The first trimester (first 3 months) is not only the most exciting period of pregnancy but also the most crucial. Your body undergoes many changes and you experience some health related issues like nausea, morning sickness, tiredness etc. This is the time, when you need to understand the requirement of being healthy not only for your baby’s sake but for a safe and effortless pregnancy. Here are some guidelines which you can consider while looking forward to welcome your new born.
1. Know your body
Pregnancy involves tremendous changes in your body. However, in the fourth week of your pregnancy, you might not notice the drastic changes. These changes are happening within and do not effect you outwardly at this stage. It is better to know, however, about these changes. You can read books which gives information on the stages of pregnancy, especially the fourth week and the changes your body goes through during pregnancy. Reading book and even gathering information online will help you understand your body better.
2. Know your baby to be
Your unborn baby would, no doubt, be your main focus throughout your pregnancy. Although during the fourth week, you still do not feel the existence of baby’s definite shape as it still a cluster of cells on a soft tissue in your womb, you can still make yourself feel the presence of your baby and prepare yourself for the motherhood.
3. Get rid of your bad addictions, if any
Addictions like smoking, drinking, taking too much caffeine, drugs etc. can be harmful during pregnancy. Smoking reduces the flow of oxygen to your baby and effects its lungs. All these addictions can result in a difficult delivery and unhealthy baby. Hence, it is very important to get rid of the habits as early as possible and do not indulge in them even after delivery.
4. Take care of your health
Your health needs to be your priority during your pregnancy. Don’t forget that you have to nurture your baby as well who is dependent on you for its nutrition. During the first trimester, your doctor might recommend you to take folic acid supplements which is important for your baby’s neural development including brain. Take all the medicines prescribed by your doctor, go for a regular medical health checkup, and take a balanced and healthy diet. Never skip your meals.
5. Make your partner also experience the pregnancy moments
Pregnancy is not only joyful for you, as a mother, but also for your baby’s father. This is an opportunity to enjoy the thrilling moments of your unborn baby with your partner and share your experiences with him. Be honest and open with your partner and explain any inconvenience you are undergoing so that he can take appropriate measures.
6. Shop for your little baby
Enjoy the thrill of shopping for your unborn. Welcome your baby to your world by buying necessary things for him/her and making the baby comfortable. Decorate the nursery and buy things like baby cribs and crib bedding. However, do not exhaust yourself. Shop for less time and take rest.
7. Start exercising
Exercising helps you keep fit and healthy for your delivery and post delivery. Take the help of a professional who would recommend correct exercises during pregnancy. Walking is also good. Take little walks and relax while exercising.
8. Be cheerful and positive
It is very important for you to be cheerful and positive during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester when you are coping with the thought of you being pregnant. Do not indulge and worry in planning things like your child’s upbringing or your family budget in meeting your child’s wishes etc. These things can be discussed later at the right time with your partner. They would only make you hyper which is not good at this stage.
9. Get your baby’s siblings ready for the new member
You need to make sure that you tell your older children about the new baby’s arrival. You can assign responsibilities to make the kids feel excited and affectionate about the little one. Get your kids mentally prepared to avoid sibling rivalry.
10. Do not over stress yourself in completing petty tasks which can be delayed
Sometimes, you might be bogged down with responsibilities. While it is important not to neglect major tasks, it is also equally important that you take rest and not get hyper to do all the tasks on a single day. Remember that you are not the same person with the same energy level when you are pregnant during the first trimester. Either plan to postpone less important and trivial tasks for the next day or allocate responsibilities to your family members or peers. This would make things easy for you and you would find time to relax.
