Congratulations on your pregnancy! This is such exciting news. I’m sure you are filled with joy but also asking yourself, “Now what?…” There’s so much to prepare for baby! I get it. This is why I will take the guesswork out of your first trimester of pregnancy and share the top 12 items on my first trimester checklist to complete.
Top 12 Items on my First Trimester Checklist
First off you’ll want to adjust your daily habits to live the most healthful lifestyle that you can.
1. Cut down on stress at work and home.
2. Get a full night’s sleep while you still can.
Soak in this time while you can still sleep. It won’t last long.
3. Participate in low-impact exercise daily (like walking, swimming, or yoga).
Make sure that you talk to your medical care provider before starting a workout routine to learn the dos and don’ts of exercise during pregnancy.
4. Introduce lots of vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables into your diet.
5. Begin taking a high-quality prenatal vitamin with folic acid.
In doing these things, you’re setting up the best environment in your body for baby to grow and thrive.
6. Drink more water!
Most women don’t know that water consumption and staying hydrated during pregnancy is extremely important! Your blood volume nearly doubles throughout your pregnancy, and upping your fluid intake is essential to your antepartum health. You’ll want to get at least half a gallon of water a day—that’s at least 8 cups of water, and ideally twice that. Try to work your way up to an entire gallon of water each day by drinking a little Gatorade, adding lemon or lime to your water, or drinking coconut water which will also add in some electrolytes.
7. Schedule your first appointment with your doctor or midwife.
Typically, they’ll see you between 10-12 weeks for your first appointment. I know that feels pretty far from when you first find out you’re pregnant, but this is pretty standard. You’ll also want to begin thinking about your healthcare options during pregnancy. Start doing your research and if you do not feel comfortable or love your care provider, then do checklist point number eight.
8. Interview maternity care providers.
You want to make sure that you and your care provider are on the same page because this is the birth of your baby—an experience that will live with you forever. Ask around for recommendations on OBGYNs and midwives and begin calling to set up your interviews.
9. Once you have chosen your maternity care provider, you will also want to begin researching your prenatal testing options.
Here is a list of the different prenatal tests that you could take. Read about them to learn more.
10. Before your first prenatal appointment, you’ll want to make a list of questions.
It’s important to learn about your body and your baby and what’s normal and what isn’t. Carry a notebook with you so that when you think of questions, you can write them down and bring them to your next prenatal appointment.
11. Fit in naps when you can.
Fatigue is very common during your first trimester. Use this as an excuse to take a nap or do something else to pamper yourself! It’s important to prioritize getting better sleep during pregnancy. This brings me to number to point number twelve.
12. Pamper yourself!
Try getting a pedicure or sitting by the pool and reading a good book. You are growing a tiny human, after all! You deserve a little pampering. 😉
These are the top 12 items on my First Trimester Checklist. I hope your pregnancy is starting beautifully. If you complete this list, it’s sure to be.
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