Pregnancy is a delicate phase in a woman’s life. She needs to take care of herself and the growing baby inside. The first trimester is the most delicate period in the entire pregnancy, thus requiring extra care and caution. What can you or can’t you do during the first trimester? Read on to find out.
The pregnancy's first trimester starts from the first day of your last period and lasts until 13 weeks. So, by the time you take a test to confirm pregnancy, you are already 4 weeks pregnant.
Your body will undergo many changes in the 9 weeks after confirming pregnancy. Though changes start happening from week 3, you may not notice them until the 5th week. Your body starts producing the pregnancy hormone and more estrogen as well. This can cause hormonal fluctuations and imbalances. If you are feeling irritated, upset or crying easily, blame it on these hormones.
Though you may not see a baby bump yet, your uterus is already expanding and making room for the baby to grow in. After the successful implantation of the fertilised egg, your body grows a new organ – the placenta, to nurture the baby. The baby will now get all nutrients, oxygen and even blood from you, only through this placenta. The placenta is filled with amniotic fluid, which also doubles up as a safety cushion for the baby.
The first trimester is when the pregnancy takes shape. The pregnancy has to cross the initial few days to be confirmed as safe. Some critical parts of pregnancy that take place in the first trimester, which require utmost care, are –
● Implantation – The fertilised egg must implant inside the uterus and not outside or in the fallopian tube. If it does implant outside the uterus, it is an ectopic pregnancy and is not viable.
● Placenta Formation – The placenta forms and attaches to the uterine wall. Though the position can shift a little as pregnancy progresses, where the placenta attaches now is where it will mostly stay throughout the pregnancy. If the placenta attaches too low in the uterus, it will increase the risk of placenta previa or low-lying placenta, which increases complications in the pregnancy.
● Morning Sickness – Morning sickness in the first trimester is very common and, in fact, one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy. However, some women may experience excessive nausea and vomiting that will lead to excessive weight loss, which can be dangerous to the pregnancy. Extra care and caution are paramount during this period.
● NT Scan – The Nuchal Translucency scan that helps identify chromosomal abnormalities, including Down syndrome, is taken in the first trimester at around 12 weeks. This scan, along with blood tests, can help doctors determine if the baby is at risk of birth defects or abnormalities.
Here is what you should do during the first trimester of your pregnancy to ensure both mother and baby are safe and the pregnancy is on the right track –
If you have not started taking folate supplements yet, you should consult your doctor and start immediately. Folic acid is important for preventing neural tube defects and other developmental issues. Prenatal vitamins can help meet the increasing demands of pregnancy without much struggle.
Your body is constantly changing, making it difficult to continue doing what you did before pregnancy. If you are feeling more tired or sleepier than usual, if you are unable to eat certain foods, etc, listen to your body instead of trying to fight it. Be gentle on yourself and give in to the demands of pregnancy.
While it is not necessary to eat for two, it is essential to eat better. Remember, what you eat is what the baby gets. Include foods rich in vital nutrients for healthy fetal development. Cut back on processed foods and replace them with fresh and natural foods.
Your body is creating a whole new human inside. If you never prioritise quality sleep, now is the time to start. Good quality, uninterrupted sleep is very important for both you and the growing baby.
Ensure your vaccinations are up to date. If you have missed any crucial vaccinations, talk to your gynaecologist and get the necessary vaccines at the recommended time. Certain vaccines are mandatory for every pregnancy; you can get the pending vaccines along with these. Your immunity will be weaker than usual during pregnancy. So, you need to take all the necessary precautions to ensure you don’t contract any diseases during pregnancy.
Now is the time to prioritise your physical and mental health. Hormonal fluctuations can cause a lot of stress and mood swings. Be proactive by exercising regularly after getting your doctor’s approval, using creams, lotions or oils to keep your skin nourished, engaging in activities that can reduce stress and getting help wherever needed.
Follow the doctor’s orders as they are professionally qualified and experienced enough to guide you. If you are not comfortable, seek a second opinion from an equally qualified doctor. If your doctor recommends or restricts certain activities, do listen to them.
Here are some things you should not do during the first trimester of your pregnancy –
It is a common saying to eat for two when pregnant, as the baby receives all its nutrition from the mother, and hence, the demand on the mother’s body is greater. Though your body needs more calories as the baby grows, there is no need to double your intake. The calorie requirement does not drastically increase in the first trimester itself. So, just listen to your body and eat more when you are hungry. Don’t force yourself.
The first few months of pregnancy are very crucial in identifying issues with the pregnancy or the baby itself. Complications like ectopic pregnancy, hyperemesis gravidarum, placental complications, etc., can be identified through the prenatal check-ups and tests. Ensure you take all the tests required to confirm the pregnancy is safe and progressing as expected.
It is quite natural to want to continue with your routine despite the pregnancy. Remember, the demand on your body just increased, and the hormonal fluctuations are impacting your physical and mental health in multiple ways. If your body is too tired or you feel irritable, it is necessary to take a break and address the issues before their impact intensifies.
While exercising and staying active in pregnancy is important, the first trimester is not the time to start a new exercise routine. When you start a new physical activity, it can strain your body and even lead to injuries if you don’t follow proper form. It is safer to stick to exercises and activities you are familiar with. You can learn something slow like yoga, if your doctor approves.
The first trimester can strain your body and cause many aches and discomforts. Warm baths and saunas can help relax muscles, but not during pregnancy. Hot saunas or sitting in the hot tub in your first trimester can increase the risk of miscarriage.
As your limitations increase, it is natural to challenge yourself and try doing it all by yourself. Now is not the time to exert yourself beyond a point. Cut back on your regular commitments to reduce physical and emotional stress, as they can negatively impact the pregnancy. Get help if needed, and take up any offers from your friends and family.
The internet and family members will have various ideas, advice and beliefs when it comes to pregnancy. Listen to them all politely, but don’t follow them without consulting your doctor first. Only your doctor knows your condition completely and is qualified enough to guide you.
The first trimester is a delicate phase and can determine the course of both the pregnancy and the baby’s health. Be cautious and proactive in caring for both your and your baby’s health.
Eat foods rich in folate, iron and other essential nutrients. Your baby is just developing and will need all nutrients for healthy development. Opt for lean meat, lentils, leafy green vegetables, fresh fruits and dairy sources.
Yes, stress can negatively impact pregnancy in the early days. Stress can cause hormonal fluctuations, which can be detrimental to pregnancy in the first trimester. Actively handling and reducing stress is very important during pregnancy.
Consult your doctor before making any travel plans. In general, travelling during the first trimester is safe unless you have complications in your pregnancy or are suffering from severe morning sickness or nausea.
Yes, in general, mild exercises are safe in pregnancy first trimester. However, it is necessary to consult your gynaecologist and get their approval for the same. Only your doctor will know if you have any complications to watch out for and what is safe for your pregnancy.
