Precautions To Take During the First Trimester Of Pregnancy: Do’s And Don’ts

Precautions To Take During the First Trimester Of Pregnancy: Do’s And Don’ts

There are golden rules that pregnant women will need to adhere to. Here we tell you how to manage your first trimester of pregnancy with these vital tips.

Your pregnancy journey can be overwhelming! But, this journey can also be bothersome when you are stuck between what to do and what no to? A little ignorance on your part like failing to stick to a healthy lifestyle can cause a lot of problems. You will want to avoid them right? You must remember that the first trimester is a vital phase of pregnancy. Furthermore, the first trimester of pregnancy is a period that begins from the first day of a pregnant woman’s last period and continues till the end of 12 weeks. The first trimester is important as it is the time when the foetus tends to develop and can be vulnerable. Thus, enough care must be taken for its growth and development. Do not panic if you exhibit symptoms like tiredness, nausea, or even breathing issues as they may go away on their own in the second trimester.

Know about these dos and don’ts that can be helpful for pregnant women in their first trimester

Dos

Diet: Adhere to healthy eating habits and get rid of processed, junk, spicy and oily food. Eat fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, lentils, and yogurt.

Rest it out: You will have to set all your worries free and relax as the first trimester can be exhausting for you. Try to get that much-needed sleep in the night. Do not exert yourself while doing your daily chores.

Supplementation: It is mandatory to take Folic Acid 400microgm (Vit B9) in 1st trimester to prevent abnormal brain development. If you are in your first trimester then you will have to speak to your doctor about essential supplements such as calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, fish oil, and even probiotics, when to take them, and how much to take. This will fulfill the nutritional requirements of your baby and you.

Physical activity: Opt for light exercise and consult your expert before starting any workout routine. Exercising rigorously or going overboard is a strict no no. Likewise, you will also have to maintain an optimum weight to stay healthy.

Don’ts

  • Avoid taking the medication without a doctor’s prescription.
  • Do not eat undercooked seafood or even eggs and cheese.
  • Do not lift heavy objects or bend in the wrong position. Avoid traveling for long hours.
  • Avoid sauna or hot baths as they can be harmful to the foetus.
  • Stay stress-free. Meditation can calm you down.
  • Cut down on alcohol, smoking, and caffeine as these things can impact your baby’s health. Alcohol may interfere with the brain development of the baby; smoking can lead to birth defects in babies and even stay away from recreational drugs.

Dr Pratima Thamke

Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar