Pregnancy is an overwhelming experience, especially for first-time moms-to-be. You may be totally clueless about what to do and what not to do. If so, worry not, we have put together a ‘to-do list’ for each pregnancy trimester and you can follow it for a healthy and complication-free pregnancy. There are also very good Kenyan and also international blogs that can guide you as you share your experience with other expectant women.
The first weeks and months of pregnancy are exciting and at the same time exhausting. If you need to get your pregnancy to start off properly, check out the to-do-list of each pregnancy trimester. Use it as a guide and do whatever you feel comfortable.
Many pregnancy tests can be done at home following the instructions provided. Home pregnancy tests are 99% accurate if performed properly. You can take a home pregnancy test when you miss your period.
Get your first appointment fixed when your home pregnancy test results come positive. Make sure you give your doctor details of
☛Your medical history and lifestyle
☛What and how to eat and exercise safely during pregnancy
☛Get your height and weight measured
☛Take your blood pressure
Your doctor will ask you to undergo certain preliminary tests and ultrasound.
It is time to start taking vitamin supplements especially try to get enough of folic acid during your first trimester as prescribed by your doctor.
If you smoke, quit immediately. Smoking raises the risks of a number of problems. No one is sure how harmful even a smaller amount of alcohol is, so skip the booze completely.
If you are taking any medication, let your doctor know about it. Mention everything including the vitamins, supplements, and herbs that you take.
Some activities and works can be hazardous to your developing baby as well as for you. Learn about the chores you should avoid during pregnancy and stick to it.
Do your best to eat well and pay attention to nutrition also. Perhaps nausea can turn you down, but try to stick to healthy food. You need to eat healthy throughout your pregnancy and after your delivery as well.
Try to go to bed early. Follow a healthy lifestyle for having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
The second trimester is the best time to start with regular pregnancy-friendly workouts after consulting a doctor. Joining a class will not only help you do it under proper guidance but also help you to stick to it.
During this period you will see your doctor or caregiver once in four weeks. If you have any complications or other symptoms you might need to make a frequent visit. Educate yourself about the things and tests your doctor will do during this trimester.
You will start finding it difficult to fit in the clothes and buying maternity clothes will help you stay more comfortable and relaxed also.
You can enjoy live music or go for a late-night movie. Enjoy these things as you will not be able to do when your baby arrives.
Applying moisturizer on your belly will not only reduce stretch marks but also reduce itchiness.
You are going to face new financial responsibilities and so you should plan everything beforehand and prepare for the upcoming errands.
This is the time when you should try to sleep on your side, especially on your left side. This will help to reduce the discomfort as you would not be able to sleep on your back due to your growing belly.
Check out from your human resource department about the formalities of applying for maternity leave and proceed accordingly.
Pay attention to healthy eating and drink at least 6 – 8 glasses of water daily.
Keep an eye on the kicks, twitches, and rolls of your child and let your doctor know immediately if you find a decrease in that.
Your baby can hear your voice now. You can talk to your child, sing songs to her, and tell her stories. This will help you to bond with your baby even before he/she is born.
Though childbirth is unpredictable, the plan might help you figure out your preferences. You must also make a list of things that you will need after your delivery and when your baby is born.
PREGNANCY TO-DO LIST FOR FIRST TRIMESTER
Here is what you should do during the first trimester of your pregnancy.
Make Sure You Are Really Pregnant
Many pregnancy tests can be done at home following the instructions provided. Home pregnancy tests are 99% accurate if performed properly. You can take a home pregnancy test when you miss your period.
Arrange Your Appointment with Your Doctor as Soon as Possible
Get your first appointment fixed when your home pregnancy test results come positive. Make sure you give your doctor details of
☛Your medical history and lifestyle
☛What and how to eat and exercise safely during pregnancy
☛Get your height and weight measured
☛Take your blood pressure
Your doctor will ask you to undergo certain preliminary tests and ultrasound.
Take Your Prenatal Vitamin Supplements
It is time to start taking vitamin supplements especially try to get enough of folic acid during your first trimester as prescribed by your doctor.
Quit Smoking and Drinking
If you smoke, quit immediately. Smoking raises the risks of a number of problems. No one is sure how harmful even a smaller amount of alcohol is, so skip the booze completely.
Inform Your Doctor about the Medications
If you are taking any medication, let your doctor know about it. Mention everything including the vitamins, supplements, and herbs that you take.
Avoid Harmful Activities
Some activities and works can be hazardous to your developing baby as well as for you. Learn about the chores you should avoid during pregnancy and stick to it.
Eat Well and Nutritious
Do your best to eat well and pay attention to nutrition also. Perhaps nausea can turn you down, but try to stick to healthy food. You need to eat healthy throughout your pregnancy and after your delivery as well.
Follow Proper Sleeping Schedule
Try to go to bed early. Follow a healthy lifestyle for having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Pregnancy To-Do List for the Second Trimester
Here is what pregnant women do during the second trimester of their pregnancy.
Prenatal Exercises
The second trimester is the best time to start with regular pregnancy-friendly workouts after consulting a doctor. Joining a class will not only help you do it under proper guidance but also help you to stick to it.
Focus Prenatal Tests and Visits
During this period you will see your doctor or caregiver once in four weeks. If you have any complications or other symptoms you might need to make a frequent visit. Educate yourself about the things and tests your doctor will do during this trimester.
Shop for Maternity Clothes
You will start finding it difficult to fit in the clothes and buying maternity clothes will help you stay more comfortable and relaxed also.
Spend Some Time with Your Partner
You can enjoy live music or go for a late-night movie. Enjoy these things as you will not be able to do when your baby arrives.
Moisturize Your Belly
Applying moisturizer on your belly will not only reduce stretch marks but also reduce itchiness.
Do Some Financial Planning
You are going to face new financial responsibilities and so you should plan everything beforehand and prepare for the upcoming errands.
Start Sleeping On Your Side
This is the time when you should try to sleep on your side, especially on your left side. This will help to reduce the discomfort as you would not be able to sleep on your back due to your growing belly.
Plan Your Maternity Leave
Check out from your human resource department about the formalities of applying for maternity leave and proceed accordingly.
Eat Healthy and Drink Enough Water
Pay attention to healthy eating and drink at least 6 – 8 glasses of water daily.
PREGNANCY TO-DO LIST FOR the THIRD TRIMESTER
Here is what you must be prepared for during the third trimester of your pregnancy.
Keep Track of Your Baby’s Movements
Keep an eye on the kicks, twitches, and rolls of your child and let your doctor know immediately if you find a decrease in that.
Talk to Your Baby
Your baby can hear your voice now. You can talk to your child, sing songs to her, and tell her stories. This will help you to bond with your baby even before he/she is born.
Make Birth Plan
Though childbirth is unpredictable, the plan might help you figure out your preferences. You must also make a list of things that you will need after your delivery and when your baby is born.
Check the to-do list for all the three trimesters and follow them. Pack your bags with essentials when it is time near to due date. Stay calm and keep your doctor updated.