Things to Know About Pregnancy For First Time Moms
This might sound weird and abnormal to say, but celeb pregnancies are not all about cute photo shoots and baby bump shoots. Ask Mandy Moore – her first trimester was nothing to write home about. One of her major issues was food aversions, and coffee was one of the first things to go. However, coffee is not the only thing to go, and Moore had trouble thinking or looking at certain foods in her kitchen.
Her husband, Taylor Goldsmith, was definitely on the receiving end, having to eat away from his wife because she couldn’t stand the smell or sight of food. Tough times if you ask me, but it seems like the storm is weathering. However, Moore is consoled because she’s not the only one with her Instagram fans sharing similar pregnancy experiences.
The young one is expected to arrive early next year, and Mandy considers everything a small price to pay. Apparently, pregnancy blues don’t care about celebrity titles. Nevertheless, the 36-year-old actress is super excited about her first pregnancy from the online reaction she received after announcing it, and so are her fans. The couple uploaded a cute black and white photo showing off the baby-bump on Mandy’s Instagram.
Do you know? A healthy pregnancy is possible even in high risk hearth patients.
The Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
First pregnancies can be overwhelming, and your timelines may not match up to expectancy timelines. Everyone wants a healthy pregnancy, get the best baby products for newborns, and have everything run smoothly. The main concern lies in how to have a healthy pregnancy.
How Long is a Normal Pregnancy?
Naturally, a healthy pregnancy runs for nine months, and all occurrences are dictated by timelines. These may differ between first-time mothers, but it’s a similar experience. The nine months are categorized into three trimesters: the first, second, and third.
Here is an explained pregnancy chart and tips for a healthy pregnancy.
Tips for Healthy Pregnancy in First Trimester
Technically, this period clocks from the last period to the 12th week. Unless you take a clinical test, it might take up to 6 weeks to tell you’re actually pregnant. This time frame is characterized by the fastest growth and development of your baby.
Many new mothers are worried about their sexual life. Is it healthy to have sex during pregnancy? Many mothers also ask that can sex during first trimester cause miscarriage? Well, unless your doctor or midwife advises you against it, or yours is a high-risk pregnancy, then it is absolutely safe. Contrary to what most people believe, it’s safe to have sex while you’re pregnant.
Read this if you want to know the symptoms of miscarriage.
By week 6, a heartbeat is discernible, and by the 12th week, the muscles, bones, and vital organs of the baby have formed. By the end of the first trimester, the baby grows from an embryo to a fetus.
At this stage, hormones will affect most of your organs and body parts. For a lot of women, this stage is characterized by regular feeding and rest periods.
Some of the most prevalent healthy pregnancy symptoms include;
- Fatigue
- Tender breast
- Nausea/vomiting
- Food cravings
- Upset stomach
- Food aversions
- Heartburn
- Mood swings
- You’ll undergo healthy weight gain pregnancy.
Your first prenatal clinic will include a pelvic exam and a full health history. Other crucial tests include;
- An ultrasound
- Blood pressure
- Pap test
- Blood tests for STIs, hepatitis, and HIV
- Weight
- Check at thyroid levels.
How to Maintain a Healthy Pregnancy
Maintaining a healthy pregnancy in the first trimester is not complicated. Some of the things you can do include;
- Taking prenatal vitamins
- Regular exercise. Kegel exercises are particularly important to strengthen your pelvic floor.
- Staying hydrated
- Focusing on healthy pregnancy meals. Include more vegetables, low-fat proteins, fruits, and fiber into your diet. Doctors suggest an extra 300 calorie intake.
Second Trimester Pregnancy Tips
Most pregnancy losses occur during the first trimester, so making it to the second is a huge flex. Congratulations! This period starts on week 13 to week 28, months 4, 5, and 6. Even though you might look and feel more pregnant, your energy levels increase significantly during this period.
Your baby is growing larger, and your growing bump is proof of it. During this time, the baby’s organs fully develop, and they can swallow and perceive sound. At later stages, the baby begins to move, and it develops a circadian rhythm. At week 21, your baby begins to grow hair. By week 25, they can respond to touch, light, and sound, and you may notice them respond to loud noises.
Some of the symptoms associated with this stage include;
- Body aches
- Your uterus will expand, and it will manifest as a larger abdomen
- An increased appetite
- Swelling hands and knees
- Your skin will become darker around the nipples, and you’ll develop stretch marks around the butt, breast, stomach, and thighs
- You can feel the baby move.
During the second trimester, you are advised to visit a doctor at least monthly. Basic tests include;
- Blood pressure tests
- An ultrasound
- Amniocentesis- this is a test for genetic disorders or abnormalities.
- Weight check
- Confirming your baby’s gender is a personal choice.
As your pregnancy progresses, it’s important to know the do and don’ts. Staying healthy during pregnancy depends on your lifestyle and life choices, so you should base them on your unborn child’s best interest.
Do’s and Don’ts of Pregnancy During Second Trimester
The Dos
- Stay on your prenatal vitamins
- Hydrate often
- Practice healthy exercises for pregnancy. Include Kegels and safe exercises that will strengthen your pelvic floor.
- Create and maintain a healthy pregnancy meal plan. Include lots of fruits, fiber, and veggies.
- Create a healthy pregnancy weight gain chart with the help of your doctor. This will help prevent weight-related birth complications.
It’s important to stay active throughout the pregnancy, but don’t overdo it. You’ll risk harming the baby.
The Don’ts
- Altogether avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and other drugs
- Smoked or raw seafood
- Don’t do strenuous exercises or training that would hurt your abdomen
- Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, OTC or prescription drugs.
Third Trimester Pregnancy Tips
You’re almost there, but it’s all uphill during this time frame. Do you know when does the third trimester of pregnancy start? The third trimester starts at the end of week 28 and ends at delivery. This period is emotionally and physically draining for the mother, and her anxiety levels are most likely to increase.
At week 32, the baby has fully-formed bone structures, and their body can store calcium and iron. Also, they can perceive light, and they can open or close their eyes.
Week 36 should have your baby’s head facing down, and if not, your doctor will try to move it. Otherwise, this situation might necessitate a cesarean section to deliver the baby.
At 37 weeks, the baby is fully formed, and it can survive outside the womb on its own. At this point, it weighs an average of 9 pounds and is about 21 inches long.
During the last trimester of pregnancy, it’s highly advisable to visit your doctor often. Necessary tests will include;
- Anemia check
- Glucose level tests
- Group B strep
- An examination to check for dilation and effacement.
It’s crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle even during the last phase of your pregnancy, both for your physical and mental health.
Things to Do in Third Trimester
- Don’t stop taking prenatal vitamins
- Unless you’re in pain or your body is swelling, try and stay active.
- Ensure you get plenty of sleep and rest
- Always stay hydrated
- Practice mild exercises such as aquanatal exercises, Pilates, and pregnancy yoga.
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. You can plan healthy pregnancy dinner recipes and meal prep to make mealtime easier
What Not to Do in Your Third Trimester of Pregnancy
- Avoid alcohol and drugs
- Stay off prescription drugs such as acitretin, Accutane, and thalidomide. Consult your doctor before you take any OTC meds.
- Avoid raw and smoked seafood.
- Avoid flights and long car trips.
Getting Ready
Now your baby is on the way, and it’s time to get everything sorted. Crucial decisions include where you plan on giving birth and sorting out your plans. This is very important. This trimester is a great time to enroll in a prenatal class. It will enlighten you on the labor experience and the available delivery options.
Pack an overnight bag for you and the baby and create a transportation plan to and from the hospital. If you’re on formal employment, apply and plan for maternity leave. Also shop for baby supplies such as wipes and diapers, clothing, and baby bedding.
When It’s Almost Time
When you get closer to your due date, you will start experiencing false labor symptoms. However, it is crucial to know what the real deal is. The most obvious tell-tale signs are;
- Your water breaks. However, this might be the last sign that you’re due.
- The contractions start. Unlike the Braxton Hicks contractions, these will get stronger and will intensify with movement.
- Bloody show – It’s time to head to the hospital if you notice a discharge of stringy mucus tinged brown or pink with blood.
Read this to know how to maintain figure after delivery.
Conclusion
First-time pregnancy might be physically and emotionally tasking for the mother. However, most pregnancies and birthing experiences are similar, and reading guides and interacting with other mothers will help. It’s wise to take care of paperwork earlier on in the pregnancy, such as leaves, birthing plans, and other arrangements.
What are some of the things you are learning in your pregnancy phases? How is it different from other moms? Share your experience with us, we would love to hear from you!
I am Sahar Rashid, a technology loving girl. I love to write about mobiles, computers and other technology stuff on my website. I am so excited about the latest technology updates in the tech industry so I also report the latest news and leaks about mobiles and especially the iPhone. I joined The Daily News Times 3 years ago as a Technology news reporter.
