10 Things I Wish I Knew in My First Trimester (From a Labor Nurse) | 273 — The Birth Experience with Labor Nurse Mama

Just found out you're pregnant and wondering "now what?" Trish is breaking down the first trimester essentials - the stuff nobody tells you until you're six weeks in and suddenly flattened by exhaustion. From what's really happening in your baby's development to the food rules, spotting fears, and when (or if) to tell people your news, this episode is the guide Trish wishes every mama had the moment she saw two pink lines.

In this episode:

Why folate (not folic acid) matters for your prenatal vitamin - and how the MTHFR gene variant plays a role
The truth about first trimester fatigue and how to actually cope with it
What to do if you experience spotting (and why it's more common than you think)
How prenatal care is shifting toward telehealth in 2026
Morning sickness vs. hyperemesis gravidarum - when to ask for help
What genetic screening (NIPT) can tell you, and when it's offered
Navigating the noise around pregnancy vaccines
Food safety musts: what to skip and what's actually fine
When to share your pregnancy news - and why it's nobody's call but yours
Trish's own experience with nine pregnancies, six live births, and three losses

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab our Free Third Trimester Prep Pack

Helpful Timestamps:

00:00 First Trimester Tips
02:10 Prenatal Folate Basics
02:53 Fatigue
03:48 Spotting and When to Call
04:23 Appointments and Telehealth
05:45 Morning Sickness Help
06:25 Genetic Screening NIPT
06:59 Vaccines and Food Safety
08:07 Sharing Pregnancy News

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Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services