Your pregnancy to-do list: 1st trimester

Here’s a guide for your first trimester. 

1. Visit your doctor

Schedule an appointment with your GP or gynaecologist as soon as you discover that you are pregnant. They will advise you about an appropriate time for that exciting first appointment, which is usually around eight weeks' pregnant.

2. Figure out your medical cover

Find out what medical cover you are eligible for during your pregnancy and for the birth.

3. Ditch the toxic substances

Stop smoking, drinking, and taking drugs – pharmaceutical drugs included (unless otherwise advised by your doctor). Nicotine, alcohol and drugs are toxic substances that can affect the mental and physical health of your baby for the rest of their life. Don’t take chances, seek help if necessary to help you quit.

4. Exercise!

It’s good for your body and mind, particularly during pregnancy. If you were physically active prior to falling pregnant, you can continue with your exercise regime, unless otherwise advised by your doctor. However, if you are new to exercise, this is not the time to go all GI Jane and join a boot camp. A 20-minute walk several times a week will provide sufficient benefits to you and your baby, improving fitness levels and circulation, reducing stress and elevating your mood.

5. Eat healthily

Fill your fridge with healthy food and nutritious snacks. These nutritional superstars are the best foods to eat while pregnant: avocados, broccoli, carrots, eggs, edamame, lentils, mangoes, nuts, oats, red pepper, spinach, yoghurt.

6. Decide on the pregnancy announcement

Think about how you are going to announce your pregnancy. Will you wait till you are 12 weeks, or do you want to tell the world as soon as you find out? Make sure that you and your partner are on the same page about this.

7. Ease the strain of pregnancy

The first trimester can be very hard on a woman. Morning sickness and fatigue take their toll, while many women struggle to come to terms with the pregnancy in the early days. Ease the strain by taking time to do things that bring you joy: meet with friends for coffee, read an uplifting book, paint if that’s your passion, get a pedicure, or cook to your heart’s content if cooking is your therapy. And sleep as much as you can – growing a baby is hard work!

8. Read and research

Find out as much as you can about your baby’s week-by-week development and the changes you are likely to experience by reading websites dedicated to the subject, or buying or borrowing pregnancy books. You’ll find it fascinating and it will help you to feel connected to your developing baby.

9. Take supplements

It is important that you take the pregnancy supplement your doctor recommends. Clicks stocks a range of pregnancy vitamins and minerals that will ensure you and your baby are getting all the nutrients you need for good health and vitality during this demanding time.

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