Things to Do When You Learn You’re Pregnant
Pregnancy is a special time, full of excitement. It can also be stressful, especially if it’s a surprise. When you find out you are having a baby, there are some important things to think about and do to help you prepare. These steps can make this journey a little easier.
- Choose a healthcare provider. You can choose to see a doctor or midwife. Doctors who specialize in pregnancy and childbirth are called obstetricians. A midwife is another option. Midwives are healthcare providers trained to care for women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum (or the time after birth). Midwives are typically more supportive of natural approaches that do not use medication during childbirth.
- Schedule an appointment. Once you’ve decided on the type of healthcare provider you want to see, schedule an appointment with them as soon as possible. Your first visit may include tests to confirm your pregnancy. They will also calculate your due date. Use this appointment to:
- Ask any questions you may have
- Share any symptoms you’re experiencing
- Talk with your provider about any medication you are currently taking or take regularly, as some are not safe during pregnancy.
- Start taking prenatal vitamins. If you haven’t already, start taking prenatal vitamins. You can get vitamins at most pharmacies, grocery stores, and retail stores, like Target or Walmart. You will want to make sure that the vitamin you get has at least 400 mcg of folic acid.1 Prenatal vitamins are important to help your baby develop.
- Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet with lots of whole grains, legumes, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and cooked lean meats is a great way to help your baby grow and develop.
You should avoid some foods when pregnant because they could pose health risks to your baby. These foods include:
- Swordfish
- Large tuna
- Sushi
- Raw meat, fish, and eggs
- Raw sprouts
- Unpasteurized mike, cheese, and fruit juice
- Deli meat
- Limit your caffeine. You should limit your caffeine to 2 cups of regular coffee a day. It’s important to know that caffeine is also in soda, chocolate, and tea, so watch how much you have daily. Too much caffeine increases the risk of miscarriage.
- Avoid drugs, alcohol, and other harmful substances. There is no safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy. It would help if you also quit smoking. All tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco and e-cigarettes or vapes, are unsafe. Alcohol, nicotine in tobacco products, and other harmful substances (like marijuana) can harm your baby’s growth and development.
When you find out you’re pregnant, taking these initial steps can support a healthy pregnancy.
