Just Got A Positive Pregnancy Test, What Next?

First things first, congratulations on the good news. We’re sure you are experiencing a whole range of emotions right now. We know how exciting and overwhelming this must be for you. There’s no better feeling in the world than knowing you will have a little piece of yourself in your arms in another 9 months. Once the initial shock has passed, you start thinking about what next? What do you do next? Should you consult a doctor or tell your mom or husband? Or, is there something else that you need to do? We know it’s hard to plan things straight when you are overwhelmed and the hormones are beginning to take over your body. And that’s why we are here to make the job easy for you.

Confirm The Results

We do not wish to burst your bubble but double-check your results just to be sure. Home pregnancy tests may not always be reliable. The HCG levels in your urine can vary depending on when you took the test (1). Though rare, there are chances of getting false-positives in some cases. So even if you get a positive result, consulting a doctor and taking the blood test is important to be 100% sure.

Calculate The Due Date

Now that you have confirmed your pregnancy, the next step is to calculate your due date. Your doctor will calculate the due date by tracking the first day of your last menstrual date and adding 280 days to it. Due date may not be accurate at all times and vary slightly because there is no way of knowing exactly when you conceived. There are also many pregnancy apps which help you keep track of all the symptoms and makes a chart of pregnancy diet that you need to follow each trimester.

Revealing The News To Your Friends And Family

Some people like to share the news with their close ones first and the rest later during the second or third trimester. Others let the baby bump speak for itself and keep it a secret for as long as it can stay that way. Couples also share the news in cute and adorable ways by taking maternity photos or get creative with T-shirts and videos.

Prenatal Care

Start thinking about which doctor to consult for your first prenatal visit, and if you wish to have a doctor, midwife or doula. Check if you would want to attend any Lamaze classes to cope with the labor pain. Also, prepare a list of all the questions you would like to ask for your first prenatal visit. Remember, no question is silly. It’s time to also start thinking about making some lifestyle changes. If you are a night owl, maybe it’s time to start sleeping early and following a healthy diet.

It’s Time To Start Reading

Get educated about the weird pregnancy symptoms and what to expect during each trimester. You can also learn about the baby’s development in the womb and when they start to breathe or grow hair. Learning about the process of pregnancy and labor will help you prepare better physically and mentally for what’s on your way.

Think About All Your Options

Do you want to take maternity leave? If yes, for how long? Are you planning to breastfeed or formula feed your baby? Will you be pumping milk when you are back to work or switch to formula? Would you like to hire a nanny or ask for help from your family or relatives? Are you interested in gender-neutral names for your baby? Explore all your options and think about what works best for you and your family. You can also get your husband involved in the discussion.

Although it may sound overwhelming to you now, deal with things one step at a time. Make the most of your pregnancy and try to create happy memories. Your pregnancy is going to fly by quickly, so cherish every experience along the way.

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