Every woman experiences a beautiful stage in her life: pregnancy. You, as the expecting mother, are responsible for supporting your child’s growth in a healthy, nurturing environment. These beautiful times can bring up many questions about your abilities and limitations. Do not panic! You don’t need to panic!
First Trimester
This is the most important phase. The first trimester starts on the first day after your last period, and ends at the end of week 12. You might be five to six weeks pregnant by the time that you are certain you’re pregnant. These first three months are crucial because a lot can happen during this time. Your baby’s growth rate is greater than any other trimester. Six weeks after conception, you can hear a baby’s heartbeat. By week 12, all of your baby’s bones and muscles have developed. Your baby will now look like a tiny human being, and you are called a foetus.
The “Dos” for the First Trimester include the following:
- Regular follow-up with your obstetrician is important during the first trimester to monitor the progress of the foetus’ development.
- Pick the hospital that offers care and the obstetrician. Avoid frequent changes, as it can lead to conflicting opinions during consultations.
- Folic acid is a vitamin B that’s needed to make blood cells. Folic acid is extremely beneficial for the development and maintenance of the baby’s nervous systems. The doctor will advise the dosage. Folic acid is recommended for pregnant women and during pregnancy to prevent neural defects.
- Consume more homemade and organic food as it is richer in nutrients, essential vitamins, proteins, and other nutrients. A variety of healthy foods rich in iron, folate, and calcium are available.
- During the first trimester, small, frequent meals at regular times are important. At least eight glasses (1.5 L) of fluid per day, mainly water. It is vital to keep hydrated.
- Choose foods rich in antioxidants during pregnancy.
- Perform your daily activities as usual, unless you are advised otherwise by your treating consultant.
- Walking is a vital part of pregnancy and is the best form of exercise. Walking helps you stay active and tone your muscles. Walking reduces the risk of gestational diabetics by lowering blood sugar levels.
- Take plenty of time to rest.
- Always wear a seatbelt while driving or traveling by car.
Do’s and Don’ts in the First Trimester
- Avoid self-medication. It could pose a risk to the mother and her child’s health.
- Avoid junk food as they can increase your risk of developing gestational diabetes. They are high in sugar, and calorific.
- Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol and caffeine. Your baby will be affected by what you consume. You should quit smoking, drink alcohol, and use drugs to improve your baby’s health and growth.
- Avoid street food to avoid stomach problems
- You don’t need to eat extra in the first trimester.
- Avoid raw papaya or raw pineapple.
- Avoid eating foods containing pesticides or preservatives.
- Avoid stress and dehydration.
- Do not overexert yourself or engage in aggressive activities.
- Prevent weight gain until 16 weeks after conception.
- Avoid constipation-causing foods.
- Do not use the sauna, steam room, or heat the bath.
Third and Second Trimesters
The second trimester runs from week 13 through week 26, and is the most secure and best time of the whole phase. While the discomfort experienced by the expecting mother in the first trimester will subside, there may be some discomfort. During the second trimester, the mother will begin to feel the baby’s first movements. You should feel more at ease now that things have settled down.
From week 27 through the end of pregnancy, the third trimester takes place. As she carries her baby around, this stage can cause more pain, swelling, and aches. An anxious pregnant woman might also feel anxious about her baby’s arrival.
What to do in the second and third trimesters ?.
- Have regular, timely visits with your doctor.
- Do get a flu vaccine. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that pregnant women receive the vaccine during flu season. The vaccine is safe for both mother and baby at all stages of pregnancy. It protects against severe illnesses that could occur during pregnancy. There are sufficient evidence to support this conclusion. The flu vaccine does not contain live virus. However, it does cause antibodies in your body that will protect you from the virus if you are exposed.
- A high-protein diet should include adequate amounts of milk and other milk products. To avoid weight gain, a balanced diet is important.
- Keep hydrated. Regular fluid intake is important.
- Regularly practice yoga and Lamaze. Prenatal classes can be taken at the hospital. Pregnant mothers may consider childcare classes during the third trimester.
- Do moisturise. To prevent stretch marks, apply creams or oils to the abdomen. The second trimester of pregnancy can cause a pregnant woman’s belly to stretch a lot. Stretch marks and itching caused by stretching can be reduced by keeping the belly moisturized.
- Do get a dental check-up to prevent dental infections.
- Make bags for the hospital.
- Get ready for your new family member.
- Find people who can assist you in an emergency.
Do’s and Don’ts in the second and third trimester
- Avoid drinking, smoking, and excessive caffeine intake.
- Diagnostic procedures are often linked to dental visits. Avoid all dental procedures before delivery. Dental x-rays, and some medication, can cause harm to the foetus.
- Do not eat undercooked meat to avoid diseases such as Toxoplasmosis or Listeriosis.
- Avoid hot sauna baths.
- Do not clean the litter box. This will prevent infection.
- Avoid sexual contact during the third trimester.
Travel during pregnancy
Travelling during pregnancy is safe for most women. You can travel safely up to 36 weeks gestation as long as your foetus and you are both healthy. Between week 14 and 28 is the best time to travel during your pregnancy. The first and third trimesters are when most pregnancy problems occur. Mid-pregnancy is a time when your energy is back, morning sickness is usually gone, and it’s still possible to get around. Your best guide to your activities is how you feel.
In an uncomplicated pregnancies, flying is not contraindicated. It is important that you are well and have no bleeding or abdominal pain. Domestic travel is allowed up to 36 weeks, while international travel can be restricted after 32 weeks. This is because of the possibility of preterm birth.
To protect your baby and yourself, you should always use a seatbelt when travelling in a car. It is important to use a seatbelt correctly
Preeclampsia and premature rupture of membranes are some of the most common pregnancy complications. If you have more than one foetus, traveling may not be an option. Before travelling, schedule a check-up with your obstetrician-gynaecologist (ob-gyn) before you leave. Know your estimated due date. Your caregivers will need information about your current pregnancy status if you experience a problem while traveling.
Comfortable clothing and flats are essential for all expecting mothers. All pregnant mothers must avoid stress in all three trimesters. It can lead to abnormalities in the baby’s development and premature labor later.
These prohibitions are applicable throughout pregnancy. However, it is important to follow the most important do’s and don’ts that are based on foetal development. The pregnancy is a time of wellness, not illness. It’s also a life-changing experience for expectant parents. It’s worth it to have this precious bundle of joy.
