Congratulations on your pregnancy mama! So exciting! First I want to give you a list of things you should not do during your first trimester of pregnancy. To ensure a healthy and safe pregnancy journey.
Right now you may be feeling the early symptoms of pregnancy like feeling nauseous, fatigue and experiencing food aversions. It’s totally normal. It’s part of being pregnant. I have found that many people do not talk about things to avoid in early pregnancy. Which I think is something that should be talked about more often.
In your early weeks of pregnancy your body is going through so much making/creating your baby. That during this early pregnancy journey you have to take a lot of precaution in the things that you do or consume. It’s very clear that your “normal” everyday routine may change a little bit to accommodate your pregnancy body.
“During this trimester, your baby grows faster than at any other time. By six weeks, a heartbeat can usually be heard and by the end of week 12, your baby’s bones, muscles and all the organs of the body have formed.” (source)
I want you to have an amazing pregnancy experience because I think all women should. Here’s what not to do when pregnant and things to avoid doing during your first trimester.
11 things you should not do in your first trimester
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1.Extreme exercises
You can definitely do light exercises like walking or lifting weights. But do not do extreme exercises that will hurt your pregnancy journey. For example, avoid doing crunches, fast paced running, any type of contact sports.
“exercising really hard during pregnancy could (very temporarily, during the period of exercise) compromise blood flow to the baby” (source)
2. Eating junk food
Right now is the time to start a healthy balanced diet. You do not want to be eating only junk food like burgers and pizza just because you’re pregnant. You run a higher risk of having a miscarriage, which is something we want to avoid at all costs. Take care of yourself by eating more fruits and vegetables. Of course you can enjoy a burger, pizza slice or cupcakes here and there. But do not over do it.
Here’s a great pregnancy cookbook you can try today. With healthy and easy to make recipes for every trimester!
3. Lifting heavy objects
Another first trimester don’t is to not lift heavy objects or put pressure on your stomach. This can cause you to go on pre mature labor or cause your baby to be born at a low birth weight.
My cousin’s mom had a miscarriage because she lifted a heavy metal door when opening her business that day. It’s scary and sad!
Read this next:
10 WAYS TO STAY POSITIVE DURING THE FIRST TRIMESTER EVEN IF YOU’RE SICK AS A DOG!
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A MISCARRIAGE + HOW TO REDUCE RISK OF HAVING ONE
4. Do not bend down
I mean, you can bend down while pregnant but the important thing is how you bend down. Now that you are pregnant you want to avoid bending down from your stomach. Instead bend at your knees!
Survive and enjoy your pregnancy with this Baby prep workbook! It’s fun and easy to print. Great distraction if you’re feeling the morning sickness symptoms.
5. Smoking/drinking/drugs
I always need to stress this because it’s so important. One major thing to avoid in your first trimester and your entire pregnancy and life is smoking, drinking alcohol and doing drugs! It’s a big NO NO! So many negative factors are that it causes birth defects, lifelong health problems for your baby and can also cause stillbirth!
6. No hot tubs or saunas
Pregnant women should not get in hot tubs or saunas. It is very risky and dangerous for you and your growing baby.
” Exposure to high temperatures can increase your baby’s risk of neural tube defects of the brain, spine or spinal cord during the first month of pregnancy” (source)
If you are dehydrated or feel dizzy during your pregnancy, it can intensify if you get in a hot tub or sauna. It’s just safe to not risk it.
7. Activities with risk of falling down
Movements you should not do during the first trimester or during your entire pregnancy are activities with risk of falling. Some activities include, horseback riding, running, going on a hike, any type of sorts and such! Take care of your belly mama!
check out my favorite pregnancy books:
8. Reduce caffeine intake
If you’re a coffee lover like me (hey girl hey!) I have sad news. You should reduce the amount of caffeine that you intake everyday. Now you do not need to give it up completely, but try to reduce it. High levels of caffeine can result in babies having a low birthweight and can increases health problems during their life.
Read this next:
10 MUST DO PREGNANCY NESTING IDEAS WHILE PREPARING FOR BABY
8 BEST THINGS TO BUY WHEN YOU FIND OUT YOU’RE PREGNANT
10 THINGS TO DO ONCE YOU FIND OUT YOU’RE PREGNANT
9. Avoid these foods
There are a lot of different kinds of food that you should avoid during your pregnancy. Foods like, raw meats, deli meats, sushi,raw eggs and such.
Read full article on this pregnancy guide of food not to eat during your pregnancy!
10. Do not take certain medications
There are certain medications that you should not take when you’re pregnant. Please speak to your doctor about the type of medications that you are taking in order for your doctor to better assist you. He or she may lower your dosage or give you a better alternative!
11. Don’t over work yourself/ stress
If you work from or out of the house, please do not overwork yourself. Also, do not stress over the small things. You have to take care of yourself during your pregnancy and especially during the first trimester! Stress may cause premature birth.
I hope you found this list of things to avoid in your first trimester helpful! Have a great and healthy pregnancy mama.
