The Big News & First Trimester Essentials

In This Episode, We Cover:

* Confirming Your Pregnancy: What to do after that pee stick, and what those early symptoms (hello, extreme fatigue!) really mean.

* Choosing Your Pregnancy Partner: Deciding between an OB/GYN and a midwife, and what to look for in a provider who truly aligns with your vision for birth. *More on this in a later episode!

* Battling the Belly Blues: Practical strategies and real-talk tips for managing morning sickness (because it's not just in the morning!) and the overwhelming exhaustion.

* Fueling Your Journey: Essential nutrition for you and baby, including the non-negotiable prenatal vitamins, and common foods to know about.

* What to Expect (Emotionally & Physically): Navigating the emotional rollercoaster and subtle body changes of the first 12 weeks.

Resources:

* Finding a Provider:

* American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): acog.org

* American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM): midwife.org

* Morning Sickness Relief:

* Ginger chews, peppermint tea, sea bands.

* Always consult your doctor before starting any new medications or strong remedies.

* Prenatal Vitamin Information:

* Look for prenatal vitamins containing 400-800 mcg of Folic Acid, at least 27 mg of Iron, and consider those with 200-300 mg of DHA. Discuss with your provider which brand is best for you.

* Learn more about key prenatal nutrients from organizations like the Mayo Clinic or American Pregnancy Association.

* Recommended Reads:

* "Expecting Better" by Emily Oster (for data-driven insights on pregnancy choices)

* "What to Expect When You're Expecting" (a classic, comprehensive guide)

Parenting Hacks & Helps:

* Quick Tip: Keep a stash of plain crackers (like saltines) or ginger candies by your bedside to nibble on before getting out of bed to help with morning sickness.

* Self-Care Reminder: It's okay to slow down. The first trimester is a marathon, not a sprint. Nap when you can, delegate tasks, and listen to your body.

Listener Lifeline Question:

* "Why do I need to provide a urine sample at the doctors? What are they testing?"

* “What’s the deal with Prenatal Vitamins? What if I can’t keep them down?”

Connect with Our Village:

* Follow Us on Instagram: [@NewBabyNowWhat]

* Send Us Your Questions:

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Next Week: Get ready as we explore “Who's Delivering This Baby?! Choosing Your Care Team”