Pregnancy Tips for First Time Moms

Pregnancy is an exciting time with the anticipation of a new little one, and the many changes going on in your body. Many first time moms don’t really know what to expect or do when they get pregnant.

If you are wondering what your next steps might be, here are some pregnancy tips for first time moms that should help.

How can I be Sure I’m Pregnant?

Many women question the reality of the situation when they believe they may be pregnant. Even after a home test – or several – the unbelief may still be there. Getting pregnant for the first time is a pretty big deal, and if the pregnancy was unplanned, it can be even more overwhelming.

When thinking about the gravity of the situation and how your life is about to change, it’s perfectly natural to question whether you are truly pregnant or not.

The best way to combat this is to get a pregnancy test at a clinic. Knowing as early as possible gives you time to plan and prepare. It also allows you to start getting prenatal care early so you can give your baby its best chance. Reach out to Pregnancy Care Clinic for a referral for prenatal care.

Pregnancy Care Clinic offers free pregnancy testing, a nurse visit, ultrasound exams, and medical referrals. If you are the least bit unsure whether or not you are pregnant, we can usually help by giving you a definitive answer.

What to Expect in Those Early Weeks

The first trimester is considered the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and as a first time mom, you will likely miss a couple of weeks of it! The early signs of pregnancy may be there, but first time moms might not catch on to them. A lot is going on in your body though as it prepares to house a brand new life for the next few months.

The first sign that many women notice that causes them to suspect they may be pregnant is a missed period. Some women do not miss a period in the first month, but many do and that is a sign that many women look for.

Other changes are going on as well and if you aren’t familiar with them you may wonder what in the world is going on.

Here’s what to expect after you conceive, up to the beginning of your second trimester. These are signs of early pregnancy that can often be detected in the first trimester. [1]

• Swollen, tender breasts
• Increased urination
• Food aversions
• Heartburn
• Nausea (you may or may not vomit)
• Food cravings
• Constipation
• Extreme tiredness or fatigue

You may also find yourself very emotional, ranging from very happy to very scared. You might feel weepy and cry easily. You may also alternate between feeling exhilarated and happy to anxious and exhausted. It’s OK, that’s normal too.

As your body changes to accommodate your baby, there will be some emotional upsets, some highs, and lows. Just roll with it. Mood swings are natural. Just remember to take good care of yourself. Nap when you need it, stay hydrated, and eat a healthy diet. Remember, by taking care of you you’re taking care of the baby. But make no mistake, moms need self-care too so be kind to yourself.

If you have any early pregnancy signs that are troublesome, talk to your doctor. He or she may have recommendations for how to deal with them or treatments. Let your healthcare provider help you, that’s what they are here for.

What to Avoid When Pregnant

Just as there are certain things you should do when you are pregnant, there are also things that you should avoid. These are things that can negatively impact your pregnancy and even your baby after it is born. They can also affect you.

• Don’t live a sedentary lifestyle. Get up and get moving, exercise has several great benefits for women who are pregnant and women who aren’t
• Avoid caffeine. When you drink a cup of coffee, it moves through your system slower thanks to slowed digestion. It then enters your baby’s bloodstream by going through the placenta. Caffeine also increases a woman’s odds of miscarriage and about a 13% higher incidence of low birth weight.
• Avoid illegal drugs. These could severely harm your baby so the best thing you can do is quit entirely
• Avoid stress. We all know what stress does to the adult human body but your baby will also feel it too.
• Avoid alcohol. The dangers of alcohol while pregnant are well known. The best thing you can do is stop drinking. If you won’t do it for yourself, at least do it for the baby.
• Avoid cigarettes. Smoking is just as dangerous as drinking alcohol when you are going to have a baby.

If you struggle with letting go of some things, talk to your doctor. They may be able to help you get off these unhealthy behaviors for good. [2]

What to do When Pregnant: Self-care for the Mom to Be

This is where a lot of moms fall short. They get so wrapped up in caring for others in their life, that self care is often shoved to the back burner and forgotten. Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Be kind to yourself and do some special things for yourself. Carrying a baby is hard work, even if you are in that first trimester and that sweet little peanut is only starting to grow inside you.

Try some of these self-care practices for first time moms.

• Have a cup of caffeine-free hot green tea. It’s good for you and so refreshing!
• Take a walk. Exercise helps you feel better physically and mentally, so get out there!
• Stay hydrated. Even low level dehydration can cause problems so make sure that you and your baby stay hydrated, especially in the warm months.
• Get plenty of rest. Fatigue is very common in the first trimester, so when you feel sleepy and need a nap, take it – and don’t feel bad about it.
• Take prenatal vitamins. This not only supports your baby’s health but also eases anxiety, providing reassurance about your child’s well-being.
• Treat yourself to a prenatal massage. A prenatal massage is low impact and great for lower back pain.
• Engage in a little retail therapy. Whether you are shopping for your baby or shopping for yourself, it can be fun to get out and shop a little.

Pregnancy Care Clinic

Whether you were fully prepared to get pregnant or your pregnancy completely blindsided you. At Pregnancy Care Clinic we have many free services that can help make those first few weeks (as well as those to come, even after giving birth) much easier and less stressful.

Call today and make an appointment. Get you and your baby off to a great start.