Birmingham Maternity photography

Congratulations on your pregnancy! The first trimester is an exciting time filled with a range of emotions and experiences. Birmingham maternity photography can play a huge role in your journey to parenthood, but overall it’s important to take care of yourself and your growing baby. In this blog post, we’ll explore some essential things to do during your first trimester.

Image of expecting mama in a light and bright Birmingham Maternity photography studio

Make a prenatal appointment

One of the first things you should do when you find out you’re pregnant is to schedule a prenatal appointment with your healthcare provider. This initial appointment is critical as it will help your provider establish your due date, review your medical history, and identify any potential risk factors. Your provider will also conduct a physical exam and may order some blood tests to check your blood type, iron levels, etc…

During this appointment, it’s also an excellent opportunity to discuss any concerns or questions you have about your pregnancy. Your doctor or midwife can provide advice on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes to ensure the healthiest pregnancy possible. Make sure to bring a list of any questions or concerns you may have to the appointment.

Research Nursery Designs

Another exciting thing to do during your first trimester is to research nursery designs. Although you have several months before your little one arrives, it’s never too early to start thinking about Birmingham maternity photography and how it can work into the nursery’s layout and decor. Consider how Birmingham maternity photography can work into your nursery designs. Having an interior designer that works closely with a luxury photographer is a huge benefit to doing your research early. Whether you’re planning to go all-out with a themed nursery or want a minimalist approach, taking some time to research and plan can be a fun and exciting part of the pregnancy journey.

Start by gathering inspiration and creating a vision board on sites like Pinterest. Once you have a general idea of the theme or color scheme you want, it’s time to start looking for a Birmingham maternity photography studio and a designer that can bring your vision to life. Keep in mind that you don’t need to have everything set in stone during your first trimester, but starting the research process early can help you stay organized and keep the stress levels low later in the pregnancy.

Focus on Nutrition

Eating a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet is essential during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester when your baby’s organs and tissues are developing. Focus on eating a variety of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Aim to consume at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, either through food or supplements, to reduce the risk of birth defects.

It’s also essential to avoid certain foods during pregnancy, such as raw or undercooked meat, seafood, and eggs, unpasteurized dairy products, and processed foods with added sugars and artificial ingredients. Limit your caffeine intake to no more than 200 milligrams per day, which is equal to one 12-ounce cup of coffee. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions about specific foods or dietary needs. But don’t take the advice of a Birmingham maternity photography blog post for fact without some due diligence! I am in no way a medical professional and you should always check with your healthcare provider to see what’s best for you.

Stay Active

Although fatigue and morning sickness can make exercise seem like the last thing you want to do, staying active during pregnancy is recommended for both you and your baby’s health. Exercise can help reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, improve circulation, and reduce stress and anxiety levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or swimming, on most days of the week. (again, checking with your doctor or midwife first!)

Make sure to choose activities that are safe for pregnancy and talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routine. Remember to listen to your body and make adjustments as needed. For example, you may need to switch from running to walking or reduce the intensity of your workout as your pregnancy progresses. Does Birmingham maternity photography count as exercise? I think we should start a petition to add it. (kidding…sort of)

Rest and Relax

Pregnancy can be exhausting, especially during the first trimester when your body is going through significant changes. Rest and relaxation are critical during this time, so make sure to prioritize self-care. Get plenty of rest and sleep.

If you are newly pregnant and preparing for your baby’s arrival you might also want to schedule some Montgomery maternity photography to document these special memories. I would absolutely love to have a chat with you about an experience with me. I am so very passionate about not only getting your memories printed for your home but also serving you. You have enough on your plate right now. Lets not let those images sit unseen on a USB drive, but lets also not add another million things to your to-do list. From the details of picking outfits to designing to delivery, I will handle it all so you don’t have to. In order to give my clients this full-service experience I am only able to take a limited number of clients per month. Contact me as soon as possible to reserve your session.

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Virginia Schultz is a published Birmingham newborn photographer specializing in motherhood storytelling and custom heirloom artwork for busy and stylish moms in central Alabama and the River Region. From handmade albums to exquisite, museum-worthy frames, her passion is to serve clients by designing artwork for them that will last generations. From handmade albums to exquisite, museum-worthy frames your memories deserve to be seen.

You can see my work featured on the cover of the August 2022 magazine and the September 2022 magazine.

Birmingham Maternity photography | What To Do in Your First Trimester

Birmingham Maternity photography