When you first find out you are pregnant, you may spring into a state of excitement. You can't wait to decorate the baby's room and start picking names. All of these things are important, of course, but don't overlook the importance of self-care during this stage, either. After all, self-care during the first trimester is important for both you and your baby. In addition to setting up the first appointment with your OBGYN, here are some of the major pregnancy care steps you should be taking at this time.

Stay active.

You may feel a little nauseous and tired, but don't let this keep you on the couch all day. Getting some exercise during the first trimester will often help ease these unwanted pregnancy side effects. It will also keep your mood more stable. As your belly grows larger later in pregnancy, it will be harder for you to exercise, so keep up with your fitness routine now while you're still able. Being fit will make it easier to give birth.

Do Kegels.

Kegels are exercises in which you contract and relax the muscles of your pelvic floor—or in other words, the muscles that control the flow of your urine. Doing Kegels starting now will help you out when it does come time to give birth. Having a strong pelvic floor will also help protect you from developing urinary incontinence or prolapse after birth. You can do Kegels while you're sitting at your desk or relaxing in bed. Just contract for 10 seconds, hold, and then release. Repeat.

Take a prenatal vitamin.

Whether or not you ordinarily take a multivitamin, it is time to start taking a prenatal vitamin now. Doing so will ensure your body has enough of the key nutrients needed for fetal development, like folic acid and iron. If you have trouble taking large pills, look for a smaller prenatal vitamin that requires you to take two pills. These are usually easier to swallow.

Set a bedtime for yourself.

The further along you get in your pregnancy, the harder time you will have getting good sleep. If you establish a bedtime right now and stick with it, then it will be a habit within a month or two. Make sure your bedtime is at least 8 hours from the time you need to wake up, and get in bed at the same time each night, no matter what.

With the tips above, you can take excellent care of yourself and your baby during the first trimester. Contact a pregnancy care service for more information.