The do's and don'ts of pregnancy in the first trimester

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

If it is your first pregnancy or third, knowing the do’s and don’ts of pregnancy in the first trimester is good. There are a lot of things to look out for when you are pregnant. There are some guidelines you have to abide by. There are also simple precautions that you could take to make sure that your health and that of your unborn baby are not compromised. 

Because of this, it is very important for you to read as many materials as you can to know what to avoid and what precautionary measures to take, as an expectant mom. And that’s exactly what you are going to get, as you read on. You can follow certain advice to ensure your baby is growing in a nurturing and healthy environment. 

The initial three months of your pregnancy are exceptionally crucial. This is the time your baby’s major organs develop and your body will undergo multiple hormonal and physiological changes. During the first trimester, pregnant women are vulnerable to miscarriages and the wellbeing of the unborn baby is exclusively reliant on the expecting mother’s health, practices, and propensities. 

Do's and don't's of pregnancy in the first trimester

Here is a guide for you to follow to ensure both fetal and maternal health in your first trimester: 

What you should do:

1. Do take your prenatal vitamins

If you haven’t started your prenatal vitamins yet, do start them. It’s particularly important to get enough folic acid to reduce the chances of neural tube defects in your baby. Folic acid is important for you as it is responsible for the development of blood cells, which reduces the risk of developing certain types of anemia. These prenatal vitamins not only cover your folate necessity but also help cover your needs for calcium, iron, zinc and Vitamin D. 

Vitamin D is required to regulate the levels of calcium and phosphate in your body. Along with the prescribed supplements, you can get enough folate and Vitamin D from your regular food items like spinach, soybeans, mushrooms, egg yolk, dried herbs, sprouts, beans and others. 

2. Do adequate exercise

Being sedentary is not good for you and your baby. If you were exercising regularly before getting pregnant, continue to do so but slow down when it feels uncomfortable. It’s not like you have to hit the gym but being active is what’s needed in a nutshell. Undertake low-intensity exercise like walking. 

Grandma’s Tip: Some reading materials will say start breathing exercises later in your pregnancy, but starting them from now will reduce the risk of gaining unnecessary weight, gestational diabetes and the possibility of a C-Section birth. So, yes, a lambi saans can make a lot of difference, take it from me, if your saas hasn’t told you this already! 

3. Do eat wisely 

Now is the time to make sure you’re eating well balanced, healthy and nutritious diet. Start avoiding foods that may lead to an infection or allergy. Try to eat a diet of whole foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables in a variety of colors and nutrients. 

4. Do stay hydrated 

It is important to stay hydrated. The blood volume gets increased during pregnancy to facilitate oxygen and nutrient to you and your baby. Drinking plenty of fluids help in increasing blood volume. Fluids will also prevent dehydration and constipation. Cold water would offer some relief from nausea and vomiting. 

5. Do limit caffeine intake 

You need to limit your caffeine intake. Your baby can’t metabolize caffeine like you can. It can also increase your blood pressure and make you dehydrated. A cup of coffee won’t hurt but it’s recommended to limit the caffeine especially in the first trimester. 

6. Do get proper sleep

Your body is going through tremendous changes and you may be more exhausted than you ever imagined you could be. Hormonal changes also make you feel worn out. Get more rest by going to bed early. You can without a doubt call your bed your favorite destination for some months for sure because rest is mandatory for you now.

What you should Not Do:

1. Don’t smoke 

Smoking during pregnancy is definitely a no-no. It has been linked to a low birth weight of baby, miscarriage and premature birth in many cases. Passive smoking poses the same dangers during pregnancy and should be avoided at all costs. When you smoke you inhale poison, which in turn goes to the placenta and keeps your baby away from getting the proper supply of nutrients and oxygen that he needs in order to grow. 

2. Don’t drink alcohol 

To be safe with alcohol during pregnancy, it is probably the best to avoid it altogether, as there is no safe level of consumption. It can have detrimental effects on your unborn child. In comparison to you-- a fully-grown woman, your baby is very small, so you could imagine the potential damage to the baby if you are drunk or even remotely tipsy. 

3. Don’t take any stress 

High levels of stress can affect you and your baby’s health and increase your chances of miscarriage. Stress and depression increase the levels of certain hormones in your body and decrease the oxygen level, thus affecting your baby’s growth. Stress also leads to low blood pressure, which may lead to a premature birth of your baby. 

4. Don’t visit the sauna 

Avoid the sauna and hot tub. Hot tub sessions increase your body temperature, which may disturb your fetus’ development. It may increase the chances of a miscarriage as well. Just relax by keeping your feet in warm water for not more than 10 minutes. 

5. Don’t eat for two 

Do not eat for two persons. It is just the nutrients that are required for two and not the calories. Hence, the saying ‘’Quality over Quantity’’ applies here as well. Eating for two may lead to excess weight gain and poses risk at delivery too. Do eat a colorful plate, which includes different items from varied food groups. 

6. Don’t clean the litter box

The parasites present in your litter box is dangerous for you. Your baby may get affected by any of the parasites and can develop a serious health problem like mental disability, vision problem or seizures. 

The list of do’s and don’ts in the first trimester of pregnancy is just to guide you through this beautiful and slightly tricky phase of your pregnancy journey. You need to take care of yourself to have a healthy pregnancy throughout. Always keep a note of your health and if anything disturbs you, do consult your doctor. Be sure to eat healthily and think positive, always. 

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.