5 Things to Do When You Find Out You’re Pregnant
Finding out that you’re pregnant for the first time can be scary and exciting at the same time. What are you supposed to do? How do you tell people? What changes do you need to make? These are just some of the many questions you’ll find yourself asking. In order to provide some guidance and clarity, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most important things you should do.
- Clean Up Your Diet
One of the best things you can do is clean up your diet. Remember, you’re no longer just eating for just yourself. Your diet has a direct impact on the health of your developing baby. While there are a lot of diet-related tips to keep in mind, one of the most important is to cook foods properly.
Food-borne illnesses can be devestating to pregnant women and should be avoided at all costs. Don’t eat or drink at questionable establishments and never consume raw or undercooked meat. You should also avoid unpasteurized products and foods that are high in mercury, as these can harm your baby and lead to complications.
- Learn to Relax and De-Stress
Pregnant women have a tendency to stress over small and large problems alike. Try your best to avoid this. High levels of stress wreak havoc on your body and can exacerbate pain and uncomfortable symptoms of pregnancy. While rigorous exercise isn’t an option, you can try gentler things like yoga and meditation. If you’re an artist, something as simple as painting or drawing can put you in a calming state. Continuous, high levels of stress can impact your baby, so focus on relaxing as much as possible.
- Find a Doctor
Soon after learning that you’re pregnant, you should begin looking for a doctor. Many doctors suggest scheduling your first prenatal visit at eight weeks. You shouldn’t stress out about finding a doctor the day you discover you’re pregnant, but do put this task at the top of your list.
Ask friends and family members who they used and whether they would recommend working with the same doctor. Direct referrals are best, but you can also do some research online or ask your family physician for advice.
- Consume as Much Knowledge as Possible
The great thing about a pregnancy is that you get eight or nine months to prepare. Use this time wisely and try to learn as much as possible. Start by reading books and reputable resources, but don’t stop there. A book can only tell you so much.
You’ll want to talk with your friends and relatives who have children of their own. Other mothers are great sources of knowledge. Just remember to take everything with a grain of salt. People have different beliefs, strategies, and experiences. It’s best to get a wide array of opinions and then form your own conclusions.
- Visit the Dentist
Did you know that it’s smart to go to the dentist before or soon after you get pregnant? It may sound strange, but bacteria in your mouth can actually lead to gingivitis and other complications that have been directly linked to low birth weights and preterm babies. Your dentist can give you a check up and let you know if anything seems abnormal.
Avoid Irrational Thoughts
During your first pregnancy, you’ll certainly have some irrational thoughts and feelings. Physically and emotionally, things won’t feel quite so normal. However, you have to avoid letting your mind go to anxious places. Don’t automatically assume that every strange feeling means something is wrong. Avoid letting your mind focus on potential risks and complications. Instead, enjoy your pregnancy and prepare for the arrival of your first child.
