Pregnancy is an incredible journey that is full of anticipation and uncertainty… especially for first time moms! The upcoming months before your child is born will include much preparation for the arrival of your new bundle of joy. In this section, we have gathered information for the first trimester of your pregnancy to support you to have the best pregnancy possible!
The first trimester includes the first three months of your pregnancy from week 1 until week 12. During this time your baby will grow from the size of a poppy seed to the size of an egg!
First Trimester To-Do List
- Calculate your baby’s due date
- Choose a doctor or a midwife – Choose one you like and trust because during your first trimester you are going to see them at least once a month.
- Begin to consider where you want to deliver your baby, whether it is at a hospital, birth center, or in your own home. Discuss the delivery with your doctor or midwife.
- Schedule your first prenatal visits and tests
- Follow a healthy life style and exercise regularly
- Take prenatal vitamins
- Make a dentist appointment – Hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy increases the risk of developing gum disease. Gum disease can affect the development of your baby.
- Limit the amount of caffeine that you drink during pregnancy. Too much is not healthy for the baby.
- If you are taking medication, talk to your doctor to see if the medication you are taking is safe for your developing baby.
- Start taking photos of your baby bump to track the growth of your baby and pregnancy development.
First Trimester Don’ts
- Do not drink alcohol. There is no safe amount of alcohol to consume during pregnancy.
- Do not use drugs of any kind.
- Do not smoke. The chemicals in cigarettes, cigars, and other similar products can cause many developmental defects during pregnancy.
During your first trimester, you may begin to experience morning sickness. If it becomes severe, your doctor may be able to recommend medications to take to ease your symptoms. But remember: always talk to your doctor before taking any kind of medication.
The first trimester can be especially scary for moms because the risk of miscarriage is highest at this time. But if you do what your doctor says, take your prenatal vitamins, and avoiding harmful substances, you are lowering your risk of miscarriage while also helping your baby to grow and be healthy.