Did you just see a positive home pregnancy test after experiencing the first sign of pregnancy which is a missed period?yay! Wondering what to do when you find out you’re pregnant? It is so exciting to be pregnant for the first time! If you’re wondering where to go from here and what things you should do in the first trimester of pregnancy. You’re in the right place!
Seeing that positive sign on a pregnancy test can automatically make you feel a thousand different emotions. From feeling shock, scared, happy, worried, anxious and excited. You’re still in disbelief that you’re going to be a new mom. I give you permission to scream and cry out of joy 🙂
Today I’m sharing with you a list of 10 things to do when you find out you’re pregnant! These are my opinion and I hope you enjoy and find them helpful! Look at it like your first trimester to do list in order to give you a head start on your beautiful journey.
Watch How to know if you’re pregnant before taking a pregnancy test:
What are some early pregnancy symptoms you may notice in the first few weeks of pregnancy?
- Worries about your pregnancy creeps in. Wondering the risk of miscarriage and if you’ll be a good mom.
- Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, frequent bathroom trips
- Hormonal changes like sore breasts
- Mood swings
10 things to do once you find out you’re pregnant
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1.Tell your hubby
This is probably the most amazing news you will share with your husband in your entire life, so make it special! I didn’t do anything special when I told my hubby because I just couldn’t wait. If you have the patience and self control then I recommend to do something special and meaningful. You should definitely include your older kids if you have 🙂
You should definitely take a prenatal class . So many couples do it and for good reason! It will provide knowledge of what goes on during childbirth. It is extremely important for you to not be clueless when it comes time to give birth! Enroll in class!
2.Set up first prenatal visit
Another important thing to do when you find out you’re pregnant is to call your OBGYN to schedule a visit for your first ultrasound. and confirm that you are indeed pregnant. Your doctor will usually have you take a pregnancy test in their office, do a sonogram and even have blood test done to confirm your pregnancy. So this is very important! The faster you see your doctor the faster you will be on track to a healthy and safe pregnancy. The best and exciting part of your first OBGYN visit is that you may find out your baby’s due date. You may even see your baby’s heartbeat.
Already experiencing morning sickness? Check out these 6 vital ways to combat morning sickness!
Please note: Always do your research before deciding on an OBGYN. Once you meet with your doctor and you do not feel comfortable with him/she, do not hesitate in finding another one. It’s your pregnancy and you should feel comfortable and at ease with your provider.
Pregnancy books to read:
3.Stop your bad habits
Once you find out that you are pregnant, some lifestyle changes will need to start happening. If you smoke or drink alcohol you need to stop. Need help to stop smoking? You can always speak to your doctor about it so he/she can help you find the help that you need. If you are using drugs, please stop and know that these things aren’t healthy for you or for your baby. There are a number of health issues that your baby can be born with that are associated with using drugs, smoking and drinking alcohol while pregnant.
If you smoke or drink alcohol, you need to stop it right now because it is associated with both infertility and miscarriage.
Recommended article:
20 tips to help you have a healthy pregnancy!
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A MISCARRIAGE + HOW TO REDUCE RISK OF HAVING ONE
More things to do when you’re pregnant:
4.Start taking prenatal vitamins
Here’s another important thing to do when you find out you’re pregnant. Start searching and reading about prenatal vitamins. There are over the counter prenatal vitamins, so if you can’t go to a doctor right away, you can always buy it at any pharmacy near you. Prenatal vitamins are very important because it provides you with nutrition that you may be missing or not getting enough of. It has vitamins, minerals, iron, folic acid which helps prevent neural tube defects and calcium that are very important for your baby’s developmental growth.
Please note: There are a few stores that provide free prenatal vitamins to pregnant women who can’t afford to buy it . Search in your area to see if there are any near you!
5.Share the news with your close family and friends
This one is sort of a “controversial” one because there are pregnant women who share the news immediately with everyone and there are some who want to wait until after they reach the 3 month milestone. Miscarriages usually happen during the first trimester of a pregnancy and so many women wait until after the first trimester to share the big news.
I’m the mom who can’t wait to share the news! But it’s your pregnancy and it’s your choice 🙂
Check out this video of 10 baby items you need before baby arrives!
6.Download fun pregnancy apps
Part of your first trimester to do list is to download a fun pregnancy app. I love these pregnancy apps, I was obsessed with it during both of my pregnancies, don’t judge me. I used the Baby center’s pregnancy app and downloaded it to my phone. Each morning I would wake up and the first thing that I did was to check how my baby was growing and what fruit or vegetable did it resemble, haha! So much fun, I loved it. You can also download the What to expect app which is basically the same thing, but I like to give you options 🙂
These are truly awesome apps to have while being pregnant, so download it today. Psst, want to know the sex of your baby? Check out these 5 fun ways to predict your baby’s gender and let me know what it predicted 😉
Please note: Make your pregnancy journey fun and include your hubby in it. Share with him the app and show him the size of your baby, what fruit or vegetable your baby resembles that day and how the baby is developing. This will make him feel more connected to your pregnancy.
7.Start eating healthier
After finding out you’re pregnant, you may want to cut down on those burgers and fries you probably eat every week. Start eating more fruits, vegetables and protein. Having a well balanced and nutritious diet will benefit you and your baby. Yes, you can enjoy junk food once in a while but do not make it a habit. It’s important for your baby’s growth and also it lowers the chances of you having gestational diabetes during your pregnancy. If you want more information on eating right during your pregnancy, you can read this article.
Please note: You can start slowly weaving in your fruits and vegetables into your daily routine. I used to eat fruits during my working hours ( I used to work in a bank during both of my pregnancies) when I would get hungry and wanted to eat a quick snack. It’s healthier and you will feel better!
8.Less caffeine
Once you find out that you are pregnant you need to lower your daily caffeine intake, I know this may be hard if you are a caffeine lover but you have to do it. According to Babycenter.com when drinking coffee or any drink that contains caffeine, the caffeine “crosses the placenta into the amniotic fluid and your baby’s bloodstream”.
This causes the baby to be exposed to the effects of caffeine for a longer time than you are because your baby’s body is still developing, therefore can’t process the caffeine as fast as you can. Also, drinking more caffeine than recommended can cause your baby to be born smaller than it’s gestational age, which you do not want to happen.
Please note: Always consult with your doctor about how much caffeine you can drink daily. Did you know that caffeine can cause heartburn during pregnancy?
9.No heavy lifting
I was always advised about not lifting heavy objects during my pregnancies from my mother and aunts. I believe this is because when you are bending down to lift something heavy, your movement puts pressure on your stomach. This can cause uncomfortableness and may cause serious problems, like bleeding. Always have precaution during your pregnancy and stay away from lifting heavy objects and bending down. Always ask for help and take care of yourself.
Want to rock your first year as a new mom? Read my ebook “The first time mom guide”. I share the secret to having an amazing first year with a newborn. Know the most important basics! Read here!
Related article:
Check out my first trimester must haves for moms to survive and get through it!
10.Take pictures
Last but certainly not least, TAKE PICTURES! Take a picture of your positive pregnancy test (like I did) to have that memory forever in your heart, phone or keepsake. Also, take pictures of your growing belly by taking daily or monthly photos and use the same background or clothing to make it more fun. Honestly just have fun with your pregnancy whether it’s your first or your 4th, being pregnant is such a beautiful time in a women’s life that you need to capture every special moment. Here’s a super cute sonogram picture frame where you can see how your baby is growing in all three trimesters!
I hope you found this list of things to do once you find out you’re pregnant useful. There are so many emotions running through your head right now and that’s totally okay! The more you know, the better!
This is your first pregnancy and you should enjoy it as much as you can. If your curious to know what are the first things to buy the minute you know you’re pregnant, you should read this.
