10 Things to Do When You Find Out You’re Pregnant

You’re pregnant. Once you’ve processed that fact, one question probably jumped straight to the top of your mind: Now what? First, take a deep breath. You are probably experiencing a flurry of emotions—excitement, joy, stress and fear are all normal responses. You’ll have many plans to make and things to do over the coming months. But what do you need to handle ASAP? 

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Put these steps at the top of your pregnancy to-do list:

1. Schedule your first prenatal appointment as soon as you suspect you’re pregnant. At your first prenatal visit, your physician or midwife will confirm your pregnancy, take your health history, and talk to you about what to do and what to expect. Regular prenatal care visits with your healthcare provider can reduce health risks for both you and your baby.
2. Check your medications. If you take any prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines or herbal products, discuss them with your provider. Some medications are OK to take during pregnancy but others may be harmful to your unborn baby.
3. Rethink your diet. When you’re eating for two, nutrition matters more than ever. You need more protein, iron and calcium now that you’re pregnant. Check out MyPlate to find out how much you should eat from each food group based on your age, height, weight, trimester, and physical activity level.
4. Ask your doctor about prenatal vitamins. When you’re pregnant, certain nutrients are especially important. In addition to eating a healthy diet, your doctor may want you to take a prenatal supplement. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends taking 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily to help prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine. Most prenatal vitamins contain folic acid. 
5. Focus on food safety. If you're pregnant, you're at a higher risk of getting sick from certain germs. To avoid food poisoning, it's important to choose safer foods. Some foods, like undercooked meat and eggs, unwashed fruits and vegetables, and unpasteurized milk, are more frequently linked to foodborne illnesses, such as Listeria.
6. Quit your vices. If you’re a smoker, there’s no better time to quit. Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk for miscarriage, preterm birth, low birth weight and certain birth defects. Talk to your healthcare provider about strategies to help you quit. Stay away from secondhand smoke as well. You should also stop drinking. Consuming alcohol during pregnancy puts your child at risk for lifelong learning disabilities, behavioral problems and other health issues. To prevent such problems, it’s crucial not to drink during the entirety of your pregnancy. 
7. Stay active. Regular exercise can help prevent back pain, reduce your anxiety, improve your sleep, and prepare you for delivery. Plus, it’s beneficial for your self-esteem and mood. Aim for at least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity activity a week. (Think cycling, swimming, dancing, yoga and low-impact aerobics.) 
8. Avoid toxic exposures. Steer clear of pesticides, solvents, lead and radiation. If you have a job that brings you into contact with these things, work with your healthcare provider and employer to protect yourself and your baby.
9. Keep stress in check. Your life just changed dramatically and your body is going through many changes. If you feel a bit stressed at times, that’s not unusual. Share your feelings with someone you can count on to be supportive. Find healthy ways to relax—going for walks, pursuing a hobby, practicing meditation or spending time with friends.
10. Sign up for a class! While waiting for your first appointment with your doctor or midwife, explore our wide range of in-person and virtual classes for parents.

Now that you’re pregnant, it’s more important than ever to take care of yourself. You’re making healthy decisions for two. The Overlake Childbirth Center is here to support and guide you throughout your entire birth experience. Our experienced team looks forward to working in close partnership with you to create a personalized birth plan—tailored to both your medical and personal needs.