During the first trimester of pregnancy, there are many things you should avoid to stay healthy and protect your baby. Lifestyle habits to stop or avoid during pregnancy include smoking, drinking alcohol, gaining too much weight, consuming too much caffeine, eating certain foods like raw or undercooked meat and eggs, raw sprouts, some seafood, and others.
- The first trimester of pregnancy (the first three months) is when a fertilized egg divides rapidly into layers of cells and implants in the wall of the uterus.
- Those layers of cells become an embryo, and by six weeks, a heartbeat can be detected.
- By the end of the first trimester (the end of week 12) the baby’s bones, muscles, and organs have formed and it is now considered a fetus.
The baby grows fastest during the first trimester. By the end of the first trimester, the fetus can weigh about 0.5 to 1 ounce and measure an average of 3 to 4 inches in length. The first trimester is also when pregnancy loss ( miscarriage ) can happen.
Avoid smoking and e-cigarettes
A woman shouldn’t smoke at any time during her pregnancy so once a woman finds out she is pregnant she should talk to her doctor about ways to quit the habit Babies born to mothers who smoke are at increased risk for birth defects E-cigarettes are also not safe during pregnancy because the nicotine can damage a developing baby’s brain and lungs
Avoid alcohol
There is no amount of alcohol that is considered safe to drink during pregnancy Drinking during the first trimester can cause birth defects, lead to miscarriage and stillbirth, and cause behavioral and intellectual disabilities known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)
Avoid raw or undercooked meat and eggs
Raw or undercooked meat and eggs carry the risk of contracting listeriosis and toxoplasmosis, which can lead to serious and life-threatening illnesses, severe birth defects, and miscarriage
Avoid raw sprouts
These can contain E. coli and Salmonella
Avoid certain seafood
Mackerel and tilefish have a high mercury content
Avoid unpasteurized dairy products and unpasteurized juices
This includes soft cheeses such as feta, Brie, and goat cheese These may contain bacteria such as listeria
Avoid processed meats such as hot dogs and deli meats
These can also contain listeria They also contain nitrates and nitrites
Avoid too much caffeine
Some caffeine is ok: about 200 mg (2 cups of coffee) Caffeine can cross the placenta and affect a baby’s heart rate
Avoid gaining too much weight
Pregnant women do not have to “eat for two” during the first trimester (women usually need more calories during the second and third trimesters, but not necessarily during the first) Women who gain too much weight during pregnancy put their child at greater risk for obesity later in life
Avoid saunas, hot tubs, whirlpools, and steam rooms
These places put a pregnant woman at risk of overheating, dehydration, and fainting A significant rise in the mother’s core temperature could affect her baby’s development, especially during the first trimester Some research has found that the risk of miscarriage may double if a pregnant woman uses one of these during the first trimester
Avoid massage and acupuncture
These therapies are generally safe during pregnancy but a pregnant woman’s abdomen should not be massaged during the first trimester Acupuncture as well is generally safe during pregnancy, but certain acupuncture points should be avoided Women seeking acupuncture should make sure the acupuncturist is trained in treating pregnant women
Avoid cleaning the cat’s litter box
A parasite found in feline waste called Toxoplasma gondii can cause miscarriage or stillbirth, or serious problems in babies born with the parasite
Avoid certain cleaning products
Check the labels of cleaning products to make sure there are no warnings for pregnant women Some mothballs and toilet fresheners have a chemical called naphthalene that can damage blood cells
Avoid fake tans
These are generally safe for use during pregnancy, but they can cause an allergic reaction Hormone levels during pregnancy make the skin more sensitive and can make a woman more prone to allergic reactions Do not use tanning pills or tanning injections
Reviewed on 5/24/2021 References https://news.sanfordhealth.org/womens/dos-and-donts-during-first-trimester-pregnancy/ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-first-trimester https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/early-pregnancy-loss https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/top-10-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-first-trimester.aspx
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Contents
What can damage an early pregnancy?
During the first trimester of pregnancy, there are many things you should avoid to stay healthy and protect your baby. Lifestyle habits to stop or avoid during pregnancy include smoking, drinking alcohol, gaining too much weight, consuming too much caffeine, eating certain foods like raw or undercooked meat and eggs, raw sprouts, some seafood, and others.
The first trimester of pregnancy (the first three months) is when a fertilized egg divides rapidly into layers of cells and implants in the wall of the uterus. Those layers of cells become an embryo, and by six weeks, a heartbeat can be detected. By the end of the first trimester (the end of week 12) the baby’s bones, muscles, and organs have formed and it is now considered a fetus.
The baby grows fastest during the first trimester. By the end of the first trimester, the fetus can weigh about 0.5 to 1 ounce and measure an average of 3 to 4 inches in length. The first trimester is also when pregnancy loss ( miscarriage ) can happen.
Avoid smoking and e-cigarettes
A woman shouldn’t smoke at any time during her pregnancy so once a woman finds out she is pregnant she should talk to her doctor about ways to quit the habit Babies born to mothers who smoke are at increased risk for birth defects E-cigarettes are also not safe during pregnancy because the nicotine can damage a developing baby’s brain and lungs
Avoid alcohol
There is no amount of alcohol that is considered safe to drink during pregnancy Drinking during the first trimester can cause birth defects, lead to miscarriage and stillbirth, and cause behavioral and intellectual disabilities known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)
Avoid raw or undercooked meat and eggs
Raw or undercooked meat and eggs carry the risk of contracting listeriosis and toxoplasmosis, which can lead to serious and life-threatening illnesses, severe birth defects, and miscarriage
Avoid raw sprouts
These can contain E. coli and Salmonella
Avoid certain seafood
Mackerel and tilefish have a high mercury content
Avoid unpasteurized dairy products and unpasteurized juices
This includes soft cheeses such as feta, Brie, and goat cheese These may contain bacteria such as listeria
Avoid processed meats such as hot dogs and deli meats
These can also contain listeria They also contain nitrates and nitrites
Avoid too much caffeine
Some caffeine is ok: about 200 mg (2 cups of coffee) Caffeine can cross the placenta and affect a baby’s heart rate
Avoid gaining too much weight
Pregnant women do not have to “eat for two” during the first trimester (women usually need more calories during the second and third trimesters, but not necessarily during the first) Women who gain too much weight during pregnancy put their child at greater risk for obesity later in life
Avoid saunas, hot tubs, whirlpools, and steam rooms
These places put a pregnant woman at risk of overheating, dehydration, and fainting A significant rise in the mother’s core temperature could affect her baby’s development, especially during the first trimester Some research has found that the risk of miscarriage may double if a pregnant woman uses one of these during the first trimester
Avoid massage and acupuncture
These therapies are generally safe during pregnancy but a pregnant woman’s abdomen should not be massaged during the first trimester Acupuncture as well is generally safe during pregnancy, but certain acupuncture points should be avoided Women seeking acupuncture should make sure the acupuncturist is trained in treating pregnant women
Avoid cleaning the cat’s litter box
A parasite found in feline waste called Toxoplasma gondii can cause miscarriage or stillbirth, or serious problems in babies born with the parasite
Avoid certain cleaning products
Check the labels of cleaning products to make sure there are no warnings for pregnant women Some mothballs and toilet fresheners have a chemical called naphthalene that can damage blood cells
Avoid fake tans
These are generally safe for use during pregnancy, but they can cause an allergic reaction Hormone levels during pregnancy make the skin more sensitive and can make a woman more prone to allergic reactions Do not use tanning pills or tanning injections
Reviewed on 5/24/2021 References https://news.sanfordhealth.org/womens/dos-and-donts-during-first-trimester-pregnancy/ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-first-trimester https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/early-pregnancy-loss https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/top-10-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-first-trimester.aspx
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What is the most critical week of first trimester?
First Trimester Fetal Growth and Development Benchmarks – The chart below provides benchmarks for most normal pregnancies. However, each fetus develops differently.
| Timing | Development Benchmark |
|---|---|
| By the end of four weeks |
All major systems and organs begin to form. The embryo looks like a tadpole. The neural tube (which becomes the brain and spinal cord), the digestive system, and the heart and circulatory system begin to form. The beginnings of the eyes and ears are developing. Tiny limb buds appear, which will develop into arms and legs. The heart is beating. |
| By the end of eight weeks |
All major body systems continue to develop and function, including the circulatory, nervous, digestive, and urinary systems. The embryo is taking on a human shape, although the head is larger in proportion to the rest of the body. The mouth is developing tooth buds, which will become baby teeth. The eyes, nose, mouth, and ears are becoming more distinct. The arms and legs can be easily seen. The fingers and toes are still webbed, but can be clearly distinguished. The main organs continue to develop and you can hear the baby’s heartbeat using an instrument called a Doppler. The bones begin to develop and the nose and jaws are rapidly developing. The embryo is in constant motion but cannot be felt by the mother. |
| From embryo to fetus |
After 8 weeks, the embryo is now referred to as a fetus, which means offspring. Although the fetus is only 1 to 1.5 inches long at this point, all major organs and systems have been formed. |
| During weeks nine to 12 |
The external genital organs are developed. Fingernails and toenails appear. Eyelids are formed. Fetal movement increases. The arms and legs are fully formed. The voice box (larynx) begins to form in the trachea. |
The fetus is most vulnerable during the first 12 weeks. During this period of time, all of the major organs and body systems are forming and can be damaged if the fetus is exposed to drugs, infectious agents, radiation, certain medications, tobacco and toxic substances. Even though the organs and body systems are fully formed by the end of 12 weeks, the fetus cannot survive independently.
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What pains are normal in early pregnancy?
Weeks 0 to 12 – Cramps, a bit like period pains, are very common in early pregnancy. These are usually caused by changes in your hormones and by your growing womb. Sometimes stomach pains in early pregnancy can be a sign of something more serious such as:
ectopic pregnancy miscarriage appendicitis urinary tract infection (UTI)
How many weeks pregnant is healthy?
Why at least 39 weeks is best for your baby Are you thinking about scheduling your baby’s birth? Scheduling your baby’s birth means you and your health care provider decide when to have your baby by or instead of waiting for labor to begin on its own.
Depending on your health and your baby’s health, scheduling your baby’s birth may be best. But scheduling birth a little early for non-medical reasons can cause problems for you and baby. If your pregnancy is healthy, it’s best to stay pregnant for at least 39 weeks and wait for labor to begin on its own.
When you schedule your baby’s birth, you schedule either labor induction or a c-section. Labor induction (also called ) is when your provider gives you medicine or breaks your water (also called amniotic sac) to make your labor begin for vaginal birth.
Vaginal birth is when the muscles of your uterus contract (get tight and then relax) to help push your baby out through the vagina (also called birth canal). Most babies are born by vaginal birth. A cesarean birth (also called ) is surgery in which your baby is born through a cut that your provider makes in your belly and uterus.
You may not have a choice about when to have your baby. If there are problems with your pregnancy or your baby’s health, you may need to have your baby early. But if you have a choice and you’re planning to schedule your baby’s birth, wait until at least 39 weeks.
Important organs, like your baby’s brain, lungs and liver, need time to develop. The brain develops fastest at the end of pregnancy. A baby’s brain at 35 weeks of pregnancy weighs only two-thirds of what it will weigh at 39 to 40 weeks. He’s less likely to have health problems after birth, like breathing, vision and hearing problems. He can gain more weight in the womb. Babies born at a healthy weight have an easier time staying warm than babies born too small. He can suck and swallow and stay awake long enough to eat after he’s born. Babies born early sometimes can’t do these things. He’s less likely to have learning problems and health problems later in life than babies born before 39 weeks.
Can scheduling an early birth cause problems for you and your baby? Yes. Sometimes it’s hard to know exactly when you got pregnant. Even with an, your can be off by as much as 2 weeks. If you schedule an induction or c-section and your date is off by a week or 2, your baby may be born too early.
Stronger and more frequent contractions. Frequent contractions may cause changes in your baby’s heart rate. Infection for you and your baby Uterine rupture. This is when the uterus tears during labor. It happens very rarely. Needing a c-section. If your labor is induced and the medicine doesn’t start your labor, you may need to have a c-section.
Problems from a c-section
Breathing and other medical problems for your baby. Babies born by c-section may have more breathing and other medical problems than babies born by vaginal birth. Needing a c-section in another pregnancy. Once you have a c-section, you may be more likely in future pregnancies to have a c-section. The more c-sections you have, the more problems you and your baby may have, including, Longer recovery for mom. A c-section is major surgery. It takes longer for you to recover from a c-section than from a vaginal birth. You can expect to spend 2 to 4 days in the hospital after a c-section. Then you need about 6 to 8 weeks after you go home to fully recover. You also may have complications from the surgery, like infections, bleeding or, So it’s important to stay in touch with your health care provider even after you go home.
What questions can you ask your health care provider about scheduling your baby’s birth? If you’re planning to schedule your baby’s birth, print out this article and take it with you to your next, Ask these questions: If your provider recommends that you have your baby before 39 weeks
Is there a problem with my health or the health of my baby that makes birth before 39 weeks necessary? Can I wait to have my baby until I’m closer to 39 weeks?
About inducing labor
Why do you need to induce labor? How will you induce my labor? What can I expect when you induce labor? Will inducing labor increase the chance that I’ll need to have a c-section?
About having a c-section
Why do I need to have a c-section? What can I expect during and after a c-section? What problems can a c-section cause for me and my baby? Can I have a vaginal birth in future pregnancies?
See also: Last reviewed: October, 2018 : Why at least 39 weeks is best for your baby
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How do I know if my pregnancy is failing?
Symptoms – Most miscarriages occur before the 12th week of pregnancy. Signs and symptoms of a miscarriage might include:
Vaginal spotting or bleeding Pain or cramping in your abdomen or lower back Fluid or tissue passing from your vagina
If you have passed fetal tissue from your vagina, place it in a clean container and bring it to your health care provider’s office or the hospital for analysis. Most women who have vaginal spotting or bleeding in the first trimester go on to have successful pregnancies.
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