Pregnancy is a long and exciting journey for any woman. But at times, it can be testing and tiring too. The entire 40 weeks of the gestation period of a human is classified into three trimesters based on the fetal development stages – the first trimester, the second trimester and the third trimester.
The first trimester
The first 13 weeks are considered the first trimester. The first trimester is the most critical stage of pregnancy. It is here when mothers get to know that they are pregnant and start experiencing various pregnancy symptoms. Early pregnancy symptoms may vary from woman to woman. While some might experience elevated energy levels, others may feel unexplained fatigue and mood swings.
Some of the symptoms that you may experience during the first trimester are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Disinterest in daily routine
- Frequent urination
- Tenderness in breast and nipples
- Feeling tired and energy-less
Significance of the first trimester
The first trimester is the stage when the baby’s organs start developing. The development of body structure, arms, legs, fingers, and toes, the internal organs, the central nervous system, and the appearance of facial features take place in the first trimester.
The first heartbeat of the baby is also heard during the first trimester. Muscles start developing, and the vocal cord begins to grow at this stage. The white blood cells start their formation too in the first trimester.
To state it in simple terms, the first trimester is a stage of rapid development of the fetus cells. Hence, it holds crucial importance in terms of healthy diet and nourishment of the mother.
Essential nutrients during the first trimester
Folic acid, being the most important, along with protein, Vitamin C, and Vitamin A are some of the essential vitamins for the first trimester. By following a healthy diet chart and adding multivitamins for pregnancy in your routine, as prescribed by your doctor, you can make sure that these vitamins are supplied to your body at an optimal level.
Many new mothers start worrying about their vitamin intake and find many doubts in their mind:
- What does vitamin C do in pregnancy? What is the most important nutrient for a pregnant woman?
- When should I stop taking folic acid during pregnancy?
- What happens if I don’t take my prenatal vitamins during pregnancy?
- Is it okay to switch prenatal vitamins during pregnancy?
To find proven answers to such questions about multivitamin pills for pregnancy, the best a pregnant woman can do is to take the guidance of a good doctor. They would suggest a comprehensive blood report, examine your health, and suggest the best prenatal vitamins for pregnancy.
Food to eat during the first trimester
“You should now eat for two!” – an often-heard advice for many pregnant women in their first trimester. While it is true that the mother should consider the nutritional needs of both the baby and her, it does not imply that she starts doubling her calorie intake. The tiny baby is still happily forming and developing in the mother’s womb, and thus doubling of calories is nowhere necessary. Instead, pregnant women should focus on meeting their daily dose of vitamin levels essential during pregnancy. The nutritional requirements of women and her metabolism rapidly rise when compared to normal levels. Thus, it is crucial to cater to that increased demand through a wholesome diet and multivitamin tablets for pregnancy.
Here is a list of food items that are considered good and essential to eat during the first trimester:
Spinach: This is a rich source of folic acid. Folic acid is one of the most important vitamins for pregnancy. Doctors also suggest folic acid supplements for women who are planning to conceive soon. Consume spinach in the form of boiled form such as soup or dal, instead of raw, as raw foods are best avoided during pregnancy.
Fruits: Lemons, oranges, watermelons, mangoes, and bananas contain essential micronutrients that lessen the troubling symptoms of the first trimester. Check with your doctor about what time is best suited for their consumption and about the portions of intake.
Whole grains: Whole grains such as millets, corn, and rice are rich in Vitamin B. They help in the development of the baby’s muscles and tissues.
Eggs: Boiled eggs are a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D. Pregnant women should include them in their diet. Avoid adding too much oil or salt when consuming eggs in other forms. Also, the consumption of raw or half-boiled eggs is not advisable for pregnant women.
Fresh, boiled, and dark-colored vegetables: Vegetables such as broccoli, carrot, beetroot, okra, and beans help in offering all essential micro vitamins through diet. They can be consumed in boiled and slightly grilled or sautéed form.
Dairy products: Milk, curd, and yogurt are rich sources of essential fats and calcium for mothers. They also provide energy and avoid acidity in pregnant women. Ensure that the milk is boiled and cooled before consumption. Prefer taking homemade curd and yogurt to prevent the risk of preservatives from canned foods.
Nutritional supplement for the first trimester – Trimacare T1
While pregnant women in their first trimester do follow a strict diet chart, a lot of them, due to lack of energy, are unable to focus on obtaining all the nutrients required. This is when nutritional supplements for pregnancy like Trimacare come in handy. Trimacare offers a comprehensive range of multivitamin tablets for pregnancy in India, specifically designed to meet the nourishment needs of Indian women.
Trimacare T1 multivitamin tablets for the first trimester cater to the nutritional needs of the first trimester. They are entirely plant-based and vegan. These tablets are also formulated as per ICMR guidelines.
Unlike other multivitamins that are to be taken separately, Trimacare 1 offers a 1-pill solution that takes care of all your extra multi-nutritional needs for the first trimester.
If you find any symptoms of early pregnancy, it means the first trimester might have already started. Check with your doctor and clarify all your doubts related to what vitamins are good for pregnancy. Request for a personalized diet chart and nutritional supplements that suit you. It is always advised that pregnant women take any nutritional supplements only after getting a comprehensive test done by their doctor and solely on their prescription.