First Trimester Checklist: Everything You Need to Start a Healthy Pregnancy
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Congrats mama! Becoming a mother is the absolute best thing that has ever happened to me. Pregnancy can be wonderful, exciting and a tad overwhelming. I am here to help you conquer the overwhelm and get started on your journey to a beautiful and healthy journey. As a second time mom, doula and childbirth educator I have tons of in-depth knowledge to share with you!
Announce to Partner & Family
You may have already done this already but it is a great first step. Announce to your partner and then decide when you will tell your family and friends. Some may choose to announce right away and others may announce later on. I personally always told immediate friends and family right away. I found it helpful to have their support in the early days of navigating this new journey. However you don’t have to do this, some women don’t announce their pregnancy to anyone until the baby is born. This is an important conversation to have with your spouse and what you are most comfortable with.
Begin Prenatal Vitamin
If you have been trying to conceive you may have already began taking a prenatal vitamin, if you have not I recommend purchased some to start. It can be overwhelming with so many options but you can always change what you take if something is not working for you. I recommend finding a vitamin that contains folate not folic acid. Folic acid is a synthetic compound that your body does not process the same.
Here are a few of my recommendations:
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Call Your Provider
Whether you are already established or are looking for a new provider, it is recommended to call and notify a provider. You may need to do some research to find a care provider that you work well with. You more than likely won’t be scheduled for a few weeks so it's important to call and make an appointment before they are booked too far out. You also do not need to see a traditional OBGYN. You could seek the care of a midwife. A midwife provides care in a variety of scenarios such as hospitals, private birth centers or home births. You will need to decide where you are most comfortable potentially to deliver your baby.
Increase Water Intake
Now this is an important one. You will need to increase your water intake for not just your health but for your babies as well. Remaining hydrated has many health benefits throughout your entire pregnancy. On average it is recommended you drink 64-96 ounces of water a day. If you did not drink much water prior this may seem hard so gradually try to increase your intake each day. You do not want to overwhelm yourself or become stressed over this!
Here are some of my favorite water bottles:
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Learn To Manage Early Pregnancy Symptoms
In early pregnancy you may experience a variety of symptoms such as morning sickness, fatigue, bloating, cramping, food aversions, etc. These are the most common but every pregnancy will be different. Learning to manage these are important so you can continue your day to day activities. If they begin to disrupt your life you may need to consult your provider sooner rather than later to manage these symptoms better.
Here are a few of my favorite things to have on hand:
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Reduce Caffeine Intake
This was always the hardest for me. It is typically recommended that you have less than 200mg of caffeine a day. This can be hard for some but start slow and go from there. One thing I always experience in the beginning is caffeine headaches. However I found small sips of caffeine was enough to get rid of the headache without needing a whole drink. I also LOVED magnesium cream for headache relief. After a few weeks I manage to get myself down to just a bit of caffeine in the morning and I am set with my water for the rest of the day.
Here's a few things that can help you to reduce intake:
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Here is a checklist with some other ideas you will want to consider in your first trimester. While 9 months may seem like a long time, it is never too early to get ahead on things like starting a registry or finding a doula.
Link to downloadable and printable checklist - https://mamasmindfulmoments.com/s/1st-Trimester-Checklist.pdf
Doula Support
Now before you think I am impartial on this one, I did not have a doula for my first baby nor was I trained on doula support. Not having a doula is what inspired me to become a doula. After my first birth I realized that while I had taken the childbirth education classes, there was still so much I did not know and wished I had hired a doula. Doulas are great tools to become prepared and educated about pregnancy, birth and postpartum. In your first trimester it is a great idea to begin reaching out to the doulas in your area and doing free consultations. Doulas are not 1 size fits all. Every doula will have different perspectives, methods and personalities and ensuring you mesh well is so important. If you are unsure if you want a doula present at your birth, many now offer virtual services or 1-on-1 childbirth education classes.
Most important
While this may seem a lot or like a piece of cake at the end of the day, remember to relax and that what your baby needs the most is a happy and healthy mom. Not only will this be true during pregnancy but also will be after your baby is born as well. Take each day as a blessing and take baby steps. This is just the start of a beautiful journey.
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