5 Things You Must Do After Finding Out You’re Pregnant

So, that little blue line has appeared, and you’ve just become an expectant mother – congratulations! Whether you’re jumping for joy, reeling with shock, or a combination of both, now’s the time to get educated on what to expect from the next nine months. Your world is about to change forever, and the months leading up to your due date will likely be some of the most exciting and nerve-wracking of your life. To help you navigate the path to parenthood, here are five things you can do right now to get your pregnancy off to a healthy start.

1. Schedule a Doctor’s Appointment

Whether your bundle of joy was meticulously planned or a complete surprise, you need to schedule a visit to your doctor as soon as you know you're pregnant. During your first appointment, your doctor will calculate how far along you are in your pregnancy according to the date of your last period. He or she will then appoint a midwife or obstetrician to oversee your care until your baby is born.

Ultrasound checks and genetic testing are also likely to be offered, depending on your age, health history, and the results of any blood tests taken. Scheduling a dating scan every two to three weeks throughout your pregnancy will ensure that your baby is developing normally. For example, it could show whether there is a problem with the placenta, umbilical cord or amniotic fluid.

2. See Your Midwife

Your midwife will see you around the 8-week mark to get a picture of your pregnancy and answer any questions you might have. Although it’s too early to see much on an ultrasound scan at this stage, you might get to hear your baby’s heartbeat! Your midwife will also ask questions about your general health, medical history, and any genetic conditions. This is nothing to worry about – it's standard practice, and it helps your midwife to assess whether you'll need any additional monitoring or specialist care during your pregnancy or after your baby is born.

3. Work Out Your Due Date

Once your pregnancy has been confirmed, you can work out your estimated due date. Your due date is calculated at 40 weeks from the start of your last menstrual period, although future ultrasound scans will give you a more accurate timeline at a later stage. Once you know your estimated due date, you can start tracking your baby’s development. Most women find out they are pregnant around the six-or-seven-week mark; if you’re one of them, you can click here to learn more about being 7 weeks pregnant and your baby’s general development.  

4. Check Your Symptoms

You may have already experienced some early pregnancy symptoms, but there could be more to come over the next few months. Symptoms like nausea and vomiting (also known as "morning sickness") extreme fatigue, food cravings and aversions, sensitivity to smells and sore breasts are common in the first trimester. However, you also need to know what's not necessarily normal (i.e., heavy vaginal bleeding, excessive vomiting, fever) and when to call your doctor.  

5. Make Healthy Changes

Your diet and lifestyle will have a direct impact on your pregnancy, so it’s important to make healthy choices. If you smoke, get advice from your doctor about how to stop, and steer clear of alcohol and caffeine. You should also start taking prenatal vitamins, making sure you take a folic acid supplement to give your baby the healthiest start.

Lastly, make sure you get advice from your doctor or midwife about foods you can and can't eat during pregnancy, as unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses, rare meat and some fish can pose risks to your baby's health.