Don’ts for the First Trimester Do not consume any junk foods as they lead to an increased risk of gestational diabetes since they are high in sugar and calorific content. Smoking, alcohol and caffeine consumption should be avoided. If you’re pregnant, whatever you put into your body reaches your baby too.

Summary of Tips for Pregnancy Consume foods and beverages rich in folate, iron, calcium, and protein. Talk with your health care professional about prenatal supplements (vitamins you may take while pregnant). Eat breakfast every day. Eat foods high in fiber, and drink fluids (particularly water) to avoid constipation.

How can you care for yourself at home?

1. Eat at least 3 meals and 2 healthy snacks every day. Eat fresh, whole foods, including:
2. Drink plenty of fluids.
3. Choose foods that have important vitamins for your baby, such as calcium, iron, and folate.
4. Choose fish that are lower in mercury.
5. Avoid foods that could harm your baby.

Pregnancy Warning Signs

• Persistent abdominal pain.
• Severe headache.
• Changes in eyesight.
• Fainting or dizziness.
• Unusual weight gain, and swelling or puffiness.
• Urge to pee or burning sensation while you urinate.
• Persistent or severe vomiting.
• Severe pain above the stomach, under the rib cage.

Examples include heart defects, cleft lip or cleft palate, and spina bifida. Teratogenic disorders occur when the baby is exposed to substances during pregnancy that cause abnormalities, otherwise known as “teratogens.” Babies are very sensitive in the first trimester, when all of the organs are developing.

How to have a healthy pregnancy

1. A healthier body = A healthier baby. Take a prenatal or one-a-day vitamin with folate each day.
2. Get regular exercise.
3. Don’t drink alcohol, including beer, wine, wine coolers, and liquor.
4. Don’t smoke.
5. Don’t use “street” drugs.
6. Stay out of hot tubs and saunas.

The first trimester is the most crucial to your baby’s development. During this period, your baby’s body structure and organ systems develop. Most miscarriages and birth defects occur during this period. Your body also undergoes major changes during the first trimester.

Pregnant women should include good protein sources at every meal to support the baby’s growth, Krieger said. Protein-rich foods include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, tofu, cheese, milk, nuts and seeds. Lean meats are meats with a lower fat content and therefore a lower calorie count.