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I have already shared a lot of pregnancy-related information on this blog, but today I wanted to take a step back and start with the very basics.  If you have just taken that pregnancy test (or two, or three!) that all confirmed that you are indeed pregnant, what should be your next steps?  You are feeling happy, anxious, overwhelmed - probably all at the same time - but knowing what to do next can take some of that anxiety away by directing it into productive activity. 

When I first found out that I was pregnant, it came as a surprise, so I was not very well prepared and unsure what to do next.  Here are some of the things that I wish someone would have told me at that time:

1. Schedule your first appointment.  Call your practitioner’s office as soon as you get that positive test to schedule your first prenatal visit.  Because the wait times can be several weeks long, the sooner your call, the sooner you can begin seeing your doctor so that he or she can make sure that both you and your baby are doing well.  But don’t wait for your first appointment to start taking care of yourself!
2. Start taking your vitamins.  If you are not already doing so, start taking prenatal vitamins as soon as you find out that you are expecting.  Both specialized vitamin retailers and drugstores offer a wide selection of over-the-counter prenatal supplements that contain the vitamins and minerals that your body needs at this crucial time in the fetal development.  You can always bring the supplement you are taking to your first doctor’s visit if you have any questions or are not sure whether is the right one for you.
3. Stop drinking and smoking.  The first six to eight weeks are a very important developmental stage for the fetus, when all major organs, including heart, are being formed.  Because alcohol and tobacco can harm the fetus and lead to birth defects, it is wise to stop drinking and smoking as soon as you find out that you are pregnant.  It is also a good idea to limit caffeine, because there have been some studies linking increased miscarriage rate to heavy coffee consumption.
4. Start eating well.  Good diet is one of the most important factors for healthy pregnancy and baby.  Make sure that you are eating a well-balanced diet that contains plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins.  Eat several small meals and snacks throughout the day, every few hours, even when you’re not hungry.  Make sure to have healthy snacks with you for when you do feel hungry.  Pay attention to your cravings - they may be telling you to eat something that’s been missing from your diet.  Be careful to avoid any raw meat, fish, or shellfish and unpasteurized juices and milk products.
5. Drink plenty of fluids.  It is recommended to drink 8 8-oz glasses of water per day.  Make sure that you always have some water with you to prevent dehydration.  I bring a large bottle of water with me to work every day to make sure that I drink it all by the end of the day.  You can also count milk, juice, soups, and caffeine-free drinks towards the 8-glass requirement.
6. Sign up for classes.  Check with your local hospital or community health center if they offer any pregnancy classes.  I took an early pregnancy class even before I could go see my doctor, and it was very helpful in covering nutrition, exercise, physical and psychological changes, symptoms and other early-pregnancy concerns.  It was taught by a registered nurse and gave me an opportunity to ask some burning questions that I had, as well as meet other expectant parents.
7. Use on-line resources.  Internet is a great source for lots of pregnancy-related information, including articles as well as forums where you can ask questions and interact with other expectant mothers.  I have listed some of the best sources on the right-hand side of this page, so you can refer to them as a starting point.
8. Enjoy this time!  This is a wonderful time in your life, so make sure to enjoy and make the most of it.  It will be over before you know it, so make sure to take photos of yourself throughout your pregnancy and keep a journal where you record your doctor visits, experiences, and thoughts.  These will be the keepsakes that you and your family will cherish for many years to come.

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