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Pre-Partum Blog | 1st Trimester

What To Expect In The First Trimester?

We are sure that first time or even very experienced parents are very likely to search for information online, search engines like Google will become your next digital tutor from the time you know you are pregnant. And while well meaning friends and family members play an important role in providing and supporting new parents in their milestone journey sharing their advice or experience, there will be a juncture where you feel overwhelmed with information, just by the sheer volume of it to the point at which one feels more confused than knowledgeable.

We hope that we can, through this series of curated content, cut through the clutter and provide new insights and start off on the right foot to help you in your pregnancy journey. Let’s talk about what to expect in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Many first-time moms are elated after knowing they are pregnant, but after the good news settles, all thoughts of changes and adapting to a new life might start to surface. And this blog might be a good way to start understanding your pregnancy and also get some tips on how you should prepare for it.

However, you should not be too stressed up if things don’t go as you planned, and the last thing you want to do is to put more pressure onto yourself than you should have. Remember this, it’s okay to not be okay.

During your first trimester, which will be between Week 0 to Week 13, you will start to experience some physical and hormonal changes. During this period, it’s when TCM term as 安胎, a stage whereby your baby is settle within you womb and starts growing. This is also a period where your body starts to experience hormonal and physical changes. Even though the changes aren’t overwhelming, you will not be used to the changes causing some pregnancy symptoms.

*If you wish to understand more about Pre-Partum Care and why it is important you can read our previous blog on Why is Pre-Partum Care Important.

So usually as a first-time mom, you will be overwhelmed after you realize that you are 4 weeks into your pregnancy. As many found out about their pregnancy after they realize they miss their period. So you might have many thoughts in your mind at that moment, but we are going to guide you into it.

So it’s always important to go to a doctor for a check to confirm your pregnancy, and also get some checkup done. You can also get some advice from your doctor to clear your doubts.

How Do I Choose The Right Gynaecologist?

Speaking of which, here are some tips for you when it comes to choosing your healthcare profession, and you don’t have to decide which gynecologist you will be engaging until you are comfortable.

  1. Identify what is important to you and your priorities such as,
    1. Being open to your gynae
    2. Having a two-way communications
    3. Your gynae’s credential and reputation
    4. Your gynae’s time and availability to assist you
    5. Convenience for you to travel to the clinic
    6. Cost of your gynae and your insurance plan
  2. Speak to your partner, family and friends for some advice
  3. Look at reviews by other mothers and listen to their experience

It’s about preparing yourself to enjoy a pleasant pregnancy journey with your gynae, so do listen to the advice from your family and friends but make your own decision and trust your judgment. It’s okay to make adjustments if you feel there is a need to, it’s your pregnancy journey anyway and it should suit your needs!

Speak to your gynae about any of your pre-existing conditions and any concerns you might have. This can help you address your medical thoughts that you might have and give you a peace of mind. You may also check with your gynae on the flu vaccines that you can take to avoid getting sick from common flu during your pregnancy.

What Medication Or Supplement Should I Take?

After confirming your gynae, it’s important for you to check with your gynae regarding any medication that you are taking, if it’s safe for you to continue the prescription during your pregnancy. You can check with your gynae if any medication you might take when you are feeling unwell is suitable to be taken during your pregnancy. Do take note if you are taking any TCM prescriptions or herbal soup, do check with your TCM Physician if it’s okay to continue taking those prescriptions.

Prenatal multivitamin is one of the common supplements that is consumed by most mummies. It contains critical nutrients such as folic acid, iron, calcium, vitamin D, DHA and iodine which play a key role in your baby’s development. Folic acid supplement is highly recommended to consume at least 600 micrograms (mcg) every day until 2nd trimester. It helps to reduce the risk of neural tube defects and other congenital anomalies.

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