Congratulations,
you're pregnant! Although it may seem early,
there are plenty of things you'll need to do during your first
trimester -- like eating well and getting lots
of sleep.
- Schedule your first
prenatal visit with your practitioner when you're about nine
weeks' along. Plan on seeing your practitioner every four
weeks.
- Avoid alcohol,
drugs and cigarettes.
- If your
immunizations are not up to date,
let your practitioner know.
- Drink lots of
fluids, especially water (8 to 10 glasses a day).
- Stick to a diet
naturally high in folic acid (oranges, melons and dark green
vegetables).
- Eat plenty of
iron-rich foods (whole grains, beans, raisins and nuts).
- Keep your blood
sugar level elevated by eating lots of high-protein and
high-carbohydrate foods such as breads, brown rice, potatoes
and cheese.
- As a general rule,
avoid medication and consult with your doctor before taking
any.
- Get plenty of
sleep, and try to nap if you feel tired during the day.
- Exercise, but
moderately. Don't start a new exercise regimen when you're
pregnant, and be careful not to become overheated for
prolonged periods.
- If you're a coffee
drinker, cut back, switch to decaf or try herbal or
decaffeinated tea.
- If your family has
a history of genetic disorders, consider prenatal testing.
- Start budgeting
for your new life with baby.
- Choose a place to
give birth (hospital? birthing center? home?).
- Consider starting a
pregnancy diary and having someone take a picture of you
(and your expanding belly) each month.
- Refrain from
getting perms, dyes and other hair treatments involving
heavy chemicals.
- Get smart -- buy a
few pregnancy books and dive in.
|
|
Exercising During 
