To enjoy motherhood in all its glory and to feel the joy of being a to-be mother, a woman must avoid a few mistakes during the first trimester of pregnancy. This period is very crucial for you as well as for your baby, so you need to be very cautious. Pregnancy is a joyous phase, but tough at the same time. Whatever you do, eat or feel during pregnancy affects your baby. So, be cautious about everything around you.
The first trimester starts on the first day of your last period that happened from the time you knew you were pregnant. It lasts up to the time when you are 12 weeks pregnant, that’s three months. The first trimester is like the first step of the bigger ladder ahead. For all the would-be mothers, here is a quick list of mistakes one should avoid during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Smoking
Smoking is a very bad practice during pregnancy. If you quit smoking during the first trimester, it helps in avoiding miscarriage, birth defects like a cleft lip or cleft palate, premature birth, low birth weight, and infant death. Some people move toward e-cigarettes. It is important to know that they are equally harmful to the body during this period.
Consumption of alcohol
Consuming alcohol during the first three months of pregnancy can lead to developmental problems in the baby. Although some studies conclude that consumption of a light amount of alcohol causes no harm, you must try to avoid it or consult your doctor for the same. While you may find numerous forms of alcohol like beer, whiskey, wine, vodka, etc., all may not be harmful. It is important to get proper knowledge about what to consume and what not during the first trimester as it has direct effects on the baby and its development inside the mother’s womb.
Self-medication
During pregnancy, one must never go for self-medication or over-the-counter medication for any purpose or illness. You never know whether the medicine will suit your body or not. It is risky for both, the mother and the baby. If you get sick during pregnancy, do not go for general medicines without consultation. Always seek a doctor’s advice as they can guide you better about medicines and diet.
Caffeine consumption
There are a lot of debates around caffeine consumption during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. There is no harm in consuming an adequate amount of caffeine while you conceive a baby in your womb. If your tests give healthy reports, you can consume the prescribed amount of caffeine. You can consult your doctor about your condition and ask whether caffeine will be harmless during this stage or not.
Not exercising
When you announce your pregnancy, you might get to hear a lot of statements about exercising during pregnancy. Some may say that you should not exercise, while others may say you can do a workout. The truth is mild exercise and walking do no harm to the mother and the baby too. Exercising keeps you in shape and allows you to stay active and energetic. Exercising also has many other benefits like reducing the chances of depression, ensuring good digestion, etc.
The first three months are a very crucial phase as it initiates the baby’s development inside the womb. The consumption and lifestyle habits of the mother have a deep impact on the baby. Pregnancy is a life-altering journey in a woman’s life. So, one should be cautious and alert when one conceives. Avoiding these mistakes can help in avoiding complications in the pregnancy process and give you a joyful feeling throughout the journey.