Atqia BilkisMissed your period?
Wondering whether you are pregnant or not?
You get yourself to do a pregnancy test.
And the test results came positive- you are pregnant.
Whether you wanted to be pregnant or not, news like this can be quite overwhelming to deal with.
You can reach out for support from your family, friends, or loved ones.
This article will help you with the next steps to take after finding out you’re pregnant.
Once you become pregnant…
- Call your general physician and inquire how to schedule a midwife appointment.
- Stop drinking alcohol as there is no safe quantity to consume during pregnancy.
- Avoid using drugs and quit smoking.
- Maintain a nutritious diet and begin taking folic acid.
- Make sure to stay hydrated to avoid constipation.
- Stay active and engage in daily physical activity.
- cConsult your midwife, or general physician if you have experienced mental health concerns previously to better manage your situation.
Further steps to take if you are going along with your pregnancy…
1. Select your midwife
It is crucial to be selective with your midwife as you will be visiting them frequently during the next months so make sure to pick someone you are comfortable with.
Ask your friends for recommendations if you don’t have a preferred midwife.
2. Make your prenatal visit
Schedule an appointment with your midwife to help your pregnancy get started to a good start.
Your first visit will confirm your pregnancy with an early ultrasound or blood work.
Your doctor will also calculate your due date and provide you with information about what to expect during your pregnancy.
Make sure to ask questions you are concerned about to smoothen your pregnancy.
3. Keep track of your baby’s due date
You can do this by using the application, the due date calculator that provides you with the details about when you can hear your baby’s heartbeat and know your baby’s sex, and other important dates that you will be looking forward to.
4. Choose the right time to reveal your pregnancy
Some women announce their pregnancy straight away while some wait till the first trimester when the risk of miscarriage decreases.
Some women wait to tell their coworkers or supervisor at work to avoid being treated differently while some announce to clear the questions about their appearance.
Think about the delivery method for the news as well such as in-person, over the phone, in writing, via image, or video. And make sure it’s a combined decision with your partner.
5. Begin taking prenatal supplements
You should start taking prenatal vitamins immediately to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Also, your baby’s neural tube grows during the first month of pregnancy and subsequently matures into its brain and spinal cord.
Make sure the supplements have at least 400 mcg of folic acid.
Folate helps in lowering neural tube abnormalities such as that in spina bifida.
You should also include calcium, vitamins A, C, D, and E, vitamin B12, zinc, copper, and magnesium in your prenatal supplements.
Your doctor will also advise you to take an iron supplement on your own.
6. Reduce your caffeine consumption
Pregnant women metabolize caffeine more slowly and caffeine can pass through the placenta so, you should consume less of it.
Keep your daily intake of caffeine to 200mg or less which is equal to 2 cups of coffee.
7. Talk to your doctor about your medications
Make sure to discuss with your doctor any medications you are taking as some are not safe to take during pregnancy for the risk of passing through the placenta.
Your doctor will help make a plan to reduce any medications that are not safe to consume during pregnancy.
Do not stop any medication without consulting your doctor first.
8. Create a work plan
Be prepared for the next months by creating a work plan that includes doctor’s appointments, and other duties.
Make sure you are aware of your state and employer’s maternity policy to better prepare your finances.
And if you plan to go back to work after your maternity leave then get an early start on looking for daycare.
9. Prepare yourself for morning sickness
Although morning sickness does not affect everyone, for some pregnancies morning sickness often starts around week 6 and lasts until the end of the first trimester.
It’s a good idea to stock up on some supplies to help you get through the morning sickness such as; saltine crackers, peppermint tea or lozenges, anti-nausea bands, or ginger tea.
When should you visit your doctor about a new pregnancy?
Make sure to understand the warning symptoms of an early miscarriage.
Even though it’s probably not something you’d consider, it’s a good idea to be aware of the early miscarriage symptoms so you can know when to call your doctor.
When you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor straight away:
- Pain
- Cramping
- Bleeding
- Foul-smelling discharge
What to do if you are unsure about your pregnancy?
If you are pregnant but don’t want to be a parent or you are not ready for it yet then there are alternatives for you such as adoption or abortion.
If you are thinking about terminating or adopting your pregnancy then you could seek advice from your doctor.
You can also receive support from your close and trusted partners, friends, family, or therapist.
This pregnancy depends on you and you can choose a course of action you feel comfortable in.
Keep a support system for yourself before, during, and after the decision you make about your pregnancy.
Take away
Once you get a positive pregnancy test, you need to take certain steps regardless of whether you’re happy, anxious, or uncertain about your pregnancy.
If you desire to have children then:
- Make a prenatal appointment.
- Begin taking pregnancy supplements.
- Create a work plan.
Before your child is born, make sure you know how to care for yourself.
You can choose not to have children if you so want.
Make sure you are aware of your rights and seek a trustworthy healthcare provider.
Resources
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/nutrition-during-pregnancy
Womensframe
Indrani Guha
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