Dos And Don'ts During the First Trimester

During pregnancy, there may be some misconceptions about what is safe to do. It is generally known that one should follow a healthy diet, avoid certain foods, exercise, and take prenatal multivitamins. However, there may be other things that you need to be made aware of. As a parent, you provide a nurturing and healthy environment for your baby to grow in before he/she arrives. Take a look at the article to know about the do's and don'ts during the first trimester of pregnancy so that you know about things you should worry about and what you shouldn't fret over.

Dos

Let’s look at the list of do’s

• Take Multivitamins

A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports a growing baby but it may not be enough during pregnancy. Pregnant women need more iron, folic acid, and calcium, which can be found in multivitamins. These vitamins are essential for foetal development and it prevents birth defects. Consult your doctor to find the best option for you.

• Sleep

Pregnancy can make it hard to sleep due to hormonal changes, anticipation, and anxiety. Make sure to prioritise rest by setting a bedtime routine and aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep every night. Schedule naps whenever possible and listen to your body's signals for fatigue.

• Exercise

Keeping your body active during pregnancy will alleviate your discomfort. It will also help you stay healthy. Try pregnancy-friendly exercises like yoga, Zumba, swimming, and brisk walking.

• Take a flu shot

To protect your growing foetus from flu and COVID-19, take flu shots and covid vaccine.

• Visit your dentist

Have a routine oral check-up.

• Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water to stay adequately hydrated. Staying hydrated will alleviate symptoms of morning sickness.

Don’ts

Some things should be avoided strictly during the first trimester.

• Don’t smoke

Smoking during pregnancy can harm your baby. It can cause nicotine addiction and learning disabilities in babies.

• Don’t drink alcohol

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). The symptoms of FAS include low birth weight, learning disabilities, behavioural problems, and delayed growth and development.

• Don’t eat raw meat

Consuming raw meat can cause food poisoning, toxoplasmosis, and listeriosis. These conditions can lead to miscarriage, congenital disabilities, and low birth weight.

• Avoid hot sauna

Avoid using saunas, whirlpools, hot tubs, or steam rooms due to the risk of overheating, dehydration, and fainting.

• Avoid caffeine

Consumption of caffeine during pregnancy can lead to a higher risk of miscarriage and may affect foetal heart rate due to its ability to cross the placenta.

• Don’t clean cat litter

Pregnant individuals should avoid cleaning litter boxes due to the potential risk of being exposed to toxoplasma gondii, a parasite, present in feline waste, that can increase the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth. It can also cause severe health problems in babies, including seizures, mental disabilities, and vision issues.

• Avoid unpasteurised milk

Raw milk may be contaminated with Listeria bacterium, which can cause severe illness, miscarriage, or even death.