Dear mamas-to-be, congratulations on your exciting journey to motherhood! The first trimester of pregnancy is an important time for both you and your growing baby, and it’s essential that you take good care of yourself during this time. However, with so much information out there, it can be overwhelming to know what to avoid during the first trimester.
Things that you should consider to avoid
- Foods: You should avoid eating meats and eggs which is raw and undercooked because you might contract toxoplasmosis and listeriosis which can cause miscarriage and defects in your baby. Certain seafood such as Mackeral and tilefish should be avoided because the mercury content is high. You must also avoid certain types of cheese during the first trimester, such as blue cheese and feta, due to the risk of foodborne illness. Also, it’s best to limit your intake of caffeine, as high levels of caffeine have been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage.
- Alcohol: During pregnancy, there isnt’t a safe limit for alcohol intake, so it’s best to avoid it altogether during the first trimester and throughout your pregnancy.
- Smoking/ E-cigarette: Smoking should be completely avoided during the entire pregnancy. If you are a regular smoker, then please talk to your doctor about ways to quit the habit. The risk for birth defects increases when babies are born to mothers who smoke. During pregnancy, the nicotine in E-cigarettes damages the brain and lung development in a baby.
- Weight gain: “Eating for two” during early pregnancy is not encouraged. Pregnant women require more food and calories intake during the second and third trimester. Weight gain during pregnancy leads to putting the child at a greater risk for obesity later in life.
- Medications: Certain over-the-counter and prescription drugs, such as ibuprofen, should be avoided as they can increase the risk of complications. You must always check with your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy.
- Hot tubs and saunas: Spending time in hot tubs and saunas can raise your body temperature, which can be harmful to your growing baby during the first trimester.
- Exercises: High-impact exercises, such as running, should be avoided during the first trimester as they can increase the risk of complications. It’s best to stick to low-impact exercises, such as yoga or swimming, during the first trimester.
- Stress: High levels of stress can be harmful to both you and your growing baby during the first trimester, so it’s important to find ways to manage your stress levels.
- Fake tan: Even though they are safe to use during pregnancy, they can still cause some kind of allergic reactions. Skin becomes more sensitive during pregnancy due to the hormonal levels due to which women can easily get allergic reactions.
- Cleaning products: Make sure to check the labels of cleaning products because they usually have warning labels. Napthalene is a chemical which is present in some toilet fresheners and mothballs which can cause severe damage to blood cells.
While this list may seem daunting, you can still do plenty of things to take care of yourself. Start with eating a healthy diet, rest as much as you can, and engage in gentle exercises, such as yoga or swimming, can all help to keep you and your baby healthy during this important time.
An insight from mamahood
Being a mama-to-be is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming experience, but by taking care of yourself during the first trimester, you’ll be setting both you and your baby up for a healthy and happy pregnancy. Try to focus on what you can do, such as eating a healthy and balanced diet, getting plenty of rest, and engaging in gentle exercise rather than the things you need to avoid. And remember, always check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle during pregnancy. If you need more support, please feel free to reach out to me through live chat or private mail.
