DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: You only need about 300 additional calories per day. You now need 70 grams of proteins a day compared to 45 grams before you got pregnant. Iron and calcium supplements are required, especially during the 2nd and 3rd trimester.
FOLIC ACID: It's important to get enough folic acid before conception and during early pregnancy. Folic acid greatly reduces your baby's risk of developing neural tube birth defects such as spina bifida. Ideally, you should start taking 400 micrograms of folic acid at least one month before becoming pregnant. Once your pregnancy is confirmed, you should up your daily dose to 600 mcg.
EXERCISE: A good exercise program can give you the strength and endurance you'll need to carry the weight you gain during pregnancy, help prevent or ease aches and pains, improve sluggish circulation in your legs, and help you handle the physical stress of labor. It will also make getting back into shape after your baby is born much easier.
ADEQUATE REST: The fatigue you feelin the first and third trimesters is your body's way of telling you to slowdown. So listen up and take it easy as much as you can. If you can't swing a nap in the middle of the day, give yourself a break and let your other responsibilities slide a little. If you can't sleep, at least put your feet up and read a book or leaf through a magazine.
NO ALCOHOL/NO SMOKING: You should not drink while you're pregnant. Any alcohol you drink reaches your baby rapidly through your blood stream, crossing the placenta, and your baby can end up with higher levels of blood alcohol than you have. Smoking and alcohol increases the risk of miscarriage, growth problems, placental abruption, and premature delivery.
EMOTIONAL HEALTH: Many women feel like they're on an emotional roller coaster at onetime or another during pregnancy. But if your mood swings are extreme or interfering with your daily life, you may be suffering from depression, a relatively common condition. If you've been feeling low for more than two weeks and nothing seems to lift your spirits — or if you're feeling particularly anxious — seek professional help.
BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING: The blood pressure is regularly monitored to keep a check on it, as high BP can lead to preeclampsia condition.
FIRST TRIMESTER: It is the period of organ development of the fetus. By the end of the third month of pregnancy, your baby is fully formed. Your baby has arms, hands, fingers, feet, and toes and can open and close its fists and mouth. Fingernails and toenails are beginning to develop and the external ears are formed. The beginnings of teeth are forming. Your baby's reproductive organs also develop, but the baby's gender is difficult to distinguish on ultrasound. The circulatory and urinary systems are working and the liver produces bile.At the end of the third month, your baby is about 7.6 -10 cm (3-4 inches) long and weighs about 28g (1 ounce).Since your baby's most critical development has taken place, your chance of miscarriage drops considerably after three months into the pregnancy.