I’m Pregnant...Now What? 7 Steps to Take Right Now
Congratulations! Having a baby is a wonderful experience filled with joy and anticipation, as well as a lot of preparation and new information. Here are seven key steps to take once you know you are pregnant.
1. Choose your doctor
Your doctor will oversee your entire pregnancy, so it’s important to choose a doctor with experience and expertise. It’s normal to have many questions during your prenatal check-ups, so finding a doctor with whom you feel comfortable interacting would be best.
For a list of who delivers at Firelands Health Women & Newborns Center, click here.
2. Start taking prenatal vitamins
As the baby grows and develops inside you, it’s crucial to ensure that the baby is getting essential vitamins and minerals. Talk to your doctor about prenatal vitamins that you can take; there are many vitamins on the market from which to choose, and the sheer number of options can feel overwhelming.
For more information about how to choose a prenatal vitamin and what ingredients to look for, visit the Nutrition During Pregnancy webpage published by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
3. Discuss current medications with your doctor
After you choose your doctor, take your list of current medications to your first prenatal appointment so your doctor can closely review them. Your doctor may recommend that you stop taking certain medications or adjust the dosage, all with the good intention of minimizing potential risks or complications that can arise during any of the three trimesters of your pregnancy.
4. Adapt your eating and drinking habits
It would be in your best interest — and the baby’s — to closely evaluate your eating and drinking habits. If you consume an energy drink daily, for example, you’ll want to reassess that habit and make an appropriate substitution. Limit caffeine and other stimulants and completely avoid alcohol. Do your best to eat healthy, nutritious foods like leafy greens, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Making informed dietary choices can help ensure that you and your baby are getting the vitamins and minerals both of you need over the next forty or so weeks.
5. Stop smoking
If you’re a smoker — regardless of whether it’s regular or habitual — you need to quit. Smoking exposes your baby to harmful chemicals, which puts the baby at a higher risk of being born prematurely and experiencing complications in both the short-term and long-term.
Research also shows that smoking increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), which is characterized by the sudden and unexplained death of an otherwise healthy infant.
If you’re concerned that quitting smoking might be difficult for you, please have an open and honest conversation with your doctor so you can receive the support you need, which will likely include enrollment in a smoking cessation program.
6. Sign up for birthing and breastfeeding classes
Some people may already be telling you that your baby will be here before you know it. They’re right! It’s not too early to sign up for birthing and breastfeeding classes.
Our classes at Firelands Health help you learn as much as possible about childbirth, hospital routines, medical terms, and what to expect. Register early, as they fill quickly. To register, call 419-557-7840, or you can visit firelands.com/pregnancy-class.
7. Make a plan for work
You’ll want to give yourself — and your employer — the courtesy of planning ahead. The smoother your transition from work to parenthood, the more time and attention you can give to yourself and your newborn. Here are a few questions to start planning:
- Does your employer offer paid leave for new parents? If so, for how long?
- Based on your due date, what’s a good day to begin your leave from work?
- How are your benefits handled while on leave? Will you have to pay a portion of your health insurance?
