“I’m pregnant, now what?!”
By: Laura Smuts, Certified Nurse Midwife
After your home pregnancy test reads “positive”, what are the next steps to take? The Certified Nurse-Midwives at Women’s Excellence are here to guide you and partner as you embark on this momentous journey through pregnancy, labor, and birth into motherhood!
Here are 6 tips to get you started:
1. First appointment.
We recommend scheduling a “confirmation of pregnancy” appointment after your first missed period. Ideally, we would see you at around 6 weeks of pregnancy. At this visit, we will review your medical history, establish a tentative due date, discuss the outline of prenatal care, orient you to our practice, and answer any questions/concerns you may have. At the end of this visit we will set up an appointment for an initial ultrasound and OB visit, which is typically done around 8 weeks.
2. When do I start taking prenatal vitamins?
We recommend you start taking prenatal vitamins even prior to pregnancy. If you are not already taking them, you should start once you find out you are pregnant. You can get your prenatal vitamin over-the-counter, or we can prescribe one at your initial visit. You want to make sure your vitamin contains adequate Folic Acid, which is important for brain and spinal cord development especially in the first trimester.
3. Telling friends/family.
Many women share with family and friends after the initial ultrasound confirming a viable pregnancy. There is no right answer; it is a personal decision and you can make the announcement at the time that feels right for you and your family!
4. Diet.
We will review nutrition with you at your initial OB visit, but it is never too soon to start making healthy dietary choices. We recommend eating a well-rounded diet during pregnancy, including plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and adequate protein to support your growing fetus. It is important to stay very well hydrated and drink at least 60 ounces of water a day. It is best to avoid unpasteurized foods such as soft cheeses, and raw fish and deli meats to minimize the risk of food poisoning.
5. What other things should I be thinking about?
There are many important decisions to make during pregnancy. One of these decisions is about prenatal genetic tests. At your initial appointment, your Midwife will review the available screening options and help you determine what is the right option for your family.
6. When should I be concerned?
If you experience a high fever, unable to keep fluids down, vaginal bleeding or severe cramping (especially one-sided pain), then you need to get in touch with a Midwife right away. If experiencing heavy bleeding, you should proceed directly to the emergency room.
Congratulations! If you’re pregnant and asking ‘now what?’, we are here to partner with you in your care at this exciting time! Go ahead and schedule an appointment with one of our Midwives today!