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By Sabrina Rogers-Anderson
Congratulations—you’re having a baby! If that thought fills you with mixed emotions ranging from happiness to fear, you’re not alone. The first trimester can be a wild ride as pregnancy hormones flood your body and make you feel nauseous, exhausted and emotional. But it’s also such an exciting time knowing you’re growing a tiny human in your belly.
Here’s everything you need to know about what will happen from the beginning of week one to the end of week 13 of your pregnancy.
Every mama-to-be is different, so you may only experience a few mild symptoms, or you might be treated to the whole gamut.
Some of the most common first trimester symptoms are:
Contact your doctor right away if you experience heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain or dizziness, severe puffiness in the hands or face, fever over 38.5°C, sudden thirst, painful urination or visual disturbances.
There’s a lot to do when preparing for the arrival of a baby, but some tasks can wait until later in your pregnancy. Here’s what you should focus on getting done in the first trimester:
Now is the time to quit smoking and drinking alcohol if you haven’t already. There are no safe levels of alcohol in pregnancy, so it’s best to avoid it altogether. You should also try to limit your caffeine intake to 200mg a day (approximately one cup of coffee).
Steer clear of foods that can cause listeria (a foodborne illness) or food poisoning, such as raw or undercooked meat or seafood, deli meats, unpasteurised milk and cheeses, raw eggs and buffet salads. You should also avoid high-mercury fish such as shark and swordfish. Aim for five daily serves of vegetables and legumes, two serves of fruit, eight and a half serves of grain foods, three and a half serves of lean protein, and two and a half serves of dairy.
Regular exercise during pregnancy can ease stress, reduce back pain and prepare your body for childbirth. If you were active before pregnancy, aim for 30 minutes of light to moderate exercise most days of the week. Walking, swimming and low-impact aerobics are all great choices. If you’re new to exercise, talk to your doctor about how to safely and gradually ease into a new program. You should also start doing regular pelvic floor exercises to prevent issues such as urinary incontinence.
You can reduce your chance of having a baby with spina bifida by up to 70% if you take a daily prenatal vitamin with at least 400mcg of folic acid before pregnancy and for the first three months of pregnancy.
Medicare covers obstetric care in a public hospital or birthing centre. But if you want to give birth in a private hospital or hire a private obstetrician in a public hospital, you’ll either need private health insurance or to cover the costs yourself. Most insurance policies have a 12-month waiting period before you can claim pregnancy-related expenses, so you’ll have to plan ahead. Some costs aren’t covered by private health insurance, such as specialist and paediatrician visits, so check your coverage now to avoid any surprises.
You can choose to have a GP, a midwife or an obstetrician as your main care provider during pregnancy, or a combination of these professionals. If you want a natural birth or a home birth, a midwife could be right for you. If you have a high-risk pregnancy or you think you’ll need a caesarean, you’re probably better off with an obstetrician.
You should attend your first antenatal visit at around eight weeks of pregnancy. You’ll be asked about your medical history and undergo a physical exam, a urine test and a blood test. You may be offered a dating scan if your due date is unclear.
At your first antenatal visit, your doctor will offer you a range of genetic testing options. These tests involve taking a blood sample (or other fluid or tissue samples) and analysing them to determine your likelihood of having a child with a genetic condition such as Down syndrome or cystic fibrosis. It’s entirely up to you whether you choose to undergo these tests.
If you’re the primary carer of a child and you meet certain conditions, you can receive up to 18 weeks of Parental Leave Pay from the Australian Government at minimum wage (currently $740.60 per week before tax). You may also be entitled to additional paid parental leave from your employer. Working fathers and partners who meet certain conditions are eligible for two weeks of paid leave at minimum wage. It’s best to check your entitlements now to help you plan your leave and budget.
Hang in there, mama – the second trimester is just around the corner!
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