The first three months of pregnancy are **crucial** for your baby’s development—but they can also be overwhelming! Here’s what every mom-to-be should know to stay healthy and ease early symptoms.
#### **✅ 1. Start Prenatal Vitamins ASAP**
- **Folic acid (400–800 mcg/day)** is vital to prevent neural tube defects.
- Look for **prenatal vitamins** with iron, calcium, and DHA.
#### **✅ 2. Schedule Your First Prenatal Visit**
- Confirm pregnancy with a doctor.
- Get blood tests (check for Rh factor, infections, and hormones).
#### **✅ 3. Eat Small, Frequent Meals**
- Combat **morning sickness** with bland snacks (crackers, bananas, ginger tea).
- Avoid greasy/spicy foods that trigger nausea.
#### **✅ 4. Stay Hydrated!**
- Dehydration worsens fatigue and nausea.
- Aim for **8–10 glasses of water daily** (add lemon if plain water is unappealing).
#### **✅ 5. Avoid Harmful Substances**
- **NO alcohol, smoking, or recreational drugs.**
- Limit caffeine (**<200 mg/day**—about one 12-oz coffee).
#### **✅ 6. Rest & Listen to Your Body**
- Extreme fatigue is normal—**nap when you can!**
- Light exercise (walking, prenatal yoga) helps with energy.
#### **✅ 7. Manage Food Safety Risks**
- Avoid **raw fish, deli meats, unpasteurized dairy**, and undercooked eggs (risk of listeria/salmonella).
#### **✅ 8. Track Symptoms (But Don’t Panic!)**
- **Normal:** Mild cramping, spotting, breast tenderness, mood swings.
- **Red flags:** Heavy bleeding, severe pain, dizziness—call your doctor!
#### **✅ 9. Start a Pregnancy Journal or App**
- Track symptoms, questions for your doctor, and baby’s growth milestones.
#### **✅ 10. Ease Constipation & Bloating**
- Fiber-rich foods (prunes, oats, veggies) + **stool softeners (if needed)**.
- Peppermint tea or warm compresses for gas relief.
#### **✅ 11. Protect Your Mental Health**
- Hormones can cause anxiety or mood swings—**talk to loved ones or a therapist**.
- Join a **pregnancy support group** (online or local).
#### **✅ 12. Plan Ahead!**
- Research OB-GYNs/midwives.
- Begin budgeting for baby costs (check insurance coverage).
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### **💡 Pro Tip:** Every pregnancy is different—**trust your instincts** and ask your doctor about ANY concerns!
**Did we miss anything? Share your first-trimester survival tips below! 👇**
*#FirstTrimester #PregnancyTips #HealthyPregnancy #MomToBe*
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This format keeps it **scannable, actionable, and reassuring** for expecting moms. Let me know if you'd like any adjustments! 😊
