Congrats! Now what?
You’re so excited that you may explode! And with good reason. You just found out you’re going to be a mom! And while this is likely the most exhilarating moment of your life, the first thing you should do is resist the urge to alert the media. Although it’s perfectly fine to share your news with your close friends and family, it’s usually a good idea to hold off on announcing your news via social media and to your co-workers (at least at the very beginning).
The first 12 weeks of any pregnancy are the most vulnerable. Of course, after the first trimester, feel free to scream your wonderful announcement from the rooftops! With that being said, there are certain things you should do the moment you see a positive result on the test strip. Consider these things:
1. Take a picture
You’ve probably never felt more excited than you do today, so capture this moment with a photo and make it a point to take pictures throughout your pregnancy to keep a record of your growing belly. You may not always feel like it, or have the energy for a photo shoot, but these are memories that you’ll want to have later and to share with your baby when he or she is growing up.
2. Stop drinking alcohol and quit smoking (if you haven’t already)
We all know how dangerous smoking is to the human body, but when it comes to that tiny person you’re now carrying; the risks are exponentially more harmful. I won’t go into all the medical reasons why you shouldn’t smoke while you’re pregnant (because most of us know the dangers), but suffice it to say that between low birth weight and other issues, smoking ranks up there as one of the worst things you could do. So if you haven’t quit by the time you find out, do it right now.
As far as sipping your red wine with dinner or enjoying a martini by the pool, it’s best to put those activities on the back burner while you’re pregnant. Alcohol and fetuses don’t go together, especially since it can cause harm to the baby’s nervous system (and fetal alcohol syndrome can cause numerous physical and emotional difficulties).
3. Make an appointment with your doctor
These days, your first prenatal appointment will be about six weeks into your pregnancy. Call the office the moment you find out and write down when you had your last period and a list of any medications or supplements you’re taking. The midwife or doctor will need this information to help determine your due date accurately and to guide you on your medications and which prenatal vitamins you should begin taking.
4. Start the fun stuff—shopping for baby gear
Blankets, booties, and binkies, let the fun begin! Shopping for your little one is so much fun and you’ll have plenty of time to get everything you need—so don’t stress it if you’re not sure what color the nursery will be or what kind of stroller you want. Start by looking online and bookmarking furniture, bedding, car seats, and other items that you like. Then, use a checklist to ensure that you cover all your bases.
Remember that if you’re going to have a baby shower, you can put many of your items on your wish list.
5. Keep working out or start a fitness routine
If you’re already exercising on a regular basis, don’t stop! The best thing you can do for your baby is keep your body healthy! And if you haven’t been actively working out, begin with a low-impact exercise like swimming or walking. Of course, talk to your doctor before you start anything new, but staying fit is a key way to ensure your baby has the healthiest start in life.
6. Make a list of to-dos
There’s a million things racing through your mind at this moment, but after you celebrate and the dust settles, it’s a good idea to make a list of everything you need to get done between now and the birth of your baby. Whether you need to clear out that extra room to make the nursery, or plan a weekend getaway with your partner, or just get your home organized, you’ll want to be proactive as soon as possible before you are in your third trimester when time is short and your belly is big.
7. Get educated
Many women believe that they know enough about pregnancy to be prepared for all that their body will go through, but the fact is, if you’ve never given birth before, there’s a lot you likely aren’t aware of. It’s a good idea to start educating yourself right away about what to expect during each trimester and how you can be fully prepared for your childbirth experience. Doing this allows you to manage the birth of your child the way you wish.
One of the most memorable and exciting moments of your life, finding out your expecting is unlike any other feeling you’ll ever experience. After you catch your breath, take a moment to review these important steps. And get in touch with me so I can share my knowledge and expertise on childbirth with you. I offer group and online courses as well as private classes for you and your partner.
