If you’ve recently confirmed your pregnancy, and are keen to know what pregnancy care tips you should keep in mind, read on. 

Pregnancy tips for first time moms

Pregnancy is a physiological state, meaning that it is a condition caused by normal functioning of the body. 

“Often, expecting women and their families think that pregnancy needs to be treated like any other medical condition, and incessantly start searching for dos and dont’s in pregnancy,” says Dr. Rinku Sen Gupta Dhar, Senior Consultant, Obstetrician – Gynecologist. 

“However, you need not restrict yourself in any way, provided your pregnancy is progressing normally. All you need to do is to consult your gynecologist regularly and follow her advice.”

How to take care during pregnancy in the first few months

We often get queries from concerned family members about early pregnancy tips to avoid miscarriage and how to take care of pregnant women during the first month.

“Every baby is precious, which is why we suggest going for regular antenatal check-ups. If you’ve experienced a miscarriage before, you may need to be monitored even more strictly this time around.”

1. Pregnancy Care Tips for Nausea & Weakness

Expecting women, and first-time mothers in particular, often ask, “Why do I feel so weak and nauseous all the time?”

“Your body undergoes many changes during pregnancy to accommodate the new life in your body. This involves a rise in the levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Your body may take some time to adjust to these changes, which is why you may sometimes experience nausea, weakness, body aches, leg cramps and mood changes. Some women may additionally feel acidity and constipation, “ clarifies Dr. Dhar. 

Therefore you may not have a good appetite and you may not be able to eat much.

“It is quite normal not to gain any weight in the first trimester and some of you may even lose weight.”

On the flip side, there are a handful of women who also ask “I am not feeling any usual symptoms of nausea in pregnancy. Is that normal?”

Some women may luckily not feel any of these symptoms considered to be the hallmark of pregnancy. Their body probably quickly adjusts to the changes in heart rate, respiratory system and other organs of the body.

Foods for Nausea in First Month

You can eat whatever you like provided it is homemade and easily digestible.

“Do not worry if you cannot drink milk. Right now your baby is very small, about 5 gm to 50 gm, equivalent to the size of a peach and whatever you eat comfortably is enough for the baby.”

If you suffer from repeated acidity it is better you have bland food and concentrate on food items like toast with jam, banana ,apple, curd, rice etc. 

Very few mothers may have excessive vomiting and sickness which may require hospitalization and administration of i/v fluids.

This is a self limiting condition and will eventually settle so do not get unduly worried about it. Stress sometimes aggravates the condition so avoid stressful situations.

2. Pregnancy Care Tips for Physical Activity

There is no contraindication to routine physical activity in the first trimester of pregnancy. You can go to office and climb stairs. 

“If you have had previous miscarriages, we ask you to restrict physical activity though there is no medical data to support it.” 

“Mothers with a low-risk pregnancy or where there are no known high-risk factors, are encouraged to go for brisk walks outdoors for 30 minutes daily. You can wear a mask if the pollution makes you uncomfortable.”

This is especially helpful for mothers who have so far led sedentary lifestyles. 

“This is a golden opportunity for you to change your lifestyle forever. You can start easy and start slow. Begin walking everyday and gradually build it upto 30 minutes a day,” reiterates Dr. Dhar. 

It is not advised, however, to begin any new strenuous activity like swimming, cycling etc. Remember that your body is already doing extra work to sustain the pregnancy. Therefore, do not put any extra strain on it without professional supervision. 

3. Pregnancy Care Tips for Acidity & Constipation

While your body adjusts to the changes brought on by pregnancy, you may experience Gastritis (acidity) and constipation. It is common to face constipation because of the rise of hormones which may cause your intestinal movements to slow down.

To ease constipation, you may

• Eat lots of fiber rich foods and fruits: Bel fruit could be especially useful. The pulp of the Bel fruit could be used as a drink or eaten as such.
• Hydrate yourself: Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of fluids in any form. This could be difficult if you suffer from severe nausea, in which case you may need oral or injectable antacids and laxatives and stool softeners prescribed by your doctor.

Severe constipation may result in painful passing of stools and bleeding. 

If you’re feeling acidity, it is important to avoid outside food, especially sour, chilly and spicy food. 

Try to eat small quantities of food every 3 to 4 hours. 

“You really don’t have to eat extra calories in the first trimester. So even if you don’t have much of an appetite and you are not able to eat much, please do not worry.”

More Concerns in the First Trimester

Having counseled expecting couples over the last three decades, we are familiar with additional questions that often arise. 

I am almost 3 to 4 months pregnant and I am not showing at all. Is that normal?

The extent to which you are showing or not showing depends not only on your baby’s weight but also on the tone of your abdominal muscles. If you have a good tone you will show less. If you have a flabby abdomen, you will show more. Caregivers will usually examine your abdomen and uterine size and  make an assessment of your baby’s weight. 

Conclusion

The first trimester can be an exciting phase but may also be riddled with unfound fears and worries. Trust your doctor, and talk to her in case you have any nagging concerns. 

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rinku Sen Gupta Dhar

Senior Consultant Obstetrician – Gynecologist

MBBS, MD

25+ years of experience