Finding out that you’re pregnant may be a happy moment but can also feel overwhelming. A lot is going through your mind, which is understandable, but it’s important to act now. The following are five actions you can take after finding out that you’ve got a bun in the oven.
1. Spilling the News
The first thing most folks do is talk about it. This is even the case for those who aren’t thinking of keeping the baby. Talking about it is a good idea. It gives you a chance to air out some of the emotions you’re feeling.
Every expecting parent goes through a roller coaster of emotions, and it’s okay to talk to a partner or a close friend about what’s going on. Of course, you don’t have to say anything at all if you don’t want to but you could. Some people choose to wait until the threat of miscarriage has decreased. This doesn’t happen until you’re 12 weeks, but it’s totally up to you.
2. Choosing Care
The next step to take deals with finding the care you’re going to need. You’ll need to type in “OBGYN near me” into your search engine as soon as possible, no matter what your plans are regarding this situation. You’ll need to talk to an expert to learn more about what’s going on and to discuss your options.
Babies or fetuses are quite fragile early on in a pregnancy, and it’s important to have a full examination. On top of that, you’ll need to figure out what prenatal vitamins you’ll need. Your OBGYN will tell you about that and much more. Be ready to ask all the questions you have and whatever else that pops into your head. These folks are there to make everything easy for you and to help give you clarity.
3. Address Medications
It’s time to talk about any medications you might be taking. Certain medications may be harmful when you’re pregnant, so it’s important to find out if they’re safe, just to be sure.
Medications that were or weren’t prescribed to you aren’t the only things you should be worried about. You need to also discuss any supplements you’re taking, even if they are natural. Even natural supplements may not be safe for the fetus if you intend to keep it. At times, folks dismiss natural supplements because they are natural. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so just mention everything you are taking.
4. Deal With Substances
It’s vital that you rethink any substances you are taking or using. It’s no surprise to hear that you can’t use drugs while pregnant, even if they are legal like marijuana. You’ll also need to cut cigarettes or alcohol while pregnant.
You also need to avoid consuming too much coffee or products containing a lot of caffeine. Excessive caffeine may cause blood vessels to constrict in the placenta or uterus, which could inhibit the growth of your baby. Many products contain caffeine, so you’ll need to become like a detective. Read all ingredients in the stuff you like to eat or drink. Stay away from energy drinks, just as an example.
5. Spruce Up Nutrition
Your nutrition has to change now that you’re pregnant. It is wise to talk to your OBGYN about your nutrient needs. You don’t only need prenatal supplements. You also need to change your diet and be sure to include the foods your growing fetus needs, like fish, nuts, and various vegetables. You’ll also need to make sure your meat is high quality, such as grass-fed and grass-finished beef.
Stay away from raw or undercooked meat or eggs during your pregnancy. Do your best to avoid foods that were incorrectly processed and have too many strange chemicals or preservatives. These sorts of ingredients aren’t going to do your fetus any good, so it’s best to stay away, especially if you want to increase your chances of having a healthy baby.
Now, you know what to do after discovering you’re pregnant. These are some steps to take, but there’s more you need to do. Talk to your doctor to gain more knowledge.
