November 8, 2024

Early Pregnancy – Tips & Suggestions

If you have just discovered you are ‘with child’, this is definitely a cause for celebration and you and your partner must be over the moon. First-time parents in Australia have so much to look forward to, some might find it a daunting prospect to bring a human being into existence and be totally responsible for their welfare.

Here are a few tips and suggestions for women in the first trimester of pregnancy.

  • Make an appointment with your GP – The sooner you visit your local GP, the better. Your doctor might refer you to have a few tests and will certainly want to know about your family’s medical history. He or she would refer you to a midwife, who will play a crucial role in your pregnancy, birth and postnatal care.
  • Take a prenatal supplement – Visit an online pregnancy naturopath and order a course of prenatal supplements; essentials such as folate, calcium and iron. This is an over-the-counter medication that does not require a prescription.
  • Avoid smoking & alcohol consumption – If you are a smoker, there’s never been a better reason to quit than having a baby. If you have cravings for a smoke, chew some nicotine gum, which should take away the longing for a cigarette. As for alcohol, abstaining gives your baby the best start in life; make it a goal to have a glass of wine after the birth.
  • Write a birth plan – A birth plan is important as it contains details such as where you would like the birth to take place (your home, hospital or a birthing clinic), who you would to be present and how you wish to manage pain. In the event you are anesthetised, who would make decisions on your behalf? You can nominate your partner or family relative.
  • Attend prenatal classes – This is especially important for first-time mothers; classes include suitable exercises, diet instruction and education about how baby is developing during the pregnancy. Being in a group gives you a feeling that you are never alone, indeed, lifelong friendships have emerged from attending prenatal classes.
  • Eat little and often – Rather than eating regular meals, downsize the portions and add an extra brunch to your diet. As your body changes, your digestive system has to work harder and eating little and often helps you stay energised.
  • Dealing with morning sickness – It really is potluck if you suffer from morning sickness or not; you could try wearing a travel-sickness band on your wrist, which many women claim works! It can be triggered by anything, if you can pinpoint a smell or a taste that brings on the feeling of nausea, avoid consuming them, at least while you are carrying.
  • Emotional rollercoaster – Most women experience emotional instability to some degree during the first trimester and should it occur, don’t worry, it is due to the hormone imbalance, and you will return to your normal, calm disposition.

The most important word is ‘support’, your partner and numerous healthcare professionals will ensure that all goes well as you proceed through the term.