First Trimester Checklist

It is never to early to start to get ready. Here is a checklist provided by By Robin Elise Weiss, LCCE, About.com Guide which will give you an idea of what to do during your first trimester.

Congratulations, you're pregnant! Although it may seem early, there are plenty of things you'll need to do during your first trimester -- like eating well and getting lots of sleep.

• Schedule your first prenatal visit with your practitioner when you're about nine weeks along. Plan on seeing your practitioner every four weeks.
• Avoid alcohol, drugs and cigarettes.
• If your immunizations are not up to date, let your practitioner know.
• Drink lots of fluids, especially water (8 to 10 glasses a day).
• Stick to a diet naturally high in folic acid (oranges, melons and dark green vegetables).
• Eat plenty of iron-rich foods (whole grains, beans, raisins and nuts).
• Keep your blood sugar level elevated by eating lots of high-protein and high-carbohydrate foods such as breads, brown rice, potatoes and cheese.
• As a general rule, avoid medication and consult with your doctor before taking any
• Get plenty of sleep, and try to nap if you feel tired during the day.
• Exercise , but moderately. Don't start a new exercise regimen when you're pregnant, and be careful not to become overheated for prolonged periods.
• If you're a coffee drinker, cut back, switch to decaf or try herbal or decaffeinated tea.
• If your family has a history of genetic disorders, you have a high risk pregnancy or simply desire it, consider prenatal testing.
• Start budgeting for your new life with baby.
• Choose a place to give birth (hospital? birthing center? home?).
• Consider starting a pregnancy blog or diary and having someone take a picture of you (and your expanding belly) each month.
• Consider refraining from getting perms and other hair treatments involving heavy chemicals.
• Get smart -- buy a few pregnancy books and dive in.
• For more information on your pregnancy, sign up for daily pregnancy updates based on your due date.

For tips when your pregnant join us on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PregnancyHealth