Congratulations mama, you’re pregnant! Now comes all the fears and the oh shit I’m actually pregnant moments. Like what to do next? What to do during pregnancy? And OMG I’m actually going to raise a tiny human!
No worries mama, I got your back. In this guide, you will find all the things you need to do now that you found out you’re pregnant!
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What to do After You Find Out You’re Pregnant
Prenatal vitamins
As soon as you find out you are pregnant you should start taking a prenatal vitamin. Prenatal vitamins are important to help with any nutritional gaps in your diet for the healthy development of your baby. Folic acid found in prenatal vitamins is also very important to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
Eating healthy
Between morning sickness and pregnancy cravings, it can hard to eat healthy all the time but try to pick healthier snacks and meals when you can. You will also need to learn which foods to avoid. Lunch meats, soft cheeses, etc are just some of the foods to avoid.
Now that you’re pregnant you will also have to cut out drinking and smoking. Consult with your doctor if you are having a hard time quitting smoking.
You will also want to cut back on the caffeine as well. This was the hardest thing for me! I was a pot of coffee a day drinker so this was super rough, but I found a way to manage with only one cup a day.
Decide on a Doctor
Decide whether you want to go with an OBGYN or a midwife. I chose to go with a midwife and loved my experience! I had a home birth, but midwives do have privileges in the hospitals so just because you choose a midwife does not mean you need to have a home birth.
Make sure you do your research when finding a doctor/midwife, you want someone that you will feel comfortable with. Don’t be afraid to switch doctors if you are not happy with them after meeting with them.
Check out this post on everything you need to know during your first prenatal visit. There is a free booklet you can download with questions to ask your midwife/Ob during your appointment.
Learn About Prenatal Testing
Prenatal screening test for your chances of having a baby with an open neural tube defect, trisomy 18 and down syndrome. These tests require blood work and an ultrasound. Your healthcare provider will go over these test with you during your appointment and will be able to help you decide which test is right for you. These are all optional test and you do not need to do them.
Pregnancy books
Read. Read. Read.
All though you will probably never feel prepared to have a baby, reading books on what to expect can help ease some of your fears.
Good books to read are:
Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy
Mayo Clinic: Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
What to Expect When You Are Expecting
Pregnancy Pillow
These pregnancy body pillows are AMAZING to help get comfortable and have a better nights sleep. I started using mine when I was about 14-16 weeks along. They really help with round ligament pain and pelvic girdle pain!
Maternity Clothes
You don’t need to rush out and buy a ton of maternity clothes right in the early stages of pregnancy but I would suggest getting maternity bras and comfy stretchy pants. Some woman find that even in the first trimester they’re not fitting comfortably in their regular clothes anymore. I know in the beginning for me I only wore yoga pants and sweatpants.
Pregnancy Journal
Make sure you go out and get yourself a pregnancy journal so you can document your pregnancy! I promise you this will be something you will want to have to have to look back on!
You will also want to make sure you take lots of pictures as well, monthly, weekly or even pictures every day to track your bump growth!
Let Your Employer Know
If you are working you will need to let your employer know you are pregnant. Both so they can make arrangements for when you are on maternity leave and so they understand why you might be feeling crappy at work in the beginning.
Start Stocking Up
Start buying diapers and wipes early since they can be expensive. This way you can space these types of expenses out and not have to buy a bunch of diapers right at the end of your pregnancy!
What else do you think is a necessity and would add to this list? Leave your comments below!
If you are looking for more tips and advice check out my facebook group. A place where moms can come from judgment-free tips and advice. No mom shaming here. We are a growing group and would love to have you join the community!
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