Top Pregnancy Tips by Trimester

Why you might need some pregnancy tips by trimester as having a baby is the most natural thing in the world, right?  Something your body does for you, whilst you can watch your growing bump with wonder, get excited about baby clothes and start to shortlist baby names!

However, it can also be a daunting minefield of conflicting old wives tales, what to do and when to do it, which when coupled with pregnancy hormones could leave your head spinning.

You’ll know by now that your pregnancy is divided into three trimesters, the first from 0-12 weeks, the second from 13 to 28 weeks  and the final trimester from 29 to 40+ weeks.

To give mums to be a helping hand, midwife Maggie Evans to help parents navigate through the nine months with handy tips for each of the three trimesters.

1st Trimester Tips

• Remember Folic Acid is recommended for all pregnant women. Best started before pregnancy, but do commence as soon as your pregnancy is confirmed.
• Get serious about your nutrition – is absolutely essential for a healthy pregnancy and your baby’s development, but it’s quality not quantity that counts – you only need an extra 300 calories from 5 months onwards.
• Your first blood tests will be due in early pregnancy – this check includes your blood group, iron and rubella amongst other important tests. If recommended by your GP or midwife, now is a good time to start an iron supplement to help maintain iron levels during your pregnancy.

2nd Trimester Tips

• If you have been suffering from some of the pregnancy ailments such as nausea and tiredness, the good news is that for most woman these should start to ease off in the next few weeks.
• You will have probably been excited to have heard your baby’s heartbeat at your antenatal visit and felt your baby moving for the first time. At around 20 weeks you will be offered a scan to check your baby’s development, which provides you with an opportunity to have a peek at your baby too if you wish.
• Although your body is adjusting to your pregnancy and you will have put on some weight, it is still important to ensure you get plenty of exercise and fresh air and a good night’s sleep daily.
• There is often a lot going on – so make a list of questions for your antenatal visits and discuss any concerns with your midwife.

3rd Trimester Tips

• You may find difficulty in sleeping due to to discomfort – try experimenting with pillows and wedges in your bed.
• It is still important to continue to eat healthily right until the end of your pregnancy. Now is the time when your baby’s brain is rapidly developing – essential fatty acids and iron are crucial for brain health.
• Iron demands rise steeply in the 3rd trimester so if your midwife has already suggested an iron supplement, you may want to consider increasing it.
• As you get nearer your due date you may experience an increase in Braxton Hicks contractions, heartburn and backache, although uncomfortable, these are all signs that your pregnancy hormones are active and busy preparing your body for birth – so just be patient and await events.
• Lastly, don’t forget to pack your birthing necessities well in advance and make sure you include your birth plan if you have made one.