The first trimester is a period of enormous change — for the baby, whose organs are forming, and for you, with nausea, fatigue and a long list of things people tell you not to do. Here is what actually matters, in order of importance.
1. Take folic acid — and see your obstetrician early
Folic acid (400 mcg daily) is most important in these weeks. Book your first antenatal visit by six to eight weeks: it confirms the pregnancy is in the uterus, dates it and begins screening. Bring a list of all medicines you take.
2. Food safety
- Avoid raw or undercooked meat, eggs and seafood, unpasteurised milk and soft cheeses, and raw sprouts
- Wash fruit and vegetables well; prefer freshly cooked food when eating out
- Limit high-mercury fish; ordinary freshwater and small fish are fine in moderation
- Keep caffeine under about 200 mg a day (roughly two cups of coffee)
- No alcohol; no smoking or exposure to smoke
3. Manage nausea sensibly
Small, frequent meals; dry crackers before getting up; ginger; avoiding strong smells. If you cannot keep fluids down or are losing weight, contact the clinic — safe medication is available.
4. Medicines and supplements
Paracetamol is safe when needed. Avoid ibuprofen and other NSAIDs, and check every prescribed or over-the-counter drug — including herbal preparations — with your doctor. Do not stop essential medication (thyroid, epilepsy, blood pressure) without advice.
5. Activity, work and travel
Continue normal activity and exercise you were already doing; walking, swimming and prenatal yoga are ideal. Avoid contact sports, heavy lifting and activities with a fall risk. Travel is generally fine — take breaks on long journeys, stay hydrated, and carry your antenatal records.
6. Infections to avoid
Wash hands after handling raw food, soil or pets; avoid cat litter (toxoplasmosis); stay away from anyone with rubella or chickenpox if you are not immune; get the influenza vaccine.
7. Rest and mental health
Fatigue is normal and often intense. Sleep when you can. Anxiety in early pregnancy is common — especially after a previous loss — and worth talking about at your visits.
Things you do not need to worry about
Ordinary computer and phone use, microwave ovens, hair colouring (with ventilation), air travel, moderate exercise, intercourse in an uncomplicated pregnancy, and the occasional mild cramp as the uterus grows.
Warning signs — contact the clinic the same day
- Bleeding of any amount (see bleeding in pregnancy)
- Severe or one-sided abdominal pain, or shoulder-tip pain
- Vomiting that prevents you keeping fluids down
- Fever, burning urination or foul discharge
- Fainting or severe dizziness
Watch Dr. Rathore's short video on three things never to forget in the first trimester.
Have a question about this topic? Dr. Bhavya Rathore consults at her Indirapuram clinic (Gyan Khand 4) and at Cloudnine Hospital. Book a consultation or message the clinic on WhatsApp.
Related services
Keep reading
Medical disclaimer: This page is for general information and does not replace a consultation. It is not individual medical advice, and outcomes vary from person to person. If you have urgent symptoms — heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever, fainting or reduced baby movements — contact the clinic or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Read the full disclaimer.