8 Things Doctors Wish Pregnant Women Would STOP Doing in the First Trimester (You’re Probably Doing #5 Right Now)

The first trimester (1–12 weeks) is the most delicate phase of pregnancy — your baby is rapidly developing, and your body is working harder than ever.

But many of the risks don’t come from “what you eat”… They come from the things you do without realising they’re harmful.

Here are 8 behaviours obstetricians wish every mum would avoid — because they see the consequences far too often.

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+P 1 Pretending you can “push through it” until your body collapses

What worries doctors most isn’t the pain — it’s you forcing yourself to endure everything.

Many mums:

• Feel exhausted but refuse to rest
• Continue working at full speed
• Hide emotional breakdowns
• Stay up late to finish tasks

This leads to hormonal imbalance, extreme fatigue, and unnecessary strain.

Doctor’s advice:

• Rest must be your top priority in the first trimester
• Fatigue = your body signalling for help, not failure
• Delegate and postpone whatever you can
• Remember: you’re pregnant, not underperforming — your body is doing extra work

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+P 2 Ignoring cramps, sharp pains, or pelvic heaviness

Many mums think: “It’s just a bit of pain… probably nothing.”

But first-trimester abdominal pain has different levels:

• Mild pulling → uterus expanding
• Quick sharp twinges → ligaments stretching
• Light heaviness → hormonal changes and pelvic pressure

When should you stop waiting and call a doctor?

• Persistent abdominal pain that doesn’t ease
• Severe pain on one side
• Pain so strong you have trouble standing or walking
• Pain accompanied by bright red bleeding

This is not about “being strong” — it’s about getting checked in time.

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+P 3 Using online tips & home remedies instead of medical advice

The first trimester is when pregnant women receive the most:

• Family “secret recipes”
• Shared “success stories” in mum groups
• Viral hacks from short videos

The problem? Many of these methods have no scientific basis — some may even carry risks.

What worries doctors most:

• You try home remedies when you actually need a check-up
• You only go to hospital when symptoms become severe

Remember: Online experiences can be — but they can’t replace professional assessment.

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+P 4 Not eating, not drinking, not sleeping — because the nausea is too intense

What doctors fear isn’t “just nausea” — it’s dehydration, malnutrition, and exhaustion caused by untreated morning sickness.

Red flags include:

• Hardly drinking any water in a day
• Vomiting to the point of eating almost nothing
• Feeling very weak, dizzy, or unable to stand steadily
• Noticeable weight loss in a short period

Doctors CAN help you:

• Assess whether you need pregnancy-safe anti-nausea medication
• Provide IV fluids to prevent dehydration
• Offer personalised dietary and nutrition advice

Seeking help isn’t weakness — it’s protecting you and your baby.

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+P 5 Hiding your pregnancy and forcing yourself to act “normal”

This is one of the most common — and most overlooked — behaviours.

In the first trimester, many mums:

• Run meetings while feeling dizzy or nauseous
• Pretend they are fine right after vomiting
• Agree to events and gatherings despite feeling awful
• Avoid asking for rest because they don’t want anyone to suspect they’re pregnant

The truth is: hiding your pregnancy should not mean hiding your needs.

You can:

• Tell one or two people you deeply trust
• Adjust your schedule and workload where possible
• Be honest with your body, instead of performing for others

As many doctors would say: You don’t need to prove your endurance to anyone.

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+P 6 Continuing high-risk workouts in the first trimester

The following types of exercise are often discouraged in early pregnancy:

• High-speed or long-distance running
• Heavy lifting, deadlifts, and max-weight training
• Intense, competitive ball sports
• Strenuous hiking or long, uneven walks
• High-impact dance, jumping, or inversion poses

It doesn’t mean you must “stop all movement”, but:

• Your body is already under increased cardiovascular and metabolic load
• Blood pressure and heart rate can fluctuate more easily
• High-impact exercise can trigger discomfort and unnecessary risk

A safer approach: switch to gentle, steady activities like walking or doctor-approved prenatal exercises.

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+P 7 Feeling emotionally low but refusing to seek support

First-trimester emotional shifts are real, not “overthinking”.

Watch out if you:

• Feel noticeably low or empty for more than two weeks
• Find yourself crying easily and often
• Struggle to fall asleep because of constant worrying
• Feel very scared or negative about the future

These are not things you must “handle alone”.

You can:

• Open up to your partner, family, or a close friend
• Tell your doctor honestly how you’ve been feeling
• Consider speaking to a counsellor or mental health professional
• Recognise that saying “I need help” is an act of courage

Taking care of your emotions is also taking care of your baby.

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+P 8 Noticing warning signs but choosing to “wait and see”

One sentence doctors hate to hear is:

“I thought it might get better if I waited a bit longer…”

Please don’t wait if you experience:

• Bright red bleeding, even in small amounts
• Severe one-sided abdominal pain
• Fever above 38°C that doesn’t come down
• Very frequent vomiting to the point you can barely eat or drink
• Obvious dizziness, blurred vision, or irregular heartbeat

It’s always safer to get checked one extra time than one time too late.

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Want to learn more about the first trimester?

You can find more resources in NewParents’ pregnancy guide section:

Inside, you’ll find:

• First-trimester symptom explanations & check-up info
• 1–12 week appointment timeline and key points
• Ways to manage nausea, fatigue, and other discomforts
• Safe eating and lifestyle suggestions
• How partners can support you during this phase

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 A Note From NewParents

The first trimester is when you most need gentleness and protection.

You’ve already been trying your best — you don’t need to push yourself to be “tougher”.

Give yourself more rest, and a little less pressure.
It’s better for you, and better for your baby.