Congratulations! You’re #pregnant! Now what?!

You may already have a provider, nurse-midwife, OB/GYN, or family practice physician; if not, this needs to be the first item to check off your list. The sooner you begin your care, the better for you and your baby.

Today we will discuss first trimester topics. Due to limited space, this discussion will get you thinking about any questions you may have. 

First, always take your questions to your nurse-midwife, #OB/GYN, or family practice physician. They know you and your medical needs better than a website!! 

It’s OK to surf the web if you are curious (we all do it) but view only reputable sites. Sites like #Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20047208, or Centers for Disease Control, cdc.gov. Sites with a lot of advertising are trying to sell you something; stay away from those sites!!

Your Emotions:

If you have been to many baby showers, you will remember stories that women told of their #pregnancy and birth of their children. 

Now that you’re pregnant, you may remember those stories and feel some concern, dare I say fear. Let’s face it not all pregnancy stories are memorable in a good way. 

Let me assure you that you are unique, your pregnancy will be uniquely yours, and each pregnancy you have will be amazed. Don’t let a Debbie Downer cause you concern. Your provider can answer questions and concerns you have. 

That’s why finding a provider early in pregnancy and someone you are comfortable with is essential.

Anxiety about your and your baby’s health, mood swings, fatigue, concerns about finances, etc., are all part of the everyday emotional stress of #pregnancy. 

If this is your first pregnancy, be kind to yourself! Ask for extra help, eat healthy, stay hydrated, and always remember to consult your provider for any questions.

Your Body:

During the first trimester of #pregnancy, your body will go through many changes. To help you understand what you’re feeling and why education is essential. 

Constipation, tender or sore breasts, nausea and/or vomiting, fatigue, increased urination, food cravings or aversions, heartburn. Wait, what?!

You can blame hormones for most of these symptoms. Constipation, for example, is caused by high levels of the hormone progesterone that slows the movement of food through your digestive system. 

Some of these pregnancy symptoms have become objects of jokes. Being pregnant and craving pickles and ice cream is a classic. Myself, with my first pregnancy, the smell of rice cooking made me ill, potatoes I craved. 

Any woman that has been pregnant can tell you these symptoms are no joke! Some women only have some of the symptoms noted; some have all. The good news is many of these symptoms won’t last the whole pregnancy. 

I have just touched the surface of what pregnancy is and how it will affect you.

“What to Expect When You’re Expecting” is an excellent book. Great for women to refer to during their #pregnancy and beyond. Talk to family, friends about your provider for more resources. 

And congratulations, you’re #pregnant!!!