When Should You Share the News About Your Pregnancy?
Ahh, the first few weeks of pregnancy—the nausea, beginning weight gain, and fatigue, not to mention the uptake in hormones. But those are just the side effects to the most important question: When do you tell the people around you?
Some parents are so excited they can’t keep the news a secret (and really, it could be a little unrealistic since friends and co-workers probably know you better than you know yourself). However, there is some reason to be cautious—the chance of having a miscarriage drops dramatically when you reach 10 to 12 weeks into your first trimester.
Caution: You should let a work supervisor know right away so you can avoid any possible work hazards.
First Trimester Health & Nutrition
Health and nutrition becomes especially important when you get pregnant. And as soon as you mention it to anyone, you will, of course, get an earful of advice. Here are the top five things you can do to keep you and your baby healthy during pregnancy:
1. Get Early Prenatal Care
Prenatal care is the number one, best possible thing you can do for you baby. It allows you to have screenings for possible conditions and find the right caregiver to share your journey with from your first trimester to birth.
2. Watch What You Eat and Take Those Vitamins
Your doctor will give you a list of foods to avoid while pregnant, from undercooked meat to raw seafood. Also, while you are eating for two, you really only need an additional 300 calories per day, so keep healthy snacks in mind.
3. Exercise Regularly
Exercise will always help your body maintain good health by giving you more strength, easing aches and pains, and improving circulation. Just don’t push yourself too hard or get dehydrated.
4. Take a Break From Alcohol, Caffeine, and Particularly Smoking
All the habits that are most fun are generally less than healthy. It’s worth the effort, however, to take a time out from alcohol, caffeine, smoking, and (it goes without saying) illegal drugs.
All of these less healthy habits will affect your baby and you in a negative way because they increase your chance for miscarriage and premature delivery to severe birth defects.
5. Monitor Your Emotional Health
The emotional rollercoaster that comes with raised hormone levels during pregnancy is expected by every pregnant woman. But if your mood swings interfere with your daily life or are unusually extreme, you should see a doctor about possible depression.
You should also know that pregnancy is a common trigger of domestic violence. Find help if you are in an abusive situation to keep your baby and you safe.
While you can find advice, facts, and information about pregnancy everywhere from online articles to good friends, the best thing you can do for your child and you is find a good doctor and midwife to prepare for that upcoming event: the birth of your child.
I'm Pregnant. When Should I See a Doctor?
In order to provide the most detailed information about your pregnancy, doctors recommend that you schedule your first obstetric—or pregnancy—appointment when you are between eight and ten weeks pregnant.
If you have any urgent concerns, please call us at 801-213-2995.
Resources & Programs for Parents-to-Be
Early Pregnancy Assessment Clinic
The first trimester can be an exciting, confusing, and overwhelming experience. Our Early Pregnancy Care team providers offer comprehensive, non-judgmental early pregnancy care.
Utah Pregnancy After Loss Program
The Utah Pregnancy After Loss Program is designed specifically to support families after a pregnancy loss, newborn death, or severely complicated pregnancy.
UPWARD: Utah Peripartum Pelvic Floor Wellness and Recovery After Delivery Program
Many pregnant mothers have pelvic floor symptoms before and up to 12 months following birth. UPWARD offers expert care to women experiencing pelvic floor issues during a vulnerable time.
YoMingo®: Prenatal Education on the Go
U of U Health offers anytime, anywhere education for expectant mothers through YoMingo®, with all the tools and support you need at every stage of your pregnancy. Find information on prenatal care, labor & birth, postpartum, breastfeeding, and newborn care.
Perinatal Education
Childbearing is an exciting time of growth, change, and personal choices for you and your family. To help you prepare, we offer perinatal education on a variety of subjects related to your pregnancy.
Choosing a Hospital or Birthing Space
It's never too early to begin thinking about the birthing process (if those words can even begin to express the life-changing experience you are about to have). Here are some things to consider.
