You’ve just taken the pregnancy test and it’s positive. What should you do next? Although the prospect of raising a child can be frightening, it’s also exciting. You just received some amazing news, and it’s okay to be overwhelmed. Remember, the decisions you make right now will affect your pregnancy and your baby in multiple ways, so allow yourself time to process the information before you start acting on it too quickly.
After the
initial shock of pregnancy wears off, make sure you take the right steps to
prepare for this journey. To help you get started on the right foot, consider
these five things to do immediately after finding out you’re pregnant.
1.
Schedule Blood Tests and Visit The Doctor
Once you've confirmed your pregnancy, schedule blood tests with your doctor for early prenatal care. Find out which vitamins, minerals, and medications are safe to take during pregnancy so that you can start taking them before your baby is born. Likewise, get familiar with prenatal care options and physicians for women available in your area.
Experts
recommend seeing a doctor at least once every four weeks during pregnancy so
that they can monitor your physical condition as well as any growth
abnormalities in addition to ensuring proper fetal development. The website
also offers an extensive guide to important pre-and post-pregnancy milestones
for both mothers and fathers.
2.
Think About The Baby Shower
A baby
shower is a wonderful way for friends and family to get together and celebrate
your new arrival. It's also an important opportunity for guests to learn about
helpful products that can make life with a newborn easier, like baby monitors
and diaper disposal systems. Hosting a shower provides an easy, fun way to
collect thoughtful gifts from loved ones while giving others access to
discounted or free baby products they might not have even thought of. By
planning earlier on, you'll be able to make sure your baby shower goes as
smoothly as possible.
3.
Prepare For Morning Sickness
Morning
sickness, a.k.a. nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is a very common condition
that many women experience at some point during their first trimester. While it
may be accompanied by intense feelings of anxiety and discomfort, morning
sickness can help your body prepare for carrying a baby in your belly. To make
sure you’re doing all you can for yourself and your growing baby, stock up on
items like vitamin B-6 supplements, ginger, Unisom, and a lot of water.
4.
Get A Good Mattress
Don't wait until your growing belly makes sleeping uncomfortable to buy a new mattress. You'll want a mattress that gives just enough under your weight so that it keeps your hips aligned with your knees. If they are misaligned, it could mean that one or both of them are putting pressure on internal organs, which can cause discomfort, while too firm of a mattress will cause pain.
Most
maternity hospitals recommend looking for a mattress with at least a four-pound
foam density so there is enough give without being too soft. When sleeping on
your new mattress, keep in mind that while most women are told it’s okay to
sleep on your side when pregnant, you’ll likely sleep better on your back or
stomach, especially in those final weeks.
5.
Start Saving Money
Even if you can’t save up a huge nest egg before your baby is born, it’s important to start saving as soon as possible. Your first child may be challenging financially, but your second and third children should have it a little easier. Put money aside now so that future kids can have their own savings accounts and college funds. That way, they can take care of themselves (and put you in retirement). Start early and you won’t regret it. You might even thank yourself one day!
Whether you’re excited or panicked about this sudden news, planning will help you make the next steps. Keep this guide in mind as you focus on what’s most important so that you can relax and embrace the wonderful news of your new baby coming soon.
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