Mothercare
Kiddicare
Baby
John Lewis
Play
Early learn'
Argos
First Trimester
Each three month block of a pregnancy is known as a Trimester, as a means to simplify reference to the different stages
of fetal development.
I had an inkling that I might be pregnant. I was just over two weeks late and I suddenly felt really fatigued. My breasts felt tender and sore. I bought a Pregnancy testing kit and with followed the instructions..
To be honest in the excitement, I panicked and couldn't work out whether the test was positive or negative!The test showed a positive result and my brian turned to mush.
At first I didn't believe the result, so I tried it again, and again.
It was quite scary as we'd only been trying for two weeks.
I kept thinking; you can't get pregnant this soon can you?
I started dreaming about baby girl names, baby clothes, and the birth.
Would there be complications?
Would I be able to breastfeed?
How would I get on with the antenatal classes?
I was overjoyed, but there was almost too much to take in.
During the first trimester, I got a home visit from the Midwife, and got given a pregnancy book which contained my notes regarding the pregnancy and a great NHS book called The Pregnancy Book. I remember that on one visit, the Midwife held a microphone device to my tummy, and we heard the baby's heart beating.
The notes are updated on each visit to the Midwife or hospital and you are meant to keep them with you at all times
(easier said than done!) You feel that you're in control, which I think is important.
How about you, click the button below for a bit of fun: (you need Javascript enabled)
During the first trimester I went to the hospital for some blood tests and had about four ultrasound scans. They are able to determine the sex of the baby during the scan, but we decided to keep it a surprise on the day. What will you do?
Telling family and friends
This isn't as easy as it sounds. Grandparents don't always take the news well, and you can never quite be sure of the reaction.Thankfully, most are overjoyed at the prospect of a new arrival.
I dreaded telling work about the pregnancy. I felt slightly guilty that I'd be taking time out to bring up a baby. In the past, work has been a big part of my life.
During the first trimester, you need to relax as much as possible. Pamper yourself and take it easy.I found it quite draining being pregnant during the first trimester. It was a struggle to get through work sometimes and when I got home, I'd curl up on the sofa and sleep for a couple of hours.
Folic acid, a B vitamin, helps prevent birth defects of the brain and spinal cord when taken very early in pregnancy.It is available in most multivitamins, as a folic acid-only supplement and in some foods.
Some studies suggest that folic acid may also protect women and men from heart disease, stroke, colon cancer and breast cancer.
I took Folic acid tablets (400 milligram) every day from the time I tried to conceive. As always, check with your GP as medical opinions change.
I didn't really change my diet, but I was more conscious of what I was eating and drinking.I ate plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables during the first trimester and cut down on sugar and sugary foods. I think I stopped eating as much meat, replacing it with oily fish.
I did drink a very small amount of alcohol during the first trimester (1 glass of wine at a time) which didn't do me or the baby any harm.
I think I would have gone mad if I couldn't have a drink for nine months! The latest medical research shows that alcohol consumed
at any part if the pregnancy can be damaging for the baby. Well, it didn't do us any harm!