Your sweet baby begins life as a cluster of 32 cells packed with the potential to change the world. It takes those cells only six weeks to grow a minuscule beating heart. By the end of your first trimester, that poppyseed-sized ball will have bones, muscles, and even organ systems.
It is the fastest and most dynamic period of fetal development, and your actions can significantly impact who your little one might become.
Moms-to-be need to know what to avoid in the first trimester to keep their developing baby safe. Doing the right thing for your growing fetus might involve sacrifices or lifestyle changes. Trust that a healthy baby will be worth the restraint.
We've created this first trimester guide to help you conquer the tumultuous first thirteen weeks of pregnancy. We'll include our best first trimester tips about what to avoid during your first trimester.
Read on to learn what foods and tasks to set aside until your beautiful baby arrives.
One of the first changes you'll notice after becoming pregnant will involve your veins. Your whole circulatory system will transform to deliver water and nutrients to your baby more efficiently. In fact, a pregnant woman's blood volume often doubles during the first trimester.
Your body will process every meal, snack, and treat and then send it down a four-lane highway to your womb. This system ensures that your baby has the energy it needs to develop essential organ systems.
However, consuming the wrong thing can expose your baby to bacteria, parasites, or harmful mercury. Each of these can potentially cause congenital disabilities or severe illnesses in a developing fetus. In some cases, exposure can trigger a miscarriage.
Here are the foods to avoid during this critical period of development:
You should also avoid all alcohol during the first trimester of pregnancy. Any amount of alcohol (even your nightly glass of wine) can potentially cause Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Children born with FASD often live with physical and cognitive disabilities.
Most doctors advise pregnant women to reduce coffee or other caffeine consumption during pregnancy, too. While about two cups per day won't cause problems, more than that can impact your baby's fetal heart rate. It's unwise to put stress on a tiny, developing organ during such a critical period.
Many women experience so much fatigue and morning sickness that they naturally cut back on extra outings and activities during early pregnancy. If you're one of the lucky 30% of women who don't experience morning sickness, you may need a reminder about what to avoid during the first trimester.
Foremost, doctors recommend that you sit out your next hot tub party. Any experience involving high or fluctuating temperatures is a no-go. That includes whirlpools, saunas, and steam rooms.
Remember, your body is the perfect environment for a baby to grow. A sudden shift in internal temperature could throw off the equilibrium, especially during such a sensitive developmental period. All of the above activities increase your risk of miscarriage.
A pregnant woman's changes in blood volume also make her more susceptible to fainting. Instead, take a warm bath or swim in a lightly heated swimming pool.
Your first trimester is exhausting, and you'll likely crave some TLC. Unfortunately, you'll have to get it somewhere other than the massage spa or acupuncture center. Certain areas and pressure points can cause problems during the early weeks of pregnancy, and it isn't worth the risk.
With that said, go ahead and schedule an appointment for the second trimester onward. A therapist trained in prenatal massage or acupuncture can offer much relief later in your pregnancy.
During your first trimester, your body will flood with pregnancy hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. These have many odd and unexpected effects on your body and mood. One side effect is skin sensitivity, which can make some women more prone to allergic reactions.
Fake tanning, tanning pills, and tanning injections can cause painful, uncomfortable allergic reactions during the first trimester. Instead, get some sun and soak in extra vitamin D.
The first trimester of pregnancy offers an excellent excuse to hand a few chores over to your partner or other family members. Many cleaning products contain toxins or other chemicals that can harm a growing baby.
If you plan to keep cleaning, read all labels to ensure there are no warnings for pregnant women, and remove all products containing naphthalene from your home.
Furthermore, if you own a cat, let someone else take care of the litter box for the next few months. There is an invisible parasite called Toxoplasma gondii that can only breed inside cats. While the parasite is rarely harmful in adults (and is present in 1/3rd of humans), it can cause harm to pregnant women and their babies.
Pregnancy is a responsibility. Everything you put into your body has the potential to impact your baby's growth and development. Now that you know what to avoid in the first trimester, you can ensure that your choices will allow your sweet baby to thrive in the womb.
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