Aunt Zhang's daughter-in-law in our neighborhood became pregnant last year. When she was just two months pregnant, she caught a cold and developed a fever. Thinking it wouldn't be good to tough it out, she took antipyretics and anti-inflammatory drugs from her home medicine cabinet. Later, during a prenatal checkup, fetal developmental abnormalities were detected. With no other choice, she had to terminate the pregnancy, which caused immense grief for the entire family.

In fact, this is not an isolated case. The first three months of pregnancy are a critical period for embryonic development and the stage when the fetus is most prone to abnormalities. Many first-time expectant mothers, unaware of the relevant precautions, inadvertently make mistakes and end up filled with deep regret.

At this stage, the various organs and systems of the embryo are rapidly differentiating and forming, making them highly sensitive to external stimuli and disturbances. It is essential to strictly adhere to all protective measures and avoid behaviors that could potentially harm the fetus.

Self-medication must be strictly avoided.

Many expectant mothers may experience discomforts such as colds, fevers, or headaches during the first three months of pregnancy and may habitually resort to over-the-counter medications readily available at home. However, they are often unaware that many drugs can affect embryonic development by crossing the placenta, potentially leading to fetal malformations.

For example, certain antibiotics, antiviral medications, and antipyretic analgesics carry potential risks.

If you experience any physical discomfort, be sure to seek medical attention promptly, inform your doctor about your pregnancy, and have the doctor assess the situation and prescribe safe medications.

Stay away from tobacco, alcohol, and toxic or harmful substances.

Harmful substances in tobacco, such as nicotine and carbon monoxide, can affect the blood supply to the placenta, leading to fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, or even fetal demise.

Alcohol can directly interfere with the development of the fetal nervous system, increasing the risk of the baby developing "Fetal Alcohol Syndrome," which manifests as intellectual disabilities, growth delays, and facial deformities.

Meanwhile, it is important to avoid exposure to toxic substances such as formaldehyde, benzene, and heavy metals. Do not rush to move into a newly renovated house, and if your work involves such harmful substances, promptly apply for a change in position.

Avoid strenuous exercise and excessive fatigue.

During the first three months of pregnancy, the embryo implantation is still unstable. Strenuous activities such as running, jumping, and heavy physical labor can easily trigger uterine contractions, increasing the risk of miscarriage.

Pregnant women should pay attention to rest, ensure adequate sleep, avoid staying up late and prolonged standing or walking. When feeling tired, promptly sit or lie down to take a break, allowing the body to remain in a relaxed state.

Take folic acid supplements on schedule, and do not discontinue them arbitrarily.

Folic acid is an essential nutrient for preventing neural tube defects in fetuses. It is recommended to start supplementation three months before pregnancy and continue through the first three months of pregnancy.

Many expectant mothers only start supplementing with folic acid after becoming pregnant, or they forget to take it after just a few days, which reduces its preventive effect.

A daily supplement of 0.8 mg of folic acid is the recommended dose, and the specific amount can be adjusted according to your doctor's advice.

Do not neglect prenatal checkups, especially early Down syndrome screening and B-ultrasound examinations.

Around 6-8 weeks of pregnancy, a B-ultrasound should be performed to confirm whether it is an intrauterine pregnancy and to assess the development of the fetal heartbeat and embryonic bud;

Between 11-13 weeks + 6 days of pregnancy, an NT (nuchal translucency) examination should be conducted, which is an important means for early screening of fetal chromosomal abnormalities.

Some expectant mothers feel that there is nothing unusual with their bodies and are too lazy to undergo prenatal checkups, only to find that the optimal intervention window has often been missed when issues are discovered.

Maintaining emotional stability is also important.

Chronic anxiety, depression, irritability, and other negative emotions can affect hormone secretion in the body and are detrimental to the healthy development of the embryo.

Pregnant mothers should learn to adjust their mindset, and family members should also provide more care and companionship. When encountering troubles, communicate more and maintain a cheerful mood.

Every detail in the first three months of pregnancy is related to the safety of the fetus. If you have younger family members who are preparing for pregnancy or have just become pregnant, be sure to pass on these precautions to them, so as not to leave lifelong regrets due to momentary carelessness.