10 Tasks for mothers that need to be completed in the first trimester of pregnancy

Congratulations on your pregnancy! However, your journey does not stop there. The first trimester of pregnancy is the most important foundation in the next 9 months. Next, what should be done?

Guide to undergoing the first trimester of pregnancy

The following to-do-list can help you cultivate your first trimester basics and pave the way for the rest of your pregnancy journey. You can do each of the points, or just use this list as a general guide. In essence, do what feels right for you.

1. Take prenatal vitamins

If you haven't taken prenatal vitamins in this first trimester of pregnancy, start as soon as possible. In particular, the vitamin folic acid is very important to reduce the risk of birth defects and spinal disorders, such as spina bifida.

You need a minimum of 400-600 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid (vitamin B9) supplements every day during the first trimester.

Apart from folic acid, you will also need to provide 10 mcg of vitamin D every day. You can take a special multivitamin for pregnant women, but still nothing beats the natural nutrition you get from fresh food.

2. Start looking for the right doctor or midwife

Which is right for you, obstetrician or midwife? Determining a medical companion for your pregnancy will be very important to the health of you and your future baby over the coming months.

If you have a medical professional you trust and are comfortable with, you are ready for the next step. But if not, seek recommendations from people you trust, from valid health forums, or ask for advice from your family's general practitioner.

3. Make an appointment for a pregnancy checkup consultation

After finding the right obstetrician or midwife, make an appointment for an obstetric consultation as soon as possible. You should have had at least one consultation around the 8th week of pregnancy.

During the consultation, your doctor / midwife will:

Ask about your medical history and lifestyle, including previous pregnancy history (if any). In general, you will also receive a complete physical exam, including a pelvic exam and Pap smear.
Provides information on how to care for and take care of yourself during pregnancy, such as starting to manage a healthy diet and exercising safely.
Check blood pressure.
Measure your height and weight. Your doctor / midwife will use these numbers to calculate your body mass index (BMI).
Test for a sexually transmitted infection (if not, ask for one).
Predicts the estimated day of birth (HPL) of the baby. It is customary for doctors to set a date of birth via ultrasound.

If you are taking any medication to treat your health condition (ranging from mild to chronic), do not stop the dose suddenly. Talk to your doctor about a list of the drugs you are currently using, and find out which ones are safe and which are not.

Many drugs, even nonprescription, are not safe to use during pregnancy. Mention in detail and thoroughly, even the vitamins, supplements, and herbal products that you use.

4. If you smoke and drink alcohol, quit now

Smoking and drinking alcohol while pregnant increases the risk of a number of serious complications, including miscarriage, placental problems and preterm birth.

Smoking slows fetal growth, increases the risk of stillbirth and postnatal death. Some studies have even linked smoking with an increased risk of babies born with cleft lip or palate defects.

In addition, just one small glass of alcohol can increase the likelihood of a low birth weight baby as well as the risk of learning, speech, focus, language skills and hyperactivity problems.

It's never too late to quit. Every cigarette and glass of alcohol you don't consume provides a better chance for your baby to grow up healthy.

5. Research your health insurance

While still in the first trimester of pregnancy, immediately make sure whether your personal or office insurance facilitates the cost of pregnancy care and delivery costs, as well as care for your newborn. Find out by contacting your insurance broker or discussing it with your office's HR manager.

What should be remembered: before planning a discussion with the HRD at your place of work, don't forget to also make sure to find out your rights to maternity leave and maternity leave.

If you don't have health insurance, find out how you can get financial help to start planning accordingly.

6. Sort out the foods you should and shouldn't eat

Designing a healthy and balanced diet will ensure you get all the nutrients you need to ensure the health of both you and your baby.

Remember that you don't need extra calories in your first trimester. What is important, design your diet to meet the intake of five main nutrients: folic acid, calcium, iron, zinc, and fiber.

You should avoid certain foods during the first trimester of pregnancy, especially unhygienic, undercooked, undercooked and undercooked foods, and animal offal. Also, don't over-consume carbohydrates such as white bread and white rice, which can increase your blood sugar during pregnancy.

Sufficient intake of omega-3 fatty acids to support the development of your baby's brain and nerves before birth. These fatty acids can also reduce your risk of developing postpartum depression.

In addition, make sure you drink enough fluids to avoid the dangers of dehydration during pregnancy. Dehydration can cause constipation, fatigue, and even preterm labor.

Also, cut back on caffeine. Research has linked excessive caffeine consumption with a possible risk of miscarriage. Limit caffeine intake to less than 200 mg per day (about one medium cup of coffee).

7. Keep exercising regularly

There are many benefits to exercise during pregnancy for you and your baby - which can be a great motivation for getting 30 minutes of physical activity every day of the week.

Moderate exercise is a great energy booster. Consult with your doctor about which restrictions are safe and which are not, as well as the right exercise advice for your pregnancy.

8. Get enough rest

It's normal to feel tired and tired during the first trimester. This is caused by your body getting used to the fast-paced hormonal changes. Get as much rest as you can, even though it might be difficult if you work.

Take some time to nap (yes, even at the office!), If the situation allows. Your body is growing and changing - and your future baby needs you to stay healthy and alert.

Try to schedule bedtime early at least one night a week. Even if you can't sleep, relaxing reading a book or listening to soft music will help you relax. Turn off the cellphone and forget about work.

After your baby is born, sleep will become a luxury. So, enjoy it while you can.

9. Consider genetic testing

During the first trimester of pregnancy, your doctor / midwife will offer a variety of genetic screening tests between weeks 11-14 of age to monitor the risk of the baby developing birth defects such as Down syndrome.

Based on your risk, your doctor / midwife may also recommend a NIPT around week 9 for chromosomal abnormalities and / or prenatal screening such as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis. However, both of these are best done once you reach your second trimester.

10. Design future financial plans

Building a family is an excellent - and necessary - moment to review your monthly expenses.

Think about how you are going to handle the burden the costs of clothes, food, diapers, toys, and baby supplies can add up quickly. Discuss with your partner where you can cut your budget to make room for your baby's needs. You can save by using “inherited” items from your mother, sibling, sibling, or friend or by renting baby equipment, instead of having to buy new.

Set a budget for maternity and baby needs, and try to stick to it. Consider making some budget adjustments, and starting saving from the first trimester of pregnancy for 4 Things to Look For When Choosing Insurance for Family.