Essential First Trimester Checklist
Key medical and nutritional steps to take immediately after a positive pregnancy test:
- Start Folic Acid Supplementation (5 mg daily): Essential for preventing neural tube defects (spina bifida) in embryonic development.
- Schedule Early Viability Scan (Weeks 6–8): Confirms intrauterine pregnancy location, fetal heartbeat, and single/twin gestation.
- Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan & Dual Marker Test (Weeks 11–13.6): Screens for chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome.
- Routine Prenatal Blood Panel: Checks blood group, hemoglobin, thyroid profile (TSH), blood sugar, and viral markers.
Managing Morning Sickness & Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting affect up to 80% of pregnant women. Combat nausea by eating small, frequent meals every 2 hours, keeping dry toast or ginger biscuits by your bedside, avoiding greasy or spicy foods, and maintaining hydration with coconut water and lemon water.
Warning Signs Needing Immediate Medical Care
Contact Dr. Aparna Kalekar immediately if you experience vaginal spotting or heavy bleeding, severe lower abdominal cramping, high fever (>100.4°F), or persistent vomiting preventing all fluid intake (Hyperemesis Gravidarum).
Why Choose Kalekar's Star Clinic in Wakad?
Written by Dr. Aparna Kalekar (MBBS, MS OBGY), Consultant Obstetrician in Wakad
Comprehensive prenatal care & high-risk pregnancy monitoring
In-clinic prenatal counselling & digital medical record tracking
Evening clinic hours (5–9 PM daily) in Wakad, Pune