I got inspired to write this post (and a pregnancy series), because when I got pregnant, I had so many questions about the symptoms. Is it normal for symptoms to fluctuate? Is spotting something to worry about? Is it normal to have the morning sickness only during a part of the day? I decided to share my insights from my own pregnancy on my blog as much as possible, hoping to reassure other women going through the same journey!
If you’ve just found out you’re pregnant—congratulations! This is such an exciting time, and you might be wondering, I’m pregnant, now what? There are a few important things to do as soon as you find out you’re pregnant to ensure a healthy journey ahead. From scheduling your first prenatal appointment to adjusting your lifestyle, it’s essential to take the right steps early on. If you’re thinking, I just found out I’m pregnant, now what? or what to do when you find out you’re pregnant, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! In this post, I’m sharing the most important things to do after finding out you’re pregnant so you can feel prepared and confident during this beautiful journey.
I’m going to talk about the do’s and don’ts of the first trimester of pregnancy. I’m not a doctor, but I want to share my own experience along with what I’ve learned from medical-based books and expert advice from doctors. One of the books I was using was Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy. Mayo Clinic is a private American academic medical center focused on integrated healthcare and it was important to me that the tips and information about the pregnancy are medical and research based. After all, you find so much advice from different people!
Let me know what brought you to this post! Are you currently pregnant? Are you preparing for pregnancy? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Now, I won’t waste any more time on intros—let’s dive straight into what you came here for: 7 Do’s and Don’ts of the First Trimester (and trust me, the last Don’t will shock you!).
Similar Topics:
- 10 Tips on How To Boost Your Fertility Naturally & Prepare for Pregnancy
- How To Romanticize Your Life – 10 Self-Care Habits
- 5 Tips On How To Be Happier And Have A Fulfilling Life
Let’s get started!
Do #1: Do Take The Prenatals
So, these little gems are packed with essential nutrients like folic acid, iron, and calcium, all crucial for your baby’s development. I never even needed to set a reminder because I kept the package in a visible spot—so every time I saw it, I knew it was time to take them!
I have written a post before, detailing a bit more what you need to have in your prenatals: 10 Tips On How To Prepare Your Body For Pregnancy
Mine were from “Femi Baby”:
One way to make sure you don’t forget to take them is to keep your prenatal vitamins next to something you use every day, like your toothbrush. If that doesn’t work, setting a reminder on your phone can be a great backup.
Now, if your prenatals make you feel nauseous, try taking them with a meal or right before bed—either of these tricks can really help!
Do #2: Do Take Plenty Of Rest
Make sure to get plenty of rest—your body is working incredibly hard! Remember, you’re growing a human being, so it’s completely normal to feel more tired than usual. Extra rest is essential during the first trimester, so remind yourself that it’s okay to take naps, go to bed early, and sleep in if you can.
Create a comfortable sleep environment to help you rest better. Keep the temperature cozy, use extra pillows for support, and find a sleeping position that feels best for you. Later in pregnancy, it’s recommended to sleep on your left side, but in the first trimester, you can sleep however feels most comfortable.
Don’t #1: Don’t Take Certain Pain Killers
NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are commonly found in over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve). These medications are generally not recommended during pregnancy.
Aspirin is also an NSAID, but in some cases, it may be prescribed by your OB for specific medical reasons. Always consult your doctor before taking aspirin or any other medication during pregnancy.
For minor aches and pains, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is currently considered the safest over-the-counter pain relief option during pregnancy.
You may have heard concerns that taking Tylenol during pregnancy could affect a baby’s neurodevelopment, potentially leading to conditions like autism or ADHD. However, more recent and well-conducted studies have not confirmed this risk. While no medication is 100% risk-free, current research is reassuring that short-term use of Tylenol for pain or fever is generally safe.
That being said, I personally choose to avoid taking any painkillers while pregnant unless absolutely necessary.
Do #3: Do Wear A Sunblock
Besides the fact that sun exposure is a known risk factor for skin cancer, pregnancy increases your risk of developing melasma, also known as the “pregnancy mask.”
Melasma causes hyperpigmentation—dark patches that typically appear on the cheeks, forehead, neck, and sometimes arms. While melasma can fade after pregnancy, it doesn’t always go away completely. If that happens, treatments like topical skin-lightening agents, chemical peels, and laser or light therapy might help. However, prevention is always better than treatment.
To protect your skin:
- Wear sunscreen daily (choose a broad-spectrum SPF).
- Use a wide-brimmed hat for extra shade.
- Wear long-sleeve clothing when out in the sun.
Taking these steps can help reduce the risk of melasma and keep your skin healthy during pregnancy!
Don’t #2: Don’t Skip Your Meals
I know that morning sickness can make eating feel like a challenge, but it’s crucial to keep your energy up and provide your baby with consistent nutrients.
During my first trimester, eating—especially in a healthy way—was tough. Normally, I aim for a balanced diet, but once morning sickness kicked in, I couldn’t stomach raw veggies at all. Instead, I craved cooked foods, delicate soups and broths, and carbs like bread and muesli over proteins.
Despite feeling nauseous, I did my best to eat because I knew my baby needed nutrients for proper development. The best approach? Eat small portions, more often. Even with my efforts, I still lost 1kg! 😄
So, even if you can only eat bland or carb-heavy foods, that’s okay—just make sure to eat something!
Do #4: Do Exercise (With Moderation)
Do exercise, but don’t overexert yourself!
Staying active during pregnancy is important, but listen to your body and don’t push too hard, especially in the first trimester. Exercise does not increase your risk of miscarriage or early delivery, but it does offer amazing benefits, like:
- Relieving back pain and constipation
- Reducing the risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and cesarean birth
- Supporting healthy weight gain during pregnancy
- Making it easier to lose baby weight postpartum
Gentle exercises like prenatal yoga, walking, swimming, and stretching are great ways to stay active without overdoing it. Personally, I loved doing yoga—it helped me stay flexible and relaxed throughout my pregnancy. I personally follow Boho Beautiful since a few years and she has some free workouts on you tube. The other channel I found personally great was Pregnancy and Postpartum TV.
If you were already doing more intense exercises before pregnancy, like running or weightlifting, you can likely continue as long as you feel comfortable. Just make sure to check with your OB in case you need to make any modifications.
Pro Tip: If you’re doing aerobic exercises, make sure you can still carry on a conversation while working out. If you’re too out of breath, dial it down a notch!
Total NO-NOs during pregnancy:
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
Stay active, but stay safe!
Do #5: Do Attend Your Prenatal OB Appointments
Attending all your prenatal checkups is so important for both your health and your baby’s development. Your first trimester OB appointment is especially exciting because it’s when your prenatal labs are done, and you may even get to hear your baby’s heartbeat for the first time!
These appointments allow your healthcare provider to:
- Track your baby’s growth
- Perform necessary tests
- Answer any questions you might have
So don’t skip them—your prenatal visits are the key to a healthy pregnancy!
Don’t #3: Don’t Change Your Kitty Litter
Don’t change your kitty litter if possible—have someone else do it instead. Cats can carry a parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, which they typically contract from eating rodents or birds. This parasite is then excreted in their feces, and anyone who cleans the litter box is at risk of exposure. Toxoplasmosis can lead to birth defects in the baby.
If your cat is 100% indoors and has no contact with outside animals, the risk of them carrying the parasite is very low. In that case, it’s probably safe for you to change the litter, but it’s still best to take precautions.
Do #6: Do Continue To Go To The Dentist
Routine dental cleanings and procedures like cavity fillings and crowns are completely safe during pregnancy. Numbing shots and X-rays are also considered safe, but always let your dentist know that you’re pregnant so they can take any necessary precautions.
Pregnant women are at an increased risk of developing cavities due to hormonal changes and dietary shifts, so maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping up with dental visits is especially important.
Don’t #4: Don’t Ignore Unusual Symptoms
Your body goes through a lot of changes during pregnancy, so it’s really important to pay attention to anything that feels off. If you’re experiencing symptoms like severe cramping, heavy bleeding, intense nausea, dizziness, or anything else that doesn’t seem right, reach out to your healthcare provider right away. Trust your instincts and never hesitate to seek medical advice.
Don’t #5: Don’t Hang Out In a Hot Tub or Sauna
Don’t spend time in a hot tub or sauna. These can raise your internal body temperature, which has been linked to an increased risk of birth defects. If you’re looking for a way to relax in the water, swimming in a pool is a much safer option during pregnancy.
It’s also important to avoid other activities that can cause your body to overheat, such as hot yoga or spending too much time in direct sunlight on extremely hot days. Keeping your body temperature regulated is essential for your baby’s healthy development.
Do #7: Do Stay Hydrated
Drinking water is really important, especially during pregnancy. I know plain water can get a little boring, especially if you’re dealing with morning sickness, so I used to jazz up my water by adding strawberries, fruit, lemons, cucumbers—literally anything to make it more appetizing. I would keep this in my refrigerator and drink it throughout the day.
Eight to ten glasses of water is ideal, especially more if it’s really hot outside or if you’ve been exercising a lot. Staying hydrated also helps reduce swelling, prevents urinary tract infections, and keeps your skin looking bright.
Don’t #6: Don’t Consume Alcohol or Too Much Caffeine
Absolutely zero alcohol. Is there any safe amount you can consume? We don’t know, which is why it’s far too risky to even chance it.
Now, a common follow-up question is: Can I drink caffeine? The answer is yes, but only in moderation. You should limit your caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams per day. To put that into perspective, that’s approximately the amount found in a 12-ounce cup of coffee.
I know that morning coffee is a beloved ritual, but moderation is key. Instead of reaching for that second or third cup, try switching to teas like peppermint tea. There are many delicious, pregnancy-safe options that can be really soothing.
Don’t #7: Don’t Take Your Pregnancy Test On The Day Of Your Missed Period
Let me tell you my story: I kept seeing videos and comments all over the internet from women who tested positive on a pregnancy test before their period—at 8, 9, or 10 days post-ovulation. I thought to myself, Great, let me do it too!
I tested 10 days after ovulation—negative. I felt uneasy but still hopeful. 11 days post-ovulation—negative. 12 days post-ovulation—negative.
Then, I read on Google that if you test one day before your period is due (which, for me, was 12 days post-ovulation), the result is 99% accurate. That crushed me. I was so sad, convinced that I wasn’t pregnant. I cried. I even called my mom to talk about it.
A few days before my period, I started having period cramps. I thought to myself, Of course, any minute now, my period will come. But then, the day my period was due, the cramps continued—but no period.
The next day, the cramps were less intense, but still—no period. The day after that? Still nothing, and the cramping had completely stopped. That’s when I realized—something was off.
In fact, I was pregnant! And those cramps? They weren’t period cramps. They were implantation cramps. So while I was getting sad and worried, thinking I wasn’t pregnant, my body was actually doing exactly what it was supposed to do. I just needed to trust the process.
Here’s what I learned: The menstrual cycle has two phases:
- The follicular phase (before ovulation)
- The luteal phase (after ovulation)
On average, each phase lasts about 14 days, meaning if you have a 28-day cycle, you typically ovulate around day 14 and get your period on day 28—unless you’re pregnant. But here’s where things get tricky—not every woman has the same luteal phase length. Mine was only 12 days. Implantation can happen anywhere between 6 to 10 days post-ovulation.
For me, implantation happened on day 10 post-ovulation. And to get a positive test, your body needs to produce enough hCG (pregnancy hormone)—but that production varies from woman to woman.
Plus, pregnancy tests have different sensitivity levels—some can detect lower hCG levels, while others need higher amounts before showing a positive result. So my advice? Wait a few days after your missed period before testing. That way, you’ll know for sure—without unnecessary stress.
After all, you can’t change the outcome—so why not give your body the time it needs?