what to do after positive pregnancy test
Pregnancy

10 Things To Do After You Find Out You Are Pregnant

You took a pregnancy test and it was positive… now what? Whether it’s your first, second, or third it’s good to have a list of things to do after you find out you are pregnant. After all, “mom brain” is a real thing!

 

10 Things To Do After You Find Out You Are Pregnant

 

I’ll be sharing the first things that need to be taken care of when you find out that you are pregnant, plus some of my pregnancy must-haves.

 

This post contains affiliate links. 

 

1. Call Your Doctor

 

You will want to call your gynecologist and let them know that you took a positive pregnancy test. They will ask you what the date was of the first day of your last period. If you haven’t been keeping track, give them your best guess.

 

This date is used to estimate how far along you are and can be used to calculate an approximate due date.

 

In my experience, my first prenatal appointment has been between 6 and 8 weeks pregnant. I believe this is pretty common.

 

If you don’t already have a gynecologist you will want to do some research to find one in your area. Ask your friends and others who have had babies that you know. If you don’t have anyone who can recommend someone to you, you can always trust Google reviews.

 

2. Decide Who You Are Telling Now And Who You Are Telling Later

 

 

 

This will vary from family to family and what your personal preference is. Of course, you will want to tell your husband (or whoever the father is), then it is up to you from there.

 

Some people like to wait because there is a higher risk of miscarriage in the first trimester. Others like for everyone to know right away.

 

I suggest telling a few close friends and family early on and telling everyone else later. That is my personal preference. If you do suffer a miscarriage, you will like it that your closets friends and family knew about the life that you had carried.

 

Other than that, I personally don’t like the attention that pregnancy brings, so I prefer to hold off for a bit on telling everyone.

 

It’s all up to you. There is no right or wrong way to do it.

 

3. Start Taking A Prenatal Vitamin

 

 

Your doctor may give you some prenatal samples at your first appointment. At the very least they will recommend some to you. Also, many insurances do cover the cost of prenatal vitamins.

 

However, it’s going to be a couple of weeks before you see a doctor so I would find a good over the counter prenatal vitamin that you can take until then.

 

It can be hard to choose because there are SO many choices. Many prenatal vitamins actually make me feel sick, so I just stick to the simple gummy chewable kind. These SmartyPants Prenatal Formula Gummies are a great choice. 

 

4. Download A Pregnancy Tracking App

 

These are just fun to have. You can estimate your due date and get information about how far along you are. Each week you get updates about how baby is growing. Plus, there is usually a lot of really helpful articles to read.

 

I personally use the Baby Center app, but there are a lot of really good options.

 

5. Start Planning In Your Head But Don’t Make Any Huge Purchases

 

A lot of these lists will tell you to start buying x, y, and z. I suggest waiting a bit. Don’t go impulse buying anything. Plus, if it’s your first baby you will have a baby shower and a lot of things will be gifted to you.

 

What you can do is start thinking ahead about a few of these things:

 

  • where will baby sleep and do you need a crib, bassinet, etc.?
  • do you need to rearrange the house to make room for a nursery?
  • reorganize your budget to make room for baby expenses
  • will you need maternity clothes?
  • stockpiling on diapers and wipes is smart but maybe wait until after your first trimester

 

These are all great things to start thinking ahead about but you have time, so don’t stress. Wait until you are farther along and start making smart purchases in the second trimester.

 

Related: 9 Things I Wish I’d Had With My First Baby

 

Related: Amazon Baby Registry Checklist

 

6. Understand Your Insurance

 

Look up your insurance policy and understand what will be covered and what you will need to pay for. Start putting money back and making a plan so that you can do your best to avoid going into debt over having a baby.

 

Also, find out things like does your insurance provide you with a free breast pump? Most do!

 

The hospital can be helpful with this information as well.

 

7. Start Doing Research On Birth Plans

 

You do not need to make any decision right now, but do start knowing what your options are.

 

Homebirth or hospital birth. Natural birth or epidural. Birthing tub or ball.

 

No option is wrong. No option is better than the other. Do your research and figure out what you want to do. You have time. Just know there is more than one way to go about it.

 

8. Make Plans To Stay Active

 

 

stay active while pregnant

 

Your energy levels will probably be way down in the first trimester and being active may be the last thing that you want to do. Just trust me on this one, your postpartum body will thank you later if you stay active now. Even just 30 minutes of walking every day, to every couple of days, will make a huge difference.

 

Do be mindful and stay away from things such as hot yoga and lifting extremely heavyweights.

 

9. Know What You Should Not Eat

 

There are a bunch of random things you shouldn’t eat when you are pregnant. Make sure you are aware of this list.

 

Here is a list of 11 foods and drinks to avoid during pregnancy. Make sure you cover these things with your doctor.

 

10. Listen To Your Body And Rest When You Can

 

 

finding out you're pregnant

 

This can be hard, especially if you work or have other children home with you all day. If you can’t sneak in naps during the day, this is not the time to be staying up late for a Netflix marathon.

 

With hormones going crazy and possible morning sickness or all day nausea, it’s important to make sure you are getting as much rest as you can.

 

Even if you feel great and are thriving during your first few weeks, this may not always be the case. Get your rest while you can.

 

Early Pregnancy Must-Haves

 

SmartyPants Prenatal Vitamins – good for you and yummy

 

Preggie Pop Drops – help with nausea and morning sickness

 

A Nice Pair Of Leggings – these are great! you will probably start experiencing a lot of bloat and uncomfortableness and you will enjoy having some comfy pants to wear. Plus, you can wear these after baby arrives as well.

 

Comfy Bralette – both times it has become uncomfortable for me to wear a normal bra during pregnancy really early on. A bralette or sports can really help with extra tenderness. I had a hard time sleeping early in my first pregnancy because of this as well. I found that sleeping in a loss fitting lounge bra was a big help.

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Katie is the owner of Daisies and Diapers. She loves sharing ideas for spending intentional time with your kids. Katie is also the owner and writer of KatiesKottage.com where she shares simple tips that will help you enjoy homemaking.

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