pregnancy healthcare

First trimester pregnancy

First trimester pregnancy

Pregnancy
Article
May 30, 2024
3 mins

You’re expecting—what an exciting time! 

Since every day should build on the excitement you felt the moment you found out, here’s a checklist that focuses on the start of your amazing journey. It’s meant to put your initial pregnancy questions and concerns to bed, so you can look forward to all the thrills that lie ahead for you…and your baby! 

Your healthcare

  • Schedule your first prenatal visit with your doctor as soon as you think you’re pregnant.
  • Choose a healthcare provider ASAP (GP, OB-GYN, midwife, doula, or combination). Some prenatal healthcare professionals, such as midwives, are in high demand and short supply in certain areas of Canada, so decide on your preferred choices and make contact as soon as possible after confirming your pregnancy. Check out our tips for choosing your pregnancy birth team.
  • Plan your visits to your healthcare provider four weeks apart initially and increase the frequency as your pregnancy progresses.
  • Inform your doctor if your immunizations are not up to date.
  • Talk to your doctor about prenatal genetic testing and screening if your family has a history of genetic disorders.
  • Choose a place to give birth with advice from your healthcare provider (hospital/birth centre/home).
  • Take a daily multivitamin. Canadian Health Experts recommend that all women who may become pregnant and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding take a daily multivitamin containing 0.4 – 1.0mg folic acid.1

Your health

  • Avoid alcohol, drugs and cigarettes. For more information on what to eat and avoid during pregnancy, click here.
  • Consult with your doctor before taking any medication.
  • Get plenty of sleep. (Naps are encouraged, especially when you feel tired!)
  • Be careful not to become overheated during prolonged periods of exercise.
  • Be aware that many women experience nausea in their first trimester (Ugh, the worst. Try eating whatever pregnancy-safe foods appeal to you and try to get extra rest).2

Suggested reading

View details First month of pregnancy
First month of pregnancy

First month of pregnancy

Your pregnancy: weeks 1-4. Learn more about what to expect during your first month of pregnancy
View details Second month of pregnancy
Second month of pregnancy

Second month of pregnancy

Your pregnancy: weeks 5-8. Learn more about what to expect during your second month of pregnancy.
View details Third month of pregnancy
Third month of pregnancy

Third month of pregnancy

Your pregnancy: weeks 9-13. Learn more about what to expect during your third month of pregnancy

Your nutrition

  • Boost your energy with high protein and whole grain foods like brown rice, hard cheeses, or multi-grain breads.  

  • Eat foods naturally high in folic acid like oranges, melons, and dark-green, leafy vegetables. 

  • Hydrate! Drink lots of fluids, especially water (8-10 glasses a day if you can). 

  • Eat plenty of iron-rich foods like meats, beans, nuts, raisins and fortified whole grains. 

  • Coffee-lover? Cut back on caffeinated beverages by trying decaffeinated coffee or tea.

  • Eat well and make healthy choices—this is no time to diet. Learn more about food choices for a healthy pregnancy.

Your lifestyle

  • Start budgeting (it’s never too early) for your new life with baby—think about your maternity and parental leave plan, as well as educational savings.
  • Consider starting a pregnancy diary or a photo diary of your changing body. (You won’t regret it!)
  • Add to your resources: Sign up for Nestlé Baby & me to receive super-relevant info from the 1000 Days Nutrition Program, or visit a library, bookstore, even a friend’s house, for a few pregnancy books.

 

No matter what, do your best to make learning about your baby relaxing—and fun!

References:

1 Wilson RD et al. Pre-conception Folic Acid and Multivitamin Supplementation for the Primary and Secondary Prevention of Neural Tube Defects and Other Folic Acid-Sensitive Congenital Anomalies. SOGC Clinical Practice Guideline, No. 324. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2015;29(12):1003-1013.

2 Campbell K et al. The Management of Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy. J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2016;38(12):1127-1137.

3 Public Health Agency of Canada, 2019. Caffeine and pregnancy.  https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/pregnancy/caffeine.html 

* Health Canada and Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada

Related articles

View details First month of pregnancy symptoms
Article
1 month pregnancy symptoms

First month of pregnancy symptoms

Your pregnancy: weeks 1-4 – the start of your first trimester. The first signs of pregnancy may be very obvious… or not at all.

3 mins to read

View details Childproofing Your Home: Safety first!
Article
Childproofing Your Home: Safety first!

Childproofing Your Home: Safety first!

Your house is about to become home to all kinds of firsts for your new family addition—make sure everyone can share every special moment in a safe environment where your baby can thrive!

7 mins to read

View details 9 month of pregnancy : Your baby is almost here
Article
9 month pregnancy baby

9 month of pregnancy : Your baby is almost here

Your pregnancy: weeks 36 – 39.  It’s the final countdown to your baby’s grand entrance!

3 mins to read

View details Your Pregnancy & Birth Team: Choosing a Midwife, Location, and more
Article
daddy and baby

Your Pregnancy & Birth Team: Choosing a Midwife, Location, and more

You might think it’s too early to start planning for the big day, but it’s never too early to starting thinking about what kind of birthing experience will be the ideal one for you. 

5 mins to read

View details What to expect in the second month of your pregnancy
Article
Second month of pregnancy expectation

What to expect in the second month of your pregnancy

Your pregnancy: weeks 5-8. A balanced diet, rich in vitamins and minerals, is important during this stage.

3 mins to read

View details It’s not just breast milk, it’s nature’s own defense system
Article
Preparing for breastfeeding_07_EXPLORE_it's not just breast milk_01

It’s not just breast milk, it’s nature’s own defense system

Did you know…? The natural protection in breast milk will help nurture your newborn.

2 mins to read

View details What to pack in your baby hospital bag
Article
Hospital bag checklist

What to pack in your baby hospital bag

Packing for the hospital is not quite as simple as packing for a weekend trip since you leave home pregnant, and return with an extra bundle of joy.

3 mins to read

View details Third month of pregnancy symptoms
Article
Third month of pregnancy symptoms

Third month of pregnancy symptoms

Your pregnancy: weeks 9-13. Your silhouette still may not show your pregnancy, but you begin to feel that the baby is there.

3 mins to read

View details How to exercise safely through pregnancy
Article
pregnant woman enjoying exercise

How to exercise safely through pregnancy

Why 30 minutes a day can impact a lifetime.

4 mins to read

View details Boost your breastfeeding confidence
Article
Preparing for breastfeeding_04_EXPLORE_Boost your breastfeeding confidence

Boost your breastfeeding confidence

Did you know? Developing your support network now can help you feel good about feeding your baby later.

2 mins to read

View details How to choose an infant car seat | Bringing Baby Home
Article
newborn baby

How to choose an infant car seat | Bringing Baby Home

There are so many things to do before bringing baby home from the hospital.

3 mins to read

View details Fourth month of pregnancy symptoms
Article
Fourth month of pregnancy symptoms

Fourth month of pregnancy symptoms

Your pregnancy: weeks 14-17. Your baby's individual features and sensory organs are now being fine tuned.

3 mins to read

View details Gestational diabetes symptoms
Article
gestational diabetes symptoms

Gestational diabetes symptoms

10 essential questions about gestational diabetes answered

6 mins to read

View details Newborn taste preferences | Did you know?
Article
Newborn taste preferences | Did you know?

Newborn taste preferences | Did you know?

Babies’ taste preferences start before they are born

1 min to read

View details Get ready, get set... breastfeed!
Article
Preparing for breastfeeding_01_EXPLORE_Get ready, get set

Get ready, get set... breastfeed!

Did you know? The “superpowers” of breast milk for your baby (and you) cannot be underestimated—and pregnancy is the perfect time to prepare.

2 mins to read

View details Prenatal multivitamins and folic acid for pregnancy
Article
Prenatal multivitamins and folic acid for pregnancy

Prenatal multivitamins and folic acid for pregnancy

A lack of folic acid during pregnancy leads to higher risk of neural tube defects in the baby. Learn about supplementing with folic acid and how much you need.

4 mins to read

View details What to expect at 5 month of pregnancy
Article
Expectation at 5 month of pregnancy

What to expect at 5 month of pregnancy

Your pregnancy: weeks 18-22. A month of finishing touches for the baby.

3 mins to read

View details Your hospital breastfeeding checklist
Article
Preparing for breastfeeding_06_ACT_Hospital breastfeeding checklist_01

Your hospital breastfeeding checklist

Make sure your feeding plans don’t get overlooked in all the excitement of your new arrival.

1 min to read

View details What are the hormonal changes during pregnancy
Article
Pregnancy physical changes

What are the hormonal changes during pregnancy

Being pregnant is an exciting experience, not only are you anticipating the day you finally hold your baby in your arms, but your body is also going through amazing changes.

8 mins to read

Join



<!-- THEME DEBUG -->
<!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' -->
<!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS:
   * field--block-content--field-title--mvp-block.html.twig
   * field--block-content--field-title.html.twig
   * field--block-content--mvp-block.html.twig
   * field--field-title.html.twig
   * field--string.html.twig
   x field.html.twig
-->
<!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/consumer/templates/field/field.html.twig' -->
  Join

<!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/consumer/templates/field/field.html.twig' -->

Your parenting instincts, our support

Super-sized Savings

SIGN UP & GET A CHANCE TO WIN

Sign up for Nestlé Baby & me and automatically be entered for a chance to win a $100* gift card!

For full details, please visit the Terms & Conditions.

EMAILS & SUPPORT

PERSONALIZED EMAILS & SUPPORT

Receive customized emails with useful info, special offers, & more to help guide you through each parenting phase.

Helpful Resources

HELPFUL TOOLS & RESOURCES

Get access to our helpful and interactive parenting tools & resources in one convenient hub.

EXPERT GUIDANCE

We offer science-based advice & specialized nutritional guidance for every stage of the parenting journey—from preconception to toddlerhood.