Looking after yourself in the first trimester
So you’ve had that exciting moment where you see the positive result on a pregnancy test but now it’s had time to sink in you really aren’t sure what to do next. How best to take care of yourself? What you could be doing to get ready?
Here are my top tips for the first trimester:
Read up on supplements and in particular ‘folate’ vs ‘folic acid’ and choose your supplement.
If you’re really struggling with sickness don’t ignore it. Visit the Pregnancy Sickness Support Charity website for loads of information and even a helpline.
Talk to your partner about who and when you want to share the news with.
Ring your GP and find out the process for registry with your community midwife team.
Rest when you can. That first trimester can be exhausting! So be kind to yourself and it might be that you need to keep life simple for a while until you’re feeling brighter.
Consider starting Pregnancy Yoga! It’s a great way to meet other local mums-to-be as well as bond with your baby and start to mentally prepare for birth.
Start saving. Having a baby is an expensive business so talk to your partner about starting a little savings pot for all the bits and pieces you may need to buy later.
Research local Antenatal Classes. They aren’t just for making friends - they should give you up-to-date judgement free birth education and prepare you for meeting your newborn. Contact some local providers and find out a little about what they offer and consider which is right for you.
Protect yourself from negative birth stories! Avoid those ‘docu-drama’ tv shows set on maternity wards and politely but firmly stop anyone about to share another horror story.
Inform yourself about your antenatal and birth rights and choices. Two great trusted sources are: Dr Sara Wickham and Birth Rights.
If you’re local to Dorking or near by, then do get in touch if you’d like to know more about my Antenatal Courses in Dorking, Pregnancy Yoga classes in Dorking and Mum-to-be Socials!
Rose
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