So, you just found out you’re pregnant—congrats, compliments, and woohoo! You might wonder what to do next in those few instances when you’re not absolutely out of control or jumping in the air. Stay calm. You should take a few practical steps when you discover you’re pregnant.
1. Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins
It would be best if you began taking prenatal vitamins right away. Taking prenatal supplements will ensure you start receiving the right nutrients. Because your baby’s neural tube develops during the first month of pregnancy and subsequently matures into the brain and spinal cord, prenatal vitamins are essential. Folate aids in lowering the likelihood of neural tube abnormalities, such as those that result in spina bifida.
2. Find a Healthcare Provider
Obstetric care services provide all the necessary assistance and support as you navigate your pregnancy. Find a qualified provider you trust and are comfortable with to help you along the journey and post-pregnancy. The specialist can help you with conception advice, general obstetrics, and postpartum. Be sure to heed any further guidance they offer, depending on your circumstances.
3. Eliminate Alcohol and Substance Use
According to the CDC, there is no documented safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. In addition, all kinds of alcohol, including wines and beer, can harm an unborn child and increase the risk of stillbirth, miscarriage, or various impairments.
Furthermore, it would be best if you also stopped smoking. Since all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, contain nicotine, which can harm a baby’s growing brain and lungs, they are all dangerous.
4. Eat Healthier
Good nutrition is always imperative, but it’s vital during pregnancy because your unborn child needs the appropriate nutrients to grow and thrive. Every day, taking good care of your body since you’re pregnant is crucial. It’s essential to explore a healthy pregnancy diet since there are certain things you should not do while you are expecting. While moderation is the key, you don’t have to give up everything you find enjoyable in life.
5. Check Your Medications
Anything you consume may harm your unborn child, and some drugs can have unwanted consequences if taken while pregnant. Once you find out you’re pregnant, you should call your doctor or pharmacist immediately to make sure your prescriptions are still safe to use. They might remove you entirely from them or switch you to something safer.
Additionally, always read the warning label on over-the-counter medications, as many are dangerous to use while pregnant. Just because you can buy anything over the counter does not mean it is safe.
6. Limit Any Harmful Environmental Exposures
Protecting yourself and your unborn child is critical, so be aware of any chemical substances you may be exposed to at work or at your home. For instance, if you must use strong bleach or other dangerous chemicals, such as those used in manufacturing and agriculture, you should wear gloves, change them regularly, and ensure adequate ventilation.
7. Create a Birthing Plan
A crucial aspect of pregnancy is a birthing plan. Deciding on your desired labor and delivery experience is the first step. In today’s world, expectant mothers have a lot of alternatives. You should be open to different choices even though you may have your heart set on a specific birth plan if it does not pan out.
8. Schedule Your First Prenatal Visit
To get your pregnancy off to a good start, your first prenatal checkup may entail confirming the pregnancy with a preliminary ultrasound or blood test, assessing your medical history, and evaluating your current medicines. Additionally, a medical practitioner will estimate your due date and provide a wealth of information about what to anticipate throughout pregnancy.
Ask as much information as you can about your prenatal care provider. If you have any questions about taking care of yourself while pregnant, you should ask them at your prenatal checkups. In addition, you should inform your physician or midwife if you have any signs like bleeding, cramping, or discomfort.
9. Reduce Your Caffeine Intake
It is advised that you minimize your caffeine intake while pregnant because caffeine enters the placenta and is metabolized more slowly by pregnant women. Therefore, you should keep your daily caffeine intake to 200 mg or less, equivalent to around two cups of ordinary coffee. Limit sources of caffeine, such as tea, soda, and dark chocolate.
10. Confide in Someone
Many believe they need to wait to tell others they are pregnant until they are farther along, but always keep in mind that there are no rules. You have the option of whether and when to share your pregnancy. Therefore, you have the right to keep this information a secret for the time being. However, some people find it therapeutic to tell someone. Whether you’re feeling happy, anxious, or unhappy, communicating with someone may help you work through your feelings.
In The End
It’s just the beginning; regardless of whether you achieved the desired outcome, you may feel many different emotions, making it challenging to think correctly or decide what to do first. So research as much as possible and enjoy the remarkable journey of bringing a new life into this world.
