’s hormonal balance. If you can’t beat them, join them.