The Mother-Sphere:  The First Trimester of Pregnancy

The Mother-Sphere: The First Trimester of Pregnancy

13 May 2008, 10:33AM
Marilynn McLachlan

Planned or unplanned, there is never a moment the compares to finding out you’re pregnant. It’s a moment that will change the course of your life, sending you on a never-ending roller coaster of change, laughter, love and tears.
The first trimester will see a multitude of questions rolling through your mind and all the while, by the tenth week of pregnancy your little fertilized egg has blossomed into 6 trillion cells that include the formation of the organs, the first bones formed and another heart beating inside you and is now officially called a foetus!
It is now well established that between the fifth and twelfth weeks of pregnancy are when your baby-to-be is at its most vulnerable because as each cell splits, it is reproducing genetic information. Should something go wrong at this point, it can have major consequences. Later during pregnancy, fewer cells will be damaged, but of course these can still cause serious problems.
This vulnerability means that amongst the tiredness and hormonal activity occurring during this trimester will have its own set of consequences, making a concerted effort with your health is an absolute must.
* Go for fresh foods: keep to the perimeter of the supermarket, choosing fresh fruit and vegetables, seafood and meats and dairy. Try and avoid packaged food and refined as much as possible.
* Start taking folic acid tablets if you haven’t already: low folate levels can lead to neural tube defects.
* Get enough calcium: if you don’t provide calcium from your diet, your baby will be using up your stores – and you need those later in life!
* Watch your iron levels: essential for transporting oxygen around the body, many women are low on iron. While you probably wont need supplements at this stage, you need to make sure you are getting what you need.
* Watch your zinc levels: women low on zinc are more likely to miscarry or have a baby with a low birth weight. Research is also showing that low levels increase the danger of birth defects involving the central nervous system.
* Avoid hot spots: spas, saunas and hot baths can harm your baby. If you get a fever, try and cure it by soaking in a cool bath rather than taking drugs.
* Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, caffeine and recreational drugs.
* Use safe food practises: your levels of immunity are lower, putting you and your baby more at risk. You should receive a copy of “Food safety in Pregnancy” from your doctor or midwife, or phone 0800 639 721 for a copy.
* Avoid teratogens: these little monsters may potentially cause harm to your baby and include prescription drugs, ACE inhibitors and some herbs. 
While from the outside, the first trimester doesn’t produce many changes, there is a hormonal overload happening on the inside. Women experience a range of symptoms as a result, and so it’s worth having a few pearls up your sleeve should they hit.
* Morning Sickness: whether it’s a mild feeling of nausea or more severe, morning sickness is an unpleasant result of the combined increase in oestrogen, progesterone and HCG. To help ease, take vitamin B6 (10-25mg) three times a day, take some form of ginger such as tea and make sure you drink plenty of water. Eating dry crackers or biscuits upon waking may also help.
* Mood Swings: some women experience extreme PMS symptoms, due to the increase in levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline as well as what is going on mentally. Be easy on yourself knowing what your body is going through and take as much time as possible to nurture yourself and take time out. Eating well-balanced diet will also help control these swings.
* Tiredness: with what is happening to your growing baby, combined with an increased metabolic rate will see many mums-to-be overwhelmingly tired. It’s best not to fight this urge – let go and sleep as much as you can.
* Tender breasts: increases in hormones stimulate the glands and ducts needed for breast milk. You are more likely to experience tender breasts if you have them when premenstrual. Wear a soft, supportive bra to ease.
It is important to contact your LMC or doctor should you have bleeding (although spotting is common in early pregnancy), painful cramping, severe shoulder or abdominal pain, odorous vaginal discharge or a high fever.
Mums Little Helper: First Trimester Checklist
* Look for and select a Lead Maternity Carer (LMC)
* Go over your finances in preparation
* Check out any government assistance you may receive after your baby arrives
* Discuss any medications you are taking
* Visit the bookstore to select a good pregnancy book that will take you through your pregnancy
* Start a pregnancy journal – you’ll be amazed with the thoughts and questions that you have as you progress through your pregnancy.
* Investigate antenatal classes for your second trimester and add your name to their list.
* Check your exercise program with your LMC to ensure its safety
* Schedule an appointment with a dentist and make sure to take good care of your teeth and gums throughout your pregnancy
* While you may not have a ‘preggy belly’, clothes do feel tighter. Try moving to clothes with an elastic waistband
* Listen to your body – rest when you can, and eat wisely to nurture both you and your baby
* Reduce stress as much as possible – emotional and physical stresses add to an already hormonal world. Accept help and avoid falling into the perfectionism trap.
By Marilynn McLachlan

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