My Nurse's Advice - MNA

Tiny hands to hold
a life to mould
andboundless love to give

This is how our home is built
and our society created

Do’s:

· Start a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 mcg of folic acid daily to prevent neural tube defects.
· Eat small, frequent meals (crackers, ginger tea) to manage nausea.
· Rest as needed – fatigue is your body building the placenta.
· Stay hydrated – dehydration can worsen nausea and cause cramps.

MNA

First Trimester (Weeks 1–12): The Foundation Stage

Don’ts:

· Don’t drink alcohol – no safe amount exists for fetal brain development.
· Don’t smoke or v**e – ni****ne constricts blood flow to the embryo.
· Don’t take any medication (including herbal supplements) without your provider’s OK.
· Don’t use hot tubs or saunas – hyperthermia increases neural tube defect risk.
· Don’t clean cat litter – risk of toxoplasmosis.

Doctor says: “Get your first ultrasound and blood work. Miscarriage is common but rarely your fault – call us for heavy bleeding or one-sided pain.”
Midwife says: “Listen to your body. Nausea and breast tenderness are good signs of hormone support. Rest without guilt.”