First Trimester Checklist

The first trimester of pregnancy is the time when many changes are occurring both in the body and in life. Women tend to move through the first trimester with gentle steps. This is the time when a miscarriage is most likely to occur, but that does not mean pregnant women cannot make some healthy lifestyle changes to prepare for baby. A first trimester checklist can be used to prepare for baby, establish a set of guidelines for choosing proper health care and as a list of reminders during one of the most tumultuous times in pregnancy.

         Choose an obstetrician or health care provider
         Interview potential doctors
         Contact health insurance company about coverage
         Start and pregnancy and birth budget
         Discuss financial effects of pregnancy and baby with partner
         Stop smoking
         Stop drinking
         Stop using street drugs
         Talk to your physician about any prescription medications
         Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day
         Visit the doctor at least once per month or every 4 weeks
         Do not dye or perm hair
         Stop drinking coffee and other caffeinated beverages
         Exercise daily
         Start taking prenatal vitamins
         Eat foods rich in folic acid
         Eat iron rich foods
         Increase daily intake of whole grains, fruits and vegetables
         Nap as much as possible as fatigue is common
         Eat fish with low levels of mercury no more than 2 days per week
         Do not eat undercooked meats
         Do not eat unpasteurized dairy producs
         Do not eat cold cut deli meats
         Allow someone else to clean out the kitty litter, if applicable
         Limit exposure to chemicals
         Try to limit stress and tension
         Complete all prenatal tests – HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Anemia, Blood Typing, Sickle Cell Anemia, Urine Screening and Rubella. Chorionic Villus Sampling or CVS may also be suggested
         Report any bleeding or increase in temperature about 100 degrees F to the obstetrician
         Refrain from heavy lifting
         Take pictures of your growing belly