It is a great gift to give birth to a child, but the pregnancy trimesters comes with different experiences.
Pregnancy is a beautiful thing. Being able to conceive a child is nothing short of a miracle. How many times have you marvelled at this wonder of creation? I sure have, numerous times.
This period marks the beginning of new changes and experiences for an expectant mother. Coming to grasp all that entails this new season in her life.
As these changes come, it is important to learn, relearn, and unlearn strategies that will help you give birth to a healthy baby. Pregnancy is the period between conception and the birth of a child.
Pregnancy usually lasts about 40 weeks and occurs in three stages: the first trimester, the second trimester, and the third trimester.
Being aware of your lifestyle changes and habits during these periods is a must. In this article, everything you need to know and do during your first trimester will be shared.
What is the First Trimester?
The nine-month duration of pregnancy is divided into three segments, which are called trimesters. The first trimester is the period between conception and 12 weeks of your pregnancy. During this period, the fetus has started growing arms and legs, the sexual organs have been formed, and the baby’s heartbeat can be traced.
Signs Associated with the First Trimester
In the first trimester, your body will experience rapid changes. These changes will be noticed internally and externally.
1. Mood Swings
Feeling a range of emotions that make you irritable, switching between happiness, sadness and everything in between.
2. Sore Breasts
Your breasts will get sore, bigger, and tender, which is similar to what happens during menstruation.
3. Nausea
Feeling a sudden urge to throw up, which is generally known as morning sickness.
4. Weakness
General body weakness is brought about by the numerous changes your body is experiencing.
5. Excessive Urination
As your baby grows, its weight presses on your bladder, which increases the urge to urinate.
6. Back Pain
This can be caused by the added baby weight, hormones, stress, and weight gain.
7. Weight Gain
Weight gain is caused by increased amount of food and fluid intake during pregnancy.
Tips to Stay Fit During Your First Trimester
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Register for Prenatal Care
The first thing to do after learning you are pregnant is to book an appointment with an obstetrician or gynaecologist. During these visits, the doctor will perform a full physical and pelvic floor exam. Furthermore, different tests like blood tests, blood pressure tests, tests for STIs and an ultrasound will be carried out.
Other types of tests may be conducted due to your medical history. Expectant women should endeavour to keep up with their monthly visits for prenatal care.
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Take a Walk
The temptation to lie in bed all day due to weakness, ravaging hormones, and nausea is prevalent during this stage because your body is experiencing too many changes at once. Even if you don’t have enough energy for regular exercise, endeavour to take a walk.
Take a walk to that grocery store or take a walk to that pharmacy. Get your body moving.
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Proper Dieting
Proper dieting is another way to keep you and your baby healthy during this period. Reduce intake of foods with a high-calorie count like hamburgers, bread, etc. Instead, focus on making fruits, vegetables, foods rich in fibre and seafood your go-to this period.
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Stay Hydrated
Get a bottle you love and take it around with you. Drinking a lot of water as a person is important and, of course, a must if you are growing a life inside you. Staying hydrated during this period helps in the formation of the placenta and the amniotic sac. It also helps to decrease the likelihood of getting constipation, increases energy, and improves the general health of the baby.
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Rest, Rest, Rest
The first trimester of your pregnancy is not the time to be working double shifts or doing any unnecessary extra work at home. Tone it down, sister, take a breather, and put your feet up. You can take a break by reading a book, watching a movie or turning in early for a good night’s rest.
Furthermore, you can cut down on the number of hours you stay up when it’s past your bedtime.
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Steer Clear of Alcohol
Taking alcohol during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and other deformities. Alcohol should be avoided to safeguard the health of your unborn child.
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Take Your Vitamins
Vitamins like calcium, iron, folic acid, iodine, zinc, and others can be prescribed by your doctor during prenatal care. If you skipped your doses as a child whenever you were sick, please refrain from doing so during this period. Doing otherwise will endanger the life of your unborn child, as these vitamins provide the necessary nutrients that are not present in your everyday meals.
Conclusion
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a step and the journey to motherhood starts with the first trimester. Though this period can be challenging, it is important to reach out and stay connected with women who have already passed through this stage for moral support. Also, endeavour to use all the tips mentioned in this article to keep you and your baby healthy.
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