You just found out you’re pregnant. Welcome to the fantastic journey of pregnancy! You might receive a lot of advice from friends and family. It’s normal. The first trimester of pregnancy starts from the first day your test reads positive to the last day of 12 weeks. 

 

The first trimester of pregnancy is the most crucial because your body is vulnerable, and any mishap may hurt your growing baby. You should be mindful of what you eat and your activities. The information around can be overwhelming. But not to worry, we’ve curated ten easy tips to ensure you stay healthy during this period. 

 

 Here are 10 quick tips to help you and your baby stay healthy throughout pregnancy:

 

Tip 1 

Eat whole, healthy foods and plenty of protein. This will help boost your energy levels. During pregnancy, it is essential to maintain a very healthy diet because your body needs additional nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. A diet lacking key nutrients may negatively affect your baby’s development. Invest in meals like eggs, liver meat, yoghurt, fura da nono, vegetables, beans, etc. Cut down on junk food and alcoholic drinks. 

 

Tip 2 

Keep yourself hydrated. Plain water is excellent. During pregnancy, blood volume increases by up to 1.5 liters or about 50 ounces. Therefore, it’s important to stay properly hydrated. Your foetus usually gets everything it needs, but you may become dehydrated if you don’t watch your water intake. Drinking water is important as your blood volume increases during pregnancy. Adequate hydration may also help prevent constipation and urinary tract infections.

 

Tip 3

Get plenty of rest and take breaks as frequently as you can. If you work in an office, rest adequately during the weekend as you may not want to disclose your pregnancy. 

 

Tip 4

Stay confident in your body! Some experts say you can still maintain your gym routine, while others disagree. If you regularly work out, go for simple exercises to prevent too much pressure in your pelvis. Too much stress may adversely affect your baby and leads to miscarriages. Instead, notify your instructor if you have one and go for lighter, less-intensity exercises.

 

Tip 5

Always stay in close touch with a midwife, nurse, or doctor. From the first day you realize you’re pregnant, check with your doctor to appropriately guide you. The first 12 weeks of pregnancy need all the care, guidance, and protection. You can also sign up for PreggClass to help aid your pregnancy journey with 24/7 access to medical experts. 

 

 

Tip 6

It’s your body and baby. You need to be aware of everything your body is going through. Remember to seek advice from medically verified personnel. If you're comfortable with asking experienced mothers, go for it!

 

Tip 7

Learn to care as much as possible about the baby growing inside you. Pregnancy care consists of two stages; prenatal (before birth) and postpartum (after birth) healthcare for expectant mothers. Both stages involve treatments and sometimes training to ensure a healthy pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, labor, and delivery for the mom and baby.

 

Tip 8

Wear loose-fitting clothes. Sometimes, you may forget you’re pregnant because the bump isn’t conspicuous. It’s normal during the first trimester. The bump doesn’t show up until the 12 to 14 weeks of pregnancy. Cut down on tight and uncomfortable clothes. Go for loose clothing. They promote blood circulation between you and the baby.

 

Tip 9

Limit caffeine and avoid alcohol. Consumption of alcohol and caffeine during pregnancy has been linked to various congenital anomalies before and during birth. It may also cause miscarriages. Do avoid them as much as possible. Opt for fruit juice instead. Remember to consume in moderation as fruit juice contains a high sugar level. 

 

Tip 10 

Take folic acid daily. Folic acid is a pregnancy superhero! Taking a prenatal vitamin with the recommended 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid before and during pregnancy can help prevent congenital disabilities in your baby’s brain and spinal cord. 

The first 12 weeks of pregnancy are crucial for you and your baby. Your main goal is to stay healthy during this period. Follow the tips above to ensure you stay on track. Consult your health care provider if possible. 

 

Join over 200,000 Nigerian moms in PreggClass! Just found out you’re pregnant? Even better! Let’s give you a memorable experience during your pregnancy. PreggClass is an online antenatal program that helps pregnant women access resources, 24/7 medical check-ins, and expert-led information from our experts! But there’s more! Send us a message on WhatsApp for more!