What You Need During the First and Second Trimester of Pregnancy - Part1

Hi Guys!

So, I have just graduated from my second trimester and now I am in the awkwardly-protruding-belly-button trimester (read: third trimester). Since, I've been having this thing called "pregnancy brains" where I have trouble remembering things I thought I should pen down some of my thoughts and experience from my first and second trimester before I completely forget them.

This post is going to be all about first trimester and I will write a subsequent post to describe my second trimester experience.

I was super blessed and did not experience any morning sickness at all.  However, my blood pressure was pretty low during the first trimester, which is actually absolutely normal during early pregnancy hence I was pretty much exhausted and dizzy all the time. But other than that, Alhamdulillah,  my first trimester went on really smoothly.

What do you Need during the First Trimester of Pregnancy?

• Pregnancy Apps

As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I immediately downloaded Pregnancy Apps on both my phone and on my husband's phone. Pregnancy Apps like babycenter Pregnancy, What to Expect and BabyBump help track your pregnancy, provide you with a lot of information, tips and tricks and allow you to join community social groups so that you can connect with other expecting mothers all over the world. It is absolutely helpful especially for first-time moms.

• Set your first appointment with your preferred OB/GYN and get started on prenatal supplements

Getting a good doctor is very important during pregnancy. This is the person who will see you through your pregnancy, provide medical advice and most importantly will be the one responsible for the safe delivery of your precious baby (with Allah's will). Throughout your pregnancy, you will need to go through various examinations and tests as well as sharing intimate details about your body. So choose wisely. You need someone you're comfortable with instead of being intimidated by.In choosing a doctor, do also lookout for their historical delivery experience and it is important to choose a doctor who will support and honor your birth plans. Good doctors in Klang Valley are highly sought after. Some would actually take a few months before you get to secure your very first appointment. So as soon as you know youre pregnant start asking friends and family for references and recommendations as well as do your research online and once you have decided, call to make your first appointment. Meanwhile, get advice from your current doctor on prenatal supplements. Most doctor will recommend taking Duphaston and Acid Folic during the first trimester. You may also need a progesterone jab to strengthen your uterus if have mild bleeding during the first trimester.

• Stock-up on Pantyliners

Without being too TMI, basically the hormonal changes in your body will cause increase in discharge down there. It is very important to maintain cleanliness to avoid infections. Even more so for Muslims as we need to ensure that we are clean every time we pray, five times a day. Normally, you will need multiple pantyliner changes in one day. So always carry a few extras in your handbag!

• Stretch Mark Creams

I was told by many that stretch marks prevention must begin as early as the first trimester. So one of the first things that I bought during my first trimester was Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula for Stretch Marks. I diligently applied the butter on stretch marks prone areas (tummy and thighs) every night before I go to bed starting from 8 weeks.

However, after finishing the whole tub I decided to do more research on stretch marks and found out that cocoa butter has not been proven to reduce stretch marks! Disappointed by my new findings, I turned to my colleague who has been pregnant twice but is still slender and fabulous. She told me that Olive Oil and Virgin Coconut Oil worked wonders for her so that very same day I went to the nearest pharmacy and bought Palmer's Olive Butter Formula. They smell nice and are less stickier than the Cocoa Butter. The results? Ask me again after I give birth. 

• Pregnancy, Childcare and Parenting Books

As first-time moms, we are clueless about anything and everything. Knowledge is power, so don't be stingy in investing on good books to keep you informed on what is currently happening to your body and what to expect in the time to come. Many said that the "What to Expect When You're Expecting" book is the Holy Book when it comes to pregnancy but having personally own the book, I feel like most of the content and information in the book can be found online. Personally, I prefer books that are more graphic/pictorial. There are plenty of books in the market currently so choose one that you find interesting and will not make you doze off after reading the first few pages!

• Research & Book Confinement Lady Services

Most Confinement Lady services are pre-booked way in advanced especially if you're around Klang Valley area. So make sure, researching, considering and engaging with conversations with the service providers early. Some of them require 50% deposit to secure bookings.

Things to consider when searching for Confinement Lady:

• Budget
• Stay-in/Daily Visits
• Length of Stay/Duration of Visit
• Location and Transportation Costs
• What services do you need? Do you need food to be prepared, clothes to be washed, or extra care for your newborn baby? Do you need confinement care set to be provided?

Here are some Confinement Lady options around Klang Valley you can choose from:

• Kakak Adek Confinement Therapist.  Offers various confinement packages from 3 days - 14 days. Additional fees for baby care and transportation. Contact Eni at 0176759218
• Siti Aishah Confinement. Early reservation required with 50% deposit. Fees are on per-session basis. One downside is we can't choose our preferred Confinement Lady visitation hours, as it is based on availability of Confinement Lady.  Contact Puan Mira at 016-2278421
• Jemari Tradisional. Offers stay-in Confinement Lady services. Packages can be viewed at http://rawatanbersalin.blogspot.com/. Contact Puan Rozita at 012-2431966
• Shadira Post Malay Natal Treatment. Also offers stay-in Confinement Lady. All packages can be viewed at http://shadirabeauty.com/blog/category/services/ , however I must say that the packages are a bit pricey. Contact Shadira at 012-2141 780 
• Sri Wajah Ibu. Their packages include complete postnatal set and can viewed at https://www.facebook.com/RahsiaSriWajahIbu. Contact Farhana at 013-671 1961

During the first trimester, there are a lot of things happening and changing within our body, internally without us noticing. Physically/externally, the changes can be minimal or less visible. If you don't have your morning sickness chances are there are days when you don't feel pregnant at all. Be careful and do not over exert yourself. First trimester is when your pregnancy is the most delicate so always ensure that you have plenty of rest and take things slowly.

If you are currently in your first trimester and experiencing bad morning sickness, hang in there! Keep your spirits high and always remember no good deeds go unnoticed in the "eyes" of Allah. So think about the rewards that Allah is blessing you with in exchange of the discomforts you're currently having. InsyaAllah, better days will come soon!

Till then, Keep well

Liv