I am pregnant. Now What?

Question

This will be my first child and I would just like some advice about some things to do and things to avoid. I just took a pregnancy test this morning and have not yet been to the doctor. I know that is the first thing my husband and I should do...but then what?

Answer 1

First off, congrats! You already know you need to see your doctor so make that appointment as soon as you can. Start taking a prenatal vitamin (I take mine at night with a snack). Stay away from all over the counter medications until you meet with your doctor. Just make healthy choices in your diet. I recommend picking up the book "What to Expect When You are Expecting." It takes you through pregnancy month by month and you can find it at your local bookstore. Write down a list of questions that you will have for your first doctor's appointment.

Answer 2

There's not much you can do except wait and see how this pregnancy will be for you. For example, if you are going to have morning sickness you will probably know in a week or two.

You should definitely avoid alcohol and tobacco and also over-exerting yourself (picking up really heavy things or moving/pushing heavy objects). Many women suffer from heartburn and bloating in early pregnancy so you might want to limit your intake of spicy foods and gas-causing foods like beans, broccoli, etc.

You could also purchase some good prenatal vitamins and some Tylenol for any aches and pains you might have. It is the number 1 recommended pain reliever for expectant mothers.

If you have a cat, let someone else take over litter duty. There is a small risk of infection associated with the fecal matter and it could really hurt the unborn child.

Good books to start reading are "The Pregnancy Book" by Dr. Sears and "What to Expect When You're Expecting."

Congratulations!

Answer 3

First thing to do, if you haven't already, is to go buy some folic acid (a nutrient your baby needs for its nervous system to develop well). Then, get prenatal vitamins.
Try to cut out junk food and eat more veggies and fruit, and yoghurt for calcium.
Exercise moderately (walking is good, or keep up any exercise you have been doing). Sleep when you're tired.
Above all - celebrate (without alcohol)!!
Two really good books to get are "I'm Pregnant!" by Lesley Regan (it's a week by week guide), and "From The Hips" (don't know the author). "What To Expect When You're Expecting" has been the old standby for years, but it's not that great - for one, it's month by month, and in the beginning, you want to know what's happening week by week because a month seems wayyyy too long. Also, it's still pretty much from the 80's... Also, check out www.babycenter.com, or www.pregnancyweekly.com. They can email you weekly updates and tips, and you can calculate your due date, as well as see 3-D ultrasound pictures of your little one! Too cool!!
One more thing - decide right now if you're going to tell people right away or wait until a certain time, like 3 months. If one of you tells anyone, you may as well tell everyone because the rumour mill is just crazy. So figure that part out and stick to it.
Congratulations!!!!

Answer 4

Go to babycenter.com and enter your information to track your baby's progress, go to a bookstore and buy a book about pregnancy. Rest a lot. First dr. appt will probably be around week 11-12. Stop smoking if you smoke. Don't drink alcohol. There isn't much to do until you start going to the dr.'s office. Congrats!

Answer 5

Find a doctor you like make an apt, they will give you a pelvic exam and take some blood and thats pretty much it for your first apt, They will probably give you a packet about pregnancy, magazines and hand outs, it will probably have a list of safe meds and stuff like that, you will also get prescribed some prenatal vitamins, make sure you take them everyday, and then after that just eat right and enjoy your pregnancy.

Answer 6

One of the first things I did was get a baby journal. I love it! Next get lots of fruits and snack type foods, because soon you will be really hungry. Take your vitamins and try to get rest. Otherwise, try to be happy, even when you feel terrible. I hope you don't get the all day sickness, but if you do, try the acupressure wristbands for motion sickness. Congrats and Good Luck!!

Answer 7

it may take a couple of weeks before you can be seen...so in that time if you have any bad habits try to break them. quit smoking, cut the caffine, start eating healthier snacks and foods altogether. buy some saltines in case you get morning sickness. other wise just enjoy the fact that you won't have a period for the next nine months and get as much rest as you can...you'll need it

Answer 8

buy folic acid n take it daily. also buy formula for pregnant moms n take that after breakfast n before bedtime. u'll need all that to prevent osteoporosis in future as we dun wanna be fighting over calcium with our baby.folic acid is good for the development of baby's spine n brains. stay away from pets n harmful fumes(eg. do not stand near the exhaust pipe of the car). do not overwork yrself as this is the time when baby is developing. the second trimester onwards will be the time when our baby gets bigger. now is all abt development. u'll surprisingly find that u'll be tired n sleepy for no apparent reason. fine, sleep n lie down all u want. while baby is developing, it's using yr energy. good luck! i'm 9 weeks pregnant with my 1st baby n i am enjoying it! hehehe

Answer 9

Read, read, read, I can't tell you how much i've learned about pregnancy from reading, I believe it is a must have to have this book called ' What to Expect When You are Expecting' all your questions will be answered in that book, also a great website to keep you up to date on your pregnanacy is Babycenter.com
congratulations and good luck

"A baby is God's opinion that the world must go on"

Answer 10

Well - you can have sex all of the time without the fear of pregnancy (seeing that you are pregnant already)