Surviving the First Trimester of Your Pregnancy
From morning sickness to swollen ankles, the hormonal changes that go along with the first three months of pregnancy can produce a wide variety of challenges. It is important to remember that these trying times are transient and you should do your best to enjoy every minute of it. Before you know it, you will be facing a whole new set of challenges as your second trimester begins.
Some women outgrow their normal clothes before missing their first period while others have no noticeable physical changes until well into the second trimester. To avoid having to wear your significant other’s overgrown t-shirts, buy some cute maternity clothes early on. Purchase clothing in several sizes to accommodate an ever growing belly. Early on in your pregnancy, you may go from one size to the next overnight so it is always best to be prepared.
Although it may feel like the first trimester is lasting for ever, it will be over all too quickly. For this reason, take pictures of your changing body and keep a journal chronicling your entire experience. Not only will this give you lasting memories, it may be helpful in knowing what to expect in subsequent pregnancies.
Visit your doctor at least once a month. Your obstetrician will probably order an ultrasound to help determine your due date. Your doctor will give you guidelines regarding weight gain throughout your pregnancy. During your first visit, your doctor will probably order a blood test. This blood test will screen for anemia, check for immunity to certain communicable diseases and determine your blood type and Rh factor. It is important to attend all scheduled medical appointments during your entire pregnancy.
In most cases, it is beneficial to continue exercising during your pregnancy. However, you must avoid contact sports, spend more time warming up and cooling down and listen to your body. Talk to your doctor to ensure that you have no known risk factors that may be made worse by aerobic exercise. Low-impact aerobic exercises are best for pregnant women. Regular exercise can help relieve tension, stabilize emotions and alleviate fatigue and morning sickness.
If you experience nausea, try eating small, low-fat meals several times a day. This will help you avoid getting too full and experiencing sudden drops or spikes in your blood sugar. Food that is high in fat takes longer to digest so you may feel fuller longer, experience heartburn and feel nauseous more often. Eat a variety of foods that will help keep you and your baby healthy. A prenatal vitamin is a must. Your body will rob itself of necessary nutrients to provide for the baby so a vitamin designed specifically for pregnant women will ensure that you and your baby have the necessary vitamins and minerals.
The first trimester is a vital time for your growing baby. These tips can help you enjoy the first three months of your pregnancy and reduce some of the negative side effects. Your new baby will be here before you know it, so use this time to get some extra rest and pamper yourself.
