What to Avoid During the First Trimester

It’s the beginning of your first trimester and that tiny life inside of you is going to change your life in all kinds of big and small ways—starting now. From the foods you eat to the clothes you wear, navigating these changes is all part of the process for pregnant women. But the newness of it all can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming.

Consider this article a friend you can lean on to help you navigate what to expect in the first trimester. In this guide, we’ll cover what to avoid during first trimester pregnancy so that you can eat, drink, and go merrily on your way toward a healthy lifestyle for both you and baby.

Foods and Beverages to Steer Clear of in Early Pregnancy

When it comes to diet, what you consume and absorb from food and beverages has a direct impact on your baby. Besides keeping up basic healthy eating habits, like eating more greens and staying hydrated, here are some of the foods and beverages you should consider avoiding altogether as a pregnant woman.

Foods to Avoid

Here are some foods to be aware of, and how they might affect your pregnancy:¹

Undercooked or raw fish – If you’ve got a hankering for a sushi night, it’ll be best to put it on pause until after your pregnancy. The reason being? Consuming raw fish—especially raw shellfish—may lead to foodborne illness such as viral, bacterial, or even parasitic infections. Since food poisoning could cause serious harm to your growing fetus, be sure to cut this out of your diet, along with raw meat and unpasteurized milk, for the duration of your pregnancy.

Raw eggs – A perfectly poached egg may be your go-to brunch order but you’ll want to swap it out for well-done scrambled eggs instead. Eating raw eggs while pregnant may result in salmonella infections, including fever, stomach cramps, and even pregnancy loss. Aside from avoiding raw or undercooked eggs with harmful bacteria, be sure to check the labels of your favorite sauces since these may contain traces of raw egg too.

Processed junk foods – Salty chips, cheesy crackers, and store-bought cookies with loads of artificial ingredients. While these items can certainly be tempting, you won’t be doing yourself or your baby any favors by consuming them in excess throughout your pregnancy. Forgo fast food in favor of healthy food packed with nutrients and vitamins in every bite instead.

Beverages to Avoid

Not only does what you eat affect your developing baby’s health during the first trimester; what you drink does too. What follows are two categories of drinks to stay away from as much as possible:¹

Caffeinated drinks – If you tend to consume more cups of coffee in a day than glasses of water, that’s a habit you’ll want to break now that you’ve got a baby on the way. That’s because high levels of caffeine can pass into the placenta, causing caffeine build-up that might restrict healthy fetal growth. You don’t have to ditch coffee, tea, or soda entirely. Instead, limit yourself to 200mg per day.

Alcohol – Simply put, no amount of alcohol has been proven safe during pregnancy. Doctors strongly advise against alcohol consumption during pregnancy since it may easily lead to a pregnancy complication like miscarriage and stillbirth, not to mention the fetal alcohol syndrome birth defect. For your next girls night out, opt for a fruity mocktail instead.

Do’s and Don'ts in First Trimester Pregnancy

Taking care of two lives at the same time can be overwhelming, especially if this is your first pregnancy. Aside from passing on processed foods and other potentially harmful substances, there are a few more things you’ll want to think twice about while pregnant, including:²

Going on a weight-loss diet
Fasting
Smoking
Going to saunas or hot tubs
Playing contact or high-impact sports
Engaging in rough activities
Getting a tattoo
Climbing ladders
Lifting heavy items
Horse-riding
X-rays around the torso of your body

Don’t worry—not everything is covered in red tape while pregnant. In fact, there are plenty of things that are encouraged and can result in a number of benefits for both you and baby.

While in your first trimester, do:³

Take a prenatal vitamin– This helps to keep your baby healthy early on. Prenatal vitamins are a vital part of pregnancy nutrition and aid in smoothing out hormonal issues that might crop up from the amazing changes going on in your body.

Exercise – Keep your workout schedule, but focus on more light-weight, moderate movements. While staying active should still be a priority for your physical and mental health, remember that you’re responsible for your baby’s health and wellbeing. Keep an eye on what kinds of exercises you participate in, and when in doubt, ask your doctor.

Check your diet – This is the perfect time to make the switch to organic, healthy, and nutritious foods. Build your grocery shopping list around the best foods to eat when pregnant like vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and fiber-rich carbs.

Monica + Andy: Earth-Friendly Options for Your Growing Family

Having a baby is an exciting, life-changing event. Keeping your body safe and sound in the first trimester and beyond goes a long way to ensuring a healthy pregnancy. That means staying away from the foods, beverages, and activities that might cause harm to your baby.

For all your other pregnancy questions, you can count on Monica + Andy. We’ve created resources and guides to help you and your baby stay happy and healthy—from the moment you learn you’re pregnant to the many stages of parenthood. Browse our online classes, stock your little one’s wardrobe, and choose from some our mom-loved styles for moms, too.

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