This post is sponsored by AdventHealth.
The first trimester of pregnancy is filled with many emotions accompanied by the first physical symptoms of pregnancy. Excitement, anxiety, exhaustion and nausea are all normal, often all at the same time!
Here are our best mom tips from veteran moms on surviving the first trimester.
5 Tips for the First Trimester of Pregnancy
Establish Prenatal Care
Early pregnancy is an important time to care for both your body and mind. Start by scheduling your first prenatal appointment to confirm your pregnancy and begin regular care. Take a daily prenatal vitamin with folic acid—if it upsets your stomach, try taking it at a different time of day. Stay hydrated, get plenty of rest (naps count!), and eat small, frequent meals to ease morning sickness. Be sure to talk with your provider about what foods and medications to avoid. Lastly, remember that emotional ups and downs are common—if they become overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor or a therapist. You’re not alone in this journey!”
Focus on your eating and sleep.
You will likely feel fatigue in a way you have never felt before! You’re body is working hard in those first few months as your baby develops rapidly and naps along with early bedtimes can sustain you. You can often minimize nausea by eating small, high protein snacks frequently. My go-to was raw almonds mixed with Cheerios, which I carried around in my purse for a solid six weeks. Cold popsicles or Preggie Pops provided relief in another pregnancy for me.
Focus on self-care.
The first trimester can be filled with anxiety — Googling every symptom, ache or pain. Stay off the internet and reach out to your provider if something feels off. This is a great time to start establishing an open relationship with your provider.
Don’t forget to engage in the activities that make you feel good – exercise, time with friends, reading a good book. If the anxiety feels more than you can handle, this is also a great time to find a therapist you trust.
Start thinking about childcare.
This might sound crazy, but now is the time to get on the childcare waiting list! Depending on your needs and location, daycare spots fill up fast. Start scheduling tours, talking through the options and getting recommendations from parents in your neighborhood.
Share your news, or not.
Everyone has a different approach with sharing your pregnancy news. Some moms are ready to announce as soon as they see that positive test. Others are hesitant to share with the world until the risk of miscarriage is lower in the second trimester. Consider the support you need no matter what happens and do what feels best to you and your partner. You don’t owe anyone anything!
With two birth centers in the Kansas City area, AdventHealth believes in empowering care for every stage of pregnancy, birth, and beyond. From high-risk pregnancy expertise to low-intervention birthing plans and 4th trimester support, the AdventHealth team delivers comprehensive, compassionate care during life’s most important moments. Learn more at AdventHealthKS.com/BirthCenter.
