Almost half a million babies are born every day. Sooner or later, you may find yourself contributing to that massive number.
The moment that you take a pregnancy test at it reads positive, your whole world might start to spin around you.
What should you do? How can you navigate this big change in your life?
It’s natural to start asking questions when you find out you’re pregnant. Our advice to you is to take a deep breath, take things slow and review our basic what to do if pregnant first steps below.
1. Schedule an Appointment With Your Doctor
The second that your pregnancy test reads positive, you’re going to want to talk to your doctor. Your doctor can get you placed with an OBGYN who can confirm your pregnancy and step you through anything that you need to watch out for.
The sooner you’re able to get help from a medical professional, the easier your pregnancy is going to be.
You can learn more here about prenatal doctors and questions you should be asking about your pregnancy online.
2. Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins
When you’re pregnant, you are in-taking sustenance for two people. That means that your body is going to be stressed for resources.
To make sure that both you and your baby are keeping safe during this period of time, find a high-quality prenatal vitamin and take it regularly.
Prenatal vitamins can reduce the risk of miscarrying, so if you’re genetically susceptible to miscarriages, vitamins are extra important.
3. Stop Drinking, Smoking, Etc.
We all have our vices. Unfortunately, partaking in vices while pregnant could cause developmental issues with your unborn child and may even lead to your child’s death.
Despite what a bunch of fringe publications may tell you, it’s best to avoid all alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and similar products that are used to alter your being. Taking in these substances while pregnant may even be considered a crime depending on the state that you live in.
While it’s easy for most people to cut obvious vices out of their life, other things like red meats and soft cheeses may also need to be cut out of your diet. To know for sure what you should and shouldn’t be taking in, talk to your doctor.
4. Figure Out Your Company’s Leave Policy
When you get pregnant, life doesn’t stop. Bills still need to get paid, work still needs to get done and doing those things is going to get progressively harder as you inch closer to your due date.
To develop a better understanding of how you’re going to manage your work responsibilities and pay your bills during your pregnancy, take a moment to look over your company’s maternity leave policy.
You can also email your HR representative for more information on what to do if pregnant from a professional perspective.
Wrapping Up Our What to Do If Pregnant Advice
Understanding what to do if pregnant can help you better navigate what can be a beautiful and stressful time in your life.
We hope that our tips have added some clarity to what you should be focusing on and we welcome you to read more of our content if you should need additional advice!