New Beginings

Our O&G doctor shares what to expect during your first trimester of pregnancy

Pregnancy and childbirth are very special moments in a couple’s life. For first-time parents, there will be many questions about pregnancy care and choices, such as what to expect in the first few months of your pregnancy, and when to book your first appointment to see a doctor. A good time to confirm your pregnancy with your doctor is around week 7, when the embryo is about 10 millimetres long from head to bottom. At this stage, your embryo gets its nourishment from the yolk sac to grow and form the different organs in the body.

Your doctor will ask you questions about your health and previous pregnancies (if any) to understand how to care for you. A transvaginal scan will be offered to confirm that the pregnancy is in the womb and healthy. If you have pain or bleeding, have health issues or previous pregnancy problems, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.

EARLY PREGNANCY 

Adopting a healthy diet and light exercise will improve your pregnancy and experience. During pregnancy, you should avoid smoking, alcohol, caffeine and certain foods listed below as these can harm your baby.

Raw or undercooked meat such as salami and prosciutto

Raw or undercooked egg

Pâté including vegetable pâté

Unpasteurised milk and dairy products

Soft cheese such as brie, camembert, goats’ cheese and Danish blue

Liver and food high in vitamin A, such as cod liver fish oil, as high levels can harm the baby

Some types of fish like shark, swordfish and marlin, as they have high levels of mercury