It’s such a wonderful moment when you hear those words from your doctor or see those two magical lines on the first trimester of pregnancy test. From now on, it’s important to take care of your own health and your baby’s health.

First Trimester of Pregnancy

Today, let’s talk about the first trimester pregnancy food chart, including precautions, do’s and don’ts, diet, and more. Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters, with the first trimester being up to three months or 13 weeks of pregnancy.

It’s important to remember that we count the age of the pregnancy from the first day of the last menstrual period. Some people believe that the signs your pregnancy is going well in the first trimester is very risky, but the truth is that a normal pregnancy is naturally strong and robust.

You don’t need to be on bed rest or take special medications for a safe pregnancy. In fact, walking, doing moderate exercises, having sex, or experiencing stress and anxiety won’t harm the pregnancy.

First Trimester Pregnancy Food Chart

Now, let’s talk about what you can do to take care of yourself in the first trimester. First and foremost, visit a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor will take a detailed history, perform an examination, order blood tests, confirm the pregnancy, and may prescribe folic acid. Speaking of which, it’s crucial to start taking folic acid as soon as possible.

The recommended dose is five milligrams per day. Folic acid is part of the vitamin B complex group and helps prevent birth defects, especially neural tube defects in the baby. Ensure that any chronic medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid issues are well controlled.

Quit smoking immediately and avoid alcohol throughout your pregnancy. Remember, there is no safe amount of alcohol to consume during pregnancy as it can cause fetal alcohol syndrome and various problems in the baby. Also, stay away from recreational drugs. When it comes to coffee, there are conflicting advice out there. Scientifically, it’s recommended to limit caffeine intake to 200 milligrams per day. This means you can have two small cups of coffee daily. However, keep in mind that caffeine is also present in health drinks, dark chocolates, tea, and green tea. Always consult your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy as most medications are not safe.

If you have pets, especially cats, avoid cleaning the cat’s litter box. If necessary, wear gloves to prevent a serious condition called toxoplasmosis that can cause abortions and birth defects in the baby. In terms of food, you can practically eat everything. Just make sure you have lots of vegetables.

If you’re a non-vegetarian, avoid consuming raw or uncooked animal protein. Cook it properly to minimize the risk of salmonella and listeria infections. Additionally, ensure that you wash your fruits and vegetables before eating them.

Nausea, vomiting, acidity, and heartburn are normal during pregnancy and are often referred to as morning sickness. Some people experience morning sickness in the morning, while others have it in the evening or throughout the day. There is also a severe condition called hyperemesis gravidarum where excessive vomiting leads to dehydration and requires medical intervention with IV fluids and anti-vomiting medications in a hospital setting.

First Trimester

To manage these symptoms, avoid oily and spicy foods, have food at frequent small intervals, and consider speaking to your doctor about basic antacids or ginger-based remedies that can help alleviate morning sickness. Constipation is another common issue during pregnancy due to reduced intestinal motility caused by hormones. To combat constipation, consume a high-fiber diet, drink plenty of liquids, and stay physically active by walking or engaging in gentle stretching exercises like yoga or pilates. Some women may experience tender or slightly swollen breasts due to hormonal changes during the first trimester.

This is normal and nothing to worry about. Weight gain typically starts from the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy, so don’t be too concerned about weight fluctuations in the first trimester. Feeling tired, sleepy, and lethargic is also common during this time due to the body’s increased work and activity inside. To combat fatigue, make sure you get adequate rest, sleep well, stay hydrated, eat reasonably well, and keep yourself physically active through gentle activities like walking. While some women may experience low backaches or discomfort in the lower abdomen due to the growing uterus, severe pain or any unusual bleeding should be reported to your doctor immediately.

Skin changes such as acne or darkening of certain areas like cheeks, breasts, abdomen, and inner thighs may occur in the early first trimester.

Avoid over-the-counter acne medications and consult your doctor before using any topical creams or treatments. Remember that these symptoms typically disappear by the end of the first trimester. So don’t worry too much! It’s perfectly normal to have some discomfort during this time.

By following these basic precautions and tips, you can easily navigate through the first trimester with ease. If you found this information helpful and you’re new to Mercury.