Why the first trimester is important

Becoming parents is one of the most exciting events in a couple’s life. Every woman wants to shout the good news from the roof top, including Twitter and Facebook these days. In the African culture, elders advise that you keep your pregnancy a secret, well until the first trimester is over. The first three months are crucial in pregnancy and that is why need to take extra care so that nothing goes wrong. As you navigate your thoughts around a baby that is on the way, here are things you need to do to kick start your pregnancy journey.

Take your prenatal vitamin

During pregnancy it’s difficult to get all the nutrients you and your baby need from food alone. Pregnant women and nursing mothers often need more nutrients than other women. Although research suggests that a balanced diet is sufficient to ensure the healthy development of your baby, pregnant women still require extra folic acid, iodine and iron. Go to your nearest pharmacy to find out which supplements you can use during pregnancy.

Choose a gynae or midwife

You will need to monitor how your pregnancy is going and if there are complications or not. It is vital to choose a gynae or midwife you can trust. This must be a professional who will deliver your baby as well, so choose carefully. Pick the right medical practitioner to guide you through it. Besides a gynaecologist or a midwife, some women also choose to have a doula – a birthing partner with no medical training – there to help with their personal needs. The combination of caregivers that you need will depend entirely on a personal preference.

Make a prenatal appointment

As soon as you find out you are pregnant, make an appointment to see your doctor. Antenatal care is an essential part of pregnancy and should start as soon as you find out you’re expecting. Before your appointment, write down the first day of your last period so your caregiver can determine your due date. Make a list of questions you have for your caregiver. You might forget them with all the excitement going on. Having a healthy pregnancy is one of the best ways to promote a healthy birth so stick to your appointments to determine if your baby is healthy and whether your pregnancy is progressing well.

Consult your doctor about any medications you’re taking

The rule of thumb is to avoid most medications while you’re pregnant, unless your healthcare provider prescribes or approves of the meds. This includes over-the-counter medication and herbal remedies, “There‘s nothing wrong with taking paracetamol for a headache, but if it doesn’t work, consult with your healthcare provider before taking stronger medication,” says obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Judith Carter. Everything you put into your body passes from your blood to baby. If you’re taking any chronic medications, don’t stop cold turkey – call your doctor to discuss this with him first.

Quit smoking

Dr Carter explains that the placenta is full of blood vessels, and in order for your baby to get proper nourishment, the placenta has to have a large surface area through which oxygen and nutrients can transfer from mom’s blood to baby’s blood.Whenever you smoke, the blood vessels in your body tighten. Anything that affects your blood vessels will affect the functioning of the placenta. Tobacco or cigarette smoking damages all of the blood vessels in your body. Once the blood vessels in your placenta have been damaged, they won’t transfer nutrients and oxygen to your baby as effectively, which could stunt your baby’s growth. Other devastating effects of smoking during pregnancy include an increased risk of miscarriage or still birth.