I thought this might help some people, in case they're worried, and no one is online, etc.
I go a 
now what?!?!
Ok, so we will assume, like most of us, you're sitting in a pile about 50 deep of home pregnancy tests and you still don't
quite believe your eyes! What do you do now? (Other than post on BnB and tell us all, because we love hearing about
!!)
Call your GP straight away to book in for a confirmation appointment. Make a list of things that you might want to ask your GP while you're there. Your GP will generally do a urine test to confirm, or a blood test but some just take your word for it!
First Tri Checklist
Congratulations! You're pregnant! Welcome to first tri, where nausea, sickness, cramps and constipation will be your best friends! So where do you start....
- Confirm your pregnancy straight away with your GP
- Schedule your first prenatal visit with your Midwife when you're about nine weeks along.
- Avoid alcohol, drugs and cigarettes.
- If your immunizations are not up to date, let your Midwife know.
- Drink lots of fluids, especially water.
- Keep your blood sugar level elevated by eating lots of high-protein and high-carbohydrate foods such as breads, brown rice, potatoes and cheese. (this will help with the morning sickness!)
- Start taking folic acid, or a pre natal vitamin that contains folic acid. I recommend Pregnacare from Boots.
- 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. You will start to feel amazingly tired!
- Exercise, but moderately. Don't start a new exercise regimen when you're pregnant. Go for a short walk, or do some stretches in your living room.
- Cut back on the caffeine. When pregnant it's recommended you only drink up to 3 cups of coffee a day, or 8 cans of fizzy drink.
- Start budgeting for your new life with baby. Them things are expensive!
- Start thinking about how you'd like to give birth (hospital? birthing center? home?).
- Consider starting a pregnancy diary and having someone take a picture of you (and your expanding belly) each month. Of course, it's mandatory to post bump and scan pictures on BnB so we can all coo over it!
- Refrain from getting perms, dyes and other hair treatments involving heavy chemicals. If you feel this is necessary, take to your GP and hairdresser about what treatments you can have done.
- Buy a few pregnancy books and dive in.
- Get yourself a ticker to post on BnB!
Ok, So What's This Going To Feel Like?
Well, some people have a breezy first tri, moving on to a glowing second tri. (Grrr) For some of us though it's like invasion of the body snatchers. Some days I look in the mirror and wonder who's in my house.
You may or may not experience the following, which are all normal. However, if you are worried ring your midwife or GP - that's what they're there for!
If any cramping is severe, or followed with bleeding contact your doctor asap.
Period Like Cramps and Nausea Stomach Pain Cramping Cramps Back Pain Back Ache Loss of Appetite Sickness More Sickness What else?
Well, you could experience any of these wonderful symptoms:
Urinating more frequently
Heartburn
Cramps
Nausea
Vomiting
Muscle Pain
Increased Spots
Joint Pain (eat bananas, it helps!)
Swollen Breasts
Sore Nipples
Enlarged Nipples
Constipation
Diarrhea
Increased Saliva
Mood Swings (warn the OH - duck and cover!)
Headaches
Tiredness
Food Cravings
Food Aversions
Increased Sense of Smell
Fun, huh?
What Happens At My First Midwife Appointment? First Midwife Appointment What Foods Should I Be Eating and Avoiding?
Wobbles has made a fantastic thread
here which will answer lots of your questions.
However, one question that pops up a lot is one about eggs.
You CAN eat pasturised egg, but not unpasterised egg. This means that the egg has been treated and is safe for pregnant women to eat. You must look on the back of cartons. Most mayonnaise, salads, ice creams, etc will have pasturised egg but if it just says 'egg' in the ingredients, then don't buy it!
Where Can I Get Maternity Clothes? Mothercare Tiffany Rose Mamas and Papas Next Debenhams New Look Marks and Spencer Vertbaudet Blooming Marvellous Dental Care
Pregnant women, and those who have had a baby in the last 12 months are allowed FREE dental care on the NHS. This is due to hormone changes in your body when pregnant meaning that your teeth need to be looked at. You may find your teeth become sore, eroded, or that your gums bleed easily.
To apply for your maternity exemption card ask your doctor, nurse, midwife or health visitor for Form FW8, who will also sign the form to confirm your statement. Your exemption card will last until 12 months after the expected date of birth. If your baby is born early, you can continue to use your exemption card until it expires. If your baby is born late, you can apply for an extension. If you apply after your baby is born, your exemption card will run for 12 months from your baby’s birth.
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