If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for many months or years, seeing that initial positive pregnancy test and celebrating with your partner is going to go down as one of the most memorable times in your life. However, as time progresses, many women find the first trimester of pregnancy incredibly challenging as they deal with all the changes happening to their bodies.
It can be tricky keeping up withwork tasks and the usual day-to-day jobs that arise around the home and elsewhere when you’re dealing with nausea and vomiting, hormonal fluctuations, aches and pains, tiredness, and other issues. It helps to know some tips for navigating the first trimester of pregnancy to make this time in your life a little easier.
Keep in Touch with Your Doctor
When you’re pregnant for the first time or having a late-in-life or otherwise potentially more challenging pregnancy, it’s vital to keep in touch with your doctor. They will want to do routine checkups to test things such as your weight (to see the baby is growing appropriately), blood pressure, blood work, and more.
You may also need to be in touch with your health practitioner when you need to call in sick to your boss. Many companies require employees to submit a doctor’s excuse for work missed, so check the policies in the firm’s HR handbook or related material.
Try to Get More Sleep
One of the big changes many women notice in their first trimester is that they feel fatigued. When your body is working hard to create life, especially in the initial months, the energy used and the influx of hormones that arise can lead you to feel drained and exhausted.
Do what you need to so you can prioritize sleep and general rest. Focus on going to bed earlier than usual and take naps in the middle of the day, after work, or at other times as needed to give you a boost.
Utilize Nausea Remedies
Another commonly felt and discussed side effect of pregnancy is nausea. It pays to have some helpful remedies up your sleeve to utilize when you’re feeling lousy. For example, doctors often advise patients to eat small meals or snacks frequently and avoid fried, spicy, or fatty foods. Plain crackers plus some ginger tea or ginger ale work for many ladies. Plus, you could try lemon water, mint tea, trail mix, aromatherapy, acupressure, acupuncture, or motion-sickness patches.
If you suffer from severe, debilitating nausea and vomiting and find yourself unable to keep food or fluids down for a whole day or more, it’s time to visit a doctor. You could suffer from dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance, and there can be other hazards to you and your baby if the morning sickness gets too much. It’s better to have a checkup and consider prescription medications as needed than to try to persevere without health supervision.
Stay Hydrated
Be sure to stay well hydrated during the first trimester of pregnancy, too. Drink plenty of water to help keep morning sickness at bay and reduce some of your fatigue. Plus, hydration is crucial for your baby. Water helps form amniotic fluid, carry nutrients to the bub, and build new tissues.
Eat Wisely
You’ll also need to eat wisely to combat morning sickness and ensure you get the nutrients you need while pregnant. Pay attention to the signals coming from your body regarding what it tells you to eat. Dry, plain foods can assist with nausea, but if you’re craving something you normally wouldn’t or can’t stand the thought of smelling or eating something you usually love, listen to those impulses. It’s wise to carry snacks with you, too, since letting yourself get too hungry can make you feel worse.
Be Physically Active as Appropriate
It pays to be physically active as appropriate in your first trimester, depending on what works for you and your fitness levels and health status. A walk in the fresh air, yoga, swimming, or riding a bike can promote improved mental and physical health. Just don’t push yourself too far. Speak with your doctor about what’s suitable for your body and consult them before starting any new activities.
Some other tips for navigating the first few months of pregnancy include taking prenatal vitamins, switching to looser, more comfortable clothing (especially bras), and remaining open to receive support from others.
You’ll use up a lot of energy growing a baby, so don’t be afraid to lean on family members and friends for help when you need it. Being pregnant can be daunting and challenging. If you try out time-tested strategies to cope, though, you should find the process a little easier.
