Getting Used to the First TrimesterHow wonderful the first trimester is, during this period you will have experienced the first feelings of being pregnant, the emotional highs of finding out the great news and most likely the trepidation of not knowing what the future holds. However you are feeling, it's likely that you are not the first to feel that way. The first trimester is all about getting used to the idea of being pregnant, taking things slowly and allowing your body to overcome the first physical signs of pregnancy, before preparing for the more demanding second and third trimesters. Probably the best thing you can do during the first trimester is to take a good hard look at your diet, this includes things like drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. To increase the chances of a healthy baby and reduce the chances of any complications, you should immediately stop smoking, drinking and refrain from all not prescribed drugs. Food wise, you should be eating healthily and focusing on nourishing food that is beneficial to both you and baby. You will also notice that plenty of people will advise you to drink lots of water and reduce your intake of coffee. One of the most frustrating signs of early pregnancy is that you will begin to feel tired a lot quicker than you would normally. This may take you by surprise to start off with, so take plenty of early nights and if possible have an afternoon nap. During the first trimester, tiredness is very common in women and is a direct result of all of the changes happening inside of your body. By the second trimester, everything should be back to normal. Many women find that the first trimester is the perfect time to make their birth plans and decide upon where they would like to have their baby. Certainly, this is a good as time as any, however you should not feel the need to commit to anything at this stage. There is still plenty of time to go, so you are able to make changes to your plans. Often the changes are made and confirmed during the third trimester. Some women refuse to share their pregnancy news with anyone apart from their partners during the first trimester. This is because the first trimester is the most risky time for all pregnancies, once you're out of the first twelve weeks, the chances of complications reduce dramatically, this is why many women are superstitious or prefer to keep the news to themselves until the end of the first trimester. In summary, we recommend that you take the first trimester as slowly and easy as possible. It's great news that you're pregnant, yet there is no need to go rushing about and making huge plans. Allow your body and your mind time to get used to the idea, it's also very useful to sit down with your partner and explore any hopes and fears you might have. Once the first trimester is over, the sickness and tiredness will have subsided, you're used to the idea of being pregnant and you can start to share your good news with friends and family. Read more of our articles on the first trimester First Trimester Emotional and Physical Needs Read about the other trimesters |