First Trimester : Love God’s Word

2 Corinthians 12:9, 10 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

There are always love and hope in His promises. Keep on praying. Pray specifically for what you wish to experience during the pregnancy and know that God is already answering your prayers and even better pray everyday of your pregnancy.

Pregnancy is not easy on me. I entered into this with a positive outlook, visualizing a more comfortable experience, convincing myself that ” I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13. I believed it would be a joyful journey to experience all the pain and sufferings for it is the greatest gift from God.

The first trimester of pregnancy is an interesting time – there’s so much going on all at once. The excitement of creating a new life. The anticipation of how much your life will change in 9 months time. The first ultrasound and seeing your baby’s heartbeat brings all happiness.

Many of the first time mom are scared, thinking a huge responsibility may fail them. Me too have experienced this, because we want to be perfect and give everything to our child, right?

To help me cope with the scary feelings, I used story from experienced mommy; phone applications and google all information about pregnancy to know the do’s and dont’s for every stage. This is in addition to my doctor’s advice. As we all know, not everything you wanted to know will be fed by your doctor unless you ask them.

Psalms 40:1, 2 I waited patiently for the Lord ; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

I have my pregnancy to-do list on my First Trimester. I use this to keep track of all tasks, from confirming your pregnancy to taking belly photos and learning which foods to avoid.

Here are some activities for your first trimester

1.  Make sure you’re really pregnant : Aside from the pregnancy test pack you brought from drug store, you need to confirm it with the doctor.
2. Take your prenatal vitamin : It is crucial to have enough folic acid on this stage because baby is risk of developing neural tube birth defects if you lack folic acid. Drink Prenatal Milk as well.
3. Investigate health insurance : Check the coverage of your insurance to plan for your finances.
4. Choose a healthcare provider : Most of the experienced mom have their own trusted doctor, seek advice on best doctor they can recommend.
5. Make a prenatal appointment : Choosing a trusted hospital and Doctor is very important. Choose to the one you are comfortable with (where you can ask anything under the sun).

To prepare for your first prenatal appointment,  you need to jot down the first day of your last period so your provider can determine your due date and start making a list of any questions that arise. Talk to relatives on both sides about your families’ medical histories. Your provider will want to know whether any chronic conditions or genetic abnormalities run in either of your families.

Consult your provider about medications you’re taking. Many drugs – even some over-the-counter ones – aren’t safe during pregnancy. See which over-the-counter medications are safe now (and which are not).

If you smoke, quit because it increases risk of miscarriage.

Stop drinking alcohol because of child’s risk of problems with learning, speech, attention span, language, and hyperactivity.

Cut down on caffeine.Studies have linked high caffeine consumption to miscarriage and other pregnancy problems. That’s why the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises expectant moms to limit their caffeine intake to less than 200 mg per day (that’s about one 11-ounce cup of coffee).

Make sure your activities are pregnancy-safe. If you’re routinely exposed to chemicals, heavy metals (like lead or mercury), certain biologic agents, or radiation. Discuss this to your doctor.

Start avoiding hazardous foods. During pregnancy it’s especially important to avoid foods that could contain bacteria, parasites, or toxins – including undercooked meat, unpasteurized soft cheeses, anything that contains raw eggs, sushi made with raw fish, raw oysters and other shellfish, fish that’s high in mercury, and raw sprouts. Use caution with deli-style salads (especially those containing protein, like egg, chicken, ham, and seafood), hot dogs and luncheon meats, and smoked meats and meat spreads.

Do your best to eat well. Always eat healthy, less salt and sugar.Get a shopping list of healthy pregnancy foods.

Get relief from morning sickness. Unfortunately, “morning sickness” can last all day – and it strikes about three-quarters of pregnant women during the first trimester. Some provider gives additional vitamins if case worsen.

Go to bed early. In early pregnancy you may be more exhausted than you ever imagined you could be. Get more rest by turning in early – even if it makes you feel like a grandma.

Consider your options for prenatal testing. During your first trimester, your provider will offer you various screening tests that can give you information about your baby’s risk for Down syndrome as well as other chromosomal problems and birth defects. A diagnostic test called chorionic villus sampling (CVS) may also be offered – this is generally done at 11 to 12 weeks. Or you may consider waiting until your second trimester for amniocentesis.

Learn the signs of a pregnancy problem. So many aches, pains, and strange feelings arise during pregnancy that it can be hard to decide what’s normal and what’s not.  Always call your doctor to seek advise.

• Follow your baby’s development
• Join your Birth Club
• Start taking belly photos

Start a daily ritual to connect with your baby. Set aside two five- to ten-minute periods a day to think about your baby pray and talk to them. During these times, sit quietly and gently rest your hands on your belly. Focus on your breathing and then start thinking about your baby (your hopes and dreams, your intentions as a parent, and so on). It’s a great way to initiate the bonding process and to help you plan for the kind of parent you want to be.

Make a baby budget : It is very important to think about how you’ll handle new-baby expenses – the cost of clothes, food, diapers, toys, and gear can add up fast. Brainstorm where you can trim your budget to make room for your baby’s needs. Consider making some budget adjustments now, and start banking your savings for your baby.

To-do’s for every trimester

• Drink water : During pregnancy you need about 10 8-ounce glasses of fluid per day (80 fluid ounces) plus an additional 8 ounces for each hour of light activity. Every woman is different, so don’t worry if you end up needing a little more or less. Keep an eye on the color of your urine – if it’s dark yellow or cloudy, you need to drink more. Clear or pale yellow urine means you’re well-hydrated.
• Do some stretching : Stretching enhances your flexibility, prevents your muscles from tightening, and makes you feel looser and more relaxed.
• Sneak in a pregnancy power nap : When fatigue makes it hard to get through the day, revive yourself with a 15-minute snooze. If you’re at work, find a place you can escape (close your office door, use a conference room, even sit in your car) and set the alarm on your cell phone.
• Pack healthy snacks : When hunger attacks, it helps to have snacks that pack a nutritional punch ready in your desk, purse, or car. And if you’re suffering from morning sickness, munching on a simple snack like crackers throughout the day or before you get out of bed can ease nausea.
• Take a quick walk : A 15- to 20-minute walk can help boost your energy levels when you’re exhausted.
• Eat a pregnancy superfood : To give your pregnancy a nutritional boost, nosh on colorful fruits and veggies, eggs, salmon, sweet potatoes, yogurt, walnuts, beans, and more.
• Track your weight gain : Your provider will monitor your pregnancy weight to make sure you’re in a healthy range and gaining at an appropriate pace. You can also use our pregnancy weight gain tool to stay on track.
• Do something nice for yourself : If you’re feeling up to it, go to a movie, have dinner out, get a pedicure, or do something else you enjoy. You deserve it – pregnancy is hard work!
• Check in with a friend : Pregnancy is an emotional rollercoaster. Ease your mind by sharing your fears, hopes, and excitement with a friend or a fellow mom-to-be in BabyCenter’s Community.

May these be helpful to your journey to motherhood.

Always remember that we are fearfully and wonderfully made to be fruitful.

All Glory to God!