Your First Trimester – Pregnancy Questions Answered

Congratulations on becoming pregnant. You are about to embark on an exciting 9 months for both you and your partner. Your first trimester of pregnancy is just the beginning. Your body is going to go through many changes. It’s helpful to know what to expect during this time.

Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters:

• The first trimester: weeks 1 - 12
• The second trimester: weeks 13 - 37
• The third trimester: weeks 38 – 42
• Here is a handy checklist that you can use during your first trimester of pregnancy:
• Visit your doctor. Plan to see him or her every 4 weeks or so for the next few months.
• It is the time to give up alcohol, cigarettes and substance abuse.
• If you are behind on any immunizations, talk to your doctor before getting them.
• Water is a must – about 8 – 10 glasses every day.
• Increase your intake of vegetables high in folic acid: oranges, melons, spinach and other green vegetables.
• Increase your intake of iron-rich foods: nuts, beans, raisons etc.
• Your blood sugar level should stay elevated so eat lots of high-protein and high-carb foods like potatoes, breads, and cheese.
• Ask your doctor before taking any medication.
• Get adequate rest and a short nap during the day.
• Exercise moderately. However, this is no time to start a new exercise program.
• Coffee drinkers should switch to deracinated coffee or herbal tea.
• Prenatal testing is a good idea in case your family has a history of genetic disorders.
• Babies are expensive, this is a good time to start saving and budgeting.
• You also need to decide where you want to give birth: in the hospital, in a nursing home or even in your own home.
• A pregnancy diary is a good way to document the changes taking place in your body. Take some pictures and get started on one.
• Stay away from heavy chemicals. This includes hair dye and other substances.
• Start reading a few pregnancy books.
• Mark your due date and enjoy the ride.

In the first trimester itself, your baby’s vocal cords develop and body’s organs begin to function. The little head gets covered with a layer of hair and the twenty teeth lie hidden under the gums!

Make the most of the first trimester of your pregnancy to get to know your body and plan how to welcome your baby.

By: AlenCaller

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For pregnant women, it is important to refer a guide or checklist that precisely defines the do's and don'ts concerning the first trimester pregnancy. As the pregnancy weeks advance, it becomes important to record and study the changes on a week by week basis.