Here’s what to do after you get that positive test
Two pink lines never looked so beautiful. Congratulations, mama!
You’re about to head into a very exciting – and somewhat anxious – time. We know you’ve probably got a million questions running through your head, and that’s completely normal. Here are the next steps to take after finding out you’re pregnant.
Call your doctor and make your first appointment
As soon as you’ve confirmed your pregnancy with a test (or two, or three), call your OB/GYN and schedule your first prenatal appointment. Keep in mind that your doctor probably won’t see you right away – most first visits occur somewhere between 8 and 12 weeks gestation. That may seem like a long time, but don’t worry. Just try to relax and take care of yourself until then.
Of course you’ll want to let your doctor know if there are any signs of potential problems. More on that later.
At that first appointment, your doctor will explain what the next 30ish weeks will look like. They’ll guide you each step of the way, from anatomy scans and glucose tests to labor and delivery.
Begin taking prenatal vitamins
It’s never too early to start giving your baby all the nutrients they need to be healthy! Look into a good prenatal vitamin and start taking them daily. According to the Mayo Clinic, the best prenatal vitamins will contain folic acid or folate, iron, calcium, vitamins D, C, A, E, and B, zinc, and iodine.
After your initial prenatal appointment and blood work, your doctor may also recommend additional supplements depending on your needs.
Decide on a social support circle
So, when do you announce? Some people say keep things private until you’re out of the first trimester (13 weeks), and some decide to tell others as soon as they get a positive pregnancy test. When you start telling people is totally and completely up to you and your comfort level.
That being said, the first trimester can be a very scary and nervewracking time. If you have friends or family that would be there for you if something went wrong, it may be a good idea to tell them now – if for no other reason than to ask for advice and answer questions. You don’t have to tell everyone (unless you want to!) but having a social support circle can be incredibly helpful in these first few weeks.
Stop consuming non pregnancy-safe products
Now’s the time to say goodbye to your weekly glass of wine. You’ll want to cut out any substances that can be harmful to your baby, including alcohol, tobacco and nicotine in all of their forms, and recreational drugs.
You’ll also want to check in with your doctor about any medications you’re currently taking. Sometimes these can be harmful to a developing baby too, and your medical team can provide alternatives.
There are a few food products you’ll want to avoid, including:
- Cold or room temperature deli meats and charcuterie (due to listeria risks)
- Raw fish like sushi, and raw or undercooked meat (due to foodborne illness risks)
- Soft or unpasteurized cheeses like brie, blue cheese, and feta
- Fish that can be high in mercury, like tuna, swordfish, or mackerel
- Cold foods that have been sitting at room temperature for long periods
- Unwashed produce
You’ll also want to investigate your skincare products to check for harmful ingredients like Retinoids, Parabens, and Phthalates.
Finally, if you’ve got a cat, get your partner to scoop the litter box for the next nine months. Cat feces can contain the parasite Toxoplasma, which can cause a severe condition called Toxoplasmosis.
Stay hydrated and active
Make sure you’re getting your daily dose of activity and keeping up with your water intake! Staying hydrated is super important for the health of your baby, and exercise can help you manage any first trimester symptoms, prepare your body and mind for birth, and make postpartum recovery easier.
If you’ve been exercising consistently for a while and your doctor gives you the go-ahead, you should be fine to continue your normal routine (if you’re comfortable doing so). If you’ve never exercised before, start with a 15 minute walk around your neighborhood.
Manage any symptoms
Some people float through the first trimester feeling fine, and some people struggle with morning sickness, fatigue, and just generally feeling awful. If you’re in the latter group, you can manage symptoms by eating a balanced diet with smaller, more frequent meals, drinking plenty of water, adding doctor-approved supplements or medications, or just simply lying down for a nap when you can.
If your symptoms are severe, make sure to let your doctor know. There are some conditions, like hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), that go beyond just typical “morning sickness.”
Familiarize yourself with warning signs
We never want to consider the unthinkable, but it’s important to know and understand warning signs during your first trimester of pregnancy.
If you’re experiencing any of the following, call your OB/GYN right away. Most practices have an after-hours physician on call, so even if you’re experiencing any of the following in the middle of the night, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone.
- Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- Any bleeding, discharge, or fluid leaks
- A fever 100 degrees or higher
- Swelling in your face or extremities
- Severe headache
- Dizziness or fainting
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe nausea beyond morning sickness
Having any of these symptoms doesn’t automatically mean the worst, but it’s vitally important that your medical team know what’s going on.
You’re already glowing! Taking these steps now will ensure the smoothest 9 months possible. Congratulations!