First Trimester: Things to Think About
November 20, 2010
Many moms-to-be like to keep their pregnancies quiet during the first trimester for fear of miscarriage, but that doesn’t mean you stop thinking about you baby and planning for the future.
As soon as you find out you are pregnant, or even before if you have been trying for a baby, you should try to quit smoking, cut down on alcohol and caffeine, and try to adapt you diet to include plenty of fruit and vegetable, healthy protein, and regular small meals. You may also want to take a vitamin supplement.
First Trimester Questions
Here are some other things you might want to think about during your first trimester:
Do you need to change your living arrangements?
While the first trimester is too soon to kit out the nursery, it’s a good idea to look at your current accommodation and see if it’s suitable for a baby. The last thing you want to be doing in your last trimester is moving house, so if you need to make a change do it now. You may want to make less drastic changes such as home improvements before baby arrives. Try to get started on these as early as possible.
What will you do about work?
While you don’t need to tell work about your pregnancy during the first trimester, someone is bound to notice shortly afterwards and it’s a good idea to be prepared. Find out what your rights and entitlements are, and sit down with your partner to make a budget so you are sure you can afford to take whatever steps you are planning.
What kind of birth would you like?
Reading up on birth possibilities during your first trimester will give you plenty of time to talk to your healthcare professional, and may have an impact on the doctor, midwife or hospital you choose, as well as the kind of antenatal course you look for. Some women love the idea of a home birth in a birthing pool, while others can’t imagine giving birth anywhere other than in a hospital. Talk to friends and family members that have experienced both, and discuss your options with your partner.
