Is this your first pregnancy? Maybe you’ve decided it’s your last? After finding out you’re pregnant, that “now what” moment doesn’t change. Here are 15 Fast Facts about what to do next.
- Get To the Doctor.
If you’ve taken a home pregnancy test or missed your period, go to the doctor. If you visit a Gynecologist (GYN) regularly you will need to ask for a recommendation to an Obstetrician (OB) or start researching OBGYN’s. The OBGYN will confirm your pregnancy and set up future appointments for the duration of your pregnancy.
In some cases, if you are over age 35 expect to see a Perinatologist who specializes in high-risk pregnancies. Pregnancy affects your entire body, make sure to keep regular dental visits throughout your pregnancy. A healthy mouth is good for you and your baby.
- Drink Water
Drink plenty of water during your pregnancy. Doctors recommend at least 10-8oz glasses a day. The goal is to keep you and baby hydrated. Water helps with fluid retention in your ankles and feet and if you are suffering from constipation. You’ll know it’s enough when your urine is a pale-yellow color or close to colorless. If you have questions about your water intake, ask your doctor.
- Pregnancy Diet
Eat well. What does that mean? At a minimum, your pregnancy diet should include protein-rich nutrients, fruits, and vegetables. It’s that simple, no fancy diets or judgment here. If you want to decrease your chances of developing high blood pressure or a vitamin deficiency, always consult your doctor about dietary changes.
Related: Food To Avoid In Pregnancy And Why
- Exercise
In most cases, if you already have a workout regimen you can keep it up. If you do not regularly exercise, some light walking or other exercise routine keeps you and baby healthy. Before beginning a new exercise routine or continuing one, consult your doctor.
Related: Video: Safe and Effective Pregnancy Workout For Every Trimester
- Announce Your Pregnancy
It’s an exciting time and you want to tell everyone you know. Most women wait until after their 1st trimester or 12-week mark in their pregnancy because the risk of miscarriage decreases. Also, if you’ve had trouble getting pregnant or had pregnancy troubles in the past, you may want to delay making an announcement. You may wait even longer to share your pregnancy news with your job and coworkers.
No matter how or when you make your announcement, make sure you feel comfortable.
Related: Bun In The Oven? 17 Fun Virtual Pregnancy Announcement Ideas
- Support
Each pregnancy is different, you’ll have questions and want answers. Your doctor won’t always be available. In these cases, family and friends are a good source of support throughout your pregnancy. They can share past experiences and talk you through your most complex thoughts. A strong support system will not only see you through your pregnancy but oftentimes will ease your anxiety.
- Read
Read as much as you can and learn about your body as it changes and what to expect each trimester as your baby grows. Additionally, you will want to read about the birthing experience and how your body prepares itself for birth. Become knowledgeable about the tests performed during pregnancy and how they impact the decisions made by you, your Partner, Midwife, and/or Doctor.
Related: A Detailed Birth Story Expecting Moms Would Find Helpful
Related: How To Properly Heal After A Vaginal Delivery
- Budget
Do you already have a household budget? If so, you will want to include expenses for the preparation of the baby’s arrival. Once the baby arrives you will not have time or the inclination to prepare a budget that includes these new expenses. Minimally, you will want to add breastfeeding supplies, diapers, formula, clothing, and baby food, and childcare as variable expenses. While other items such as a car seat/stroller combination, crib, bottles, etc. are fixed expenses that typically are a one-time purchase. Developing a budget before baby arrives provides for a realistic view of expected and unexpected costs.
- Birth Plan
Creating a birth plan for home and work will alleviate any anxiety once you get closer to your due date. Also, it allows your family, friends, and job to know what your intentions are leading up to and after the birth of your baby. Scheduling doctor’s appointments, who will be present during labor and delivery, having a natural birth, and requesting maternity or paternity leave should be included in your birth plans.
Related: She Walks Slowly.. Towards Labor and Delivery
- Pediatrician
You need to start researching and possibly select a pediatrician before your baby arrives. If this is your first baby, you may take suggestions from friends or perhaps check a top doctor’s list for your area. If you have other children it’s perfectly okay to stay with your Pediatrician or maybe you want to see someone new. Find a doctor that understands your needs and you feel comfortable with them handling your baby’s care.
- Child Care
Will you have a Nanny? Will the Nanny be live-in or live-out? What about home daycare or a daycare center? Do you have a live-in grandparent? Consider these options when determining your childcare needs. Even if you plan on being a stay-at-home mom you will need childcare if you have a date night or want to run errands. No matter the reasons quality childcare is not easy to come by and requires thorough research.
- Research Baby Products
What baby products will you use during pregnancy? What products have you seen that you want to know more about? Take the time during your pregnancy to research baby products and familiarize yourself with your wants vs. needs. Look at recalls of and reviews for baby products. Are you environmentally conscious or maybe you prefer Organic or Non-GMO products for your baby? Research the costs, availability, and sustainability of such products. There are so many products, but don’t become overwhelmed. Talk to your family, friends, Pediatrician, read blogs, and forums to decide what products are best for your baby.
Related: 10 Best Items to Make Your Nursery Extra Special
- Embrace Your New Body
The changes your body makes during pregnancy are nothing short of miraculous. While all the changes will not be so great (increased gas, weight gain, heartburn, sickness, dizziness, fatigue), you cannot gloss over the fact your life is being created. Embrace your new body and don’t be too hard on yourself about the changes that are occurring or how you are coping with them.
- Brace Yourself
You are going to be on an emotional roller coaster somebody queue the Vivian Green. If you go from peaceful and loving to crying uncontrollably, don’t be alarmed! Get in tune with your emotions and learn to accept them. Remember life is being created, you have earned the right to be as emotional as you want.
- Enjoy Your Pregnancy
Take pictures, write in a journal, document your journey. Make your pregnancy memorable whether it’s your first or last. You won’t regret doing so and may even surprise yourself when you begin to reflect once the baby arrives. Each pregnancy is different and deserves to be chronicled in a lasting way.
There you have it 15 Fast Facts about pregnancy. As you start or continue your pregnancy adventure discovering how resilient and adaptable you are is nothing less than remarkable. Have questions, consult your doctor.
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