4 tips for the first trimester of your pregnancy

It can be difficult knowing what to expect at each stage of your first pregnancy, and the first trimester, in particular, is a vital yet exciting time. Since you need to take precautions to ensure you and your baby stay healthy throughout the course of your pregnancy, here are four tips for your first trimester.

During your first doctor's visit, your doctor will give you a full physical exam, pelvic exam and Pap test. He or she will also test for any sexually transmitted diseases.

Your doctor will then give you your estimated due date, which is usually 266 days from the day you started your last period.

Be sure to tell your doctor about any pre-existing conditions or concerns you might have at this time.

Most people recommend that you give your pregnancy about three months before you start telling the people in your life about an upcoming baby.

The first trimester is the most common time for miscarriages, so it's a good idea to talk important decisions over with your partner and wait to tell the world until you're in your second trimester.

You might also want to use this time to figure out your plans for work, what to tell your boss, where the baby will sleep, and any additional decisions that might be required.

Most women experience moderate to severe fatigue during the first trimester. This is because your body is beginning to nourish another human life, and that takes a lot of energy to accomplish.

So, remember to take it easy at work if you can.

As part of taking it easy, feel free to sneak in extra naps in the evening and on weekends, and move with greater awareness of sharp or hazardous objects that could hurt your growing baby.

Also, sit down frequently, put your feet up to give your legs and back a break, and let others help you out with housework, errands, shopping and cooking.

Many women discover that they're pregnant when they begin to experience morning sickness. For many women, the nausea can last all day, while others barely experience any symptoms.

Morning sickness is completely normal and nothing to worry about. It's just your body's way of clearing itself to protect your baby.

Try eating small meals, avoiding heavy and fatty foods, to minimize the symptoms of morning sickness. You should also take vitamin B6 along with any prenatal vitamins your doctor suggests for you.

The first trimester is a very important time in any pregnancy, so keep these four tips in mind to help ensure that you and your developing baby stay safe and healthy.