You just found out you are pregnant. What do you do? Here are the five top things newly pregnant women can do.
Share the good news with whomever you choose
Usually, the father is the first to know. But perhaps you feel more comfortable telling your mother, sister or girlfriend. The important thing is to go to the person you trust, who will support you the most.
Some women choose to wait a few weeks before announcing it due to the risk of miscarriage during the first trimester. They want to avoid having to announce that they lost their baby, or explaining what happened.
Find a doctor
If you do not already have one, find a family doctor, gynecologist or midwife who will take care of you throughout your pregnancy. He or she will likely give you your first appointment near the 10th week of pregnancy.
Protect your health and your child
Start good habits
Resolve to lead a healthy lifestyle. First, make sure you eat a nutritious diet, drink plenty of water, and get enough sleep.
Kick bad habits
Reduce your coffee intake and stop drinking alcohol. On the other hand, if you have an addiction to alcohol, drugs, smoking, or if you are taking medication, ask a health professional how to stop without compromising the health of the fetus. Going cold turkey can have adverse and life-threatening consequences.
Don't wait! Substance abuse is very bad for you and especially harmful to your baby; the first three months are crucial to the healthy development of the fetus.
Let your employer know
Next, notify your employer that you are pregnant so that the appropriate and necessary steps can be taken, especially if your job involves risk. For example, factory work and jobs requiring physical exertion or that expose you to toxic chemicals. You can be reassigned to other duties, or in some cases a preventive withdrawal may be necessary.
Make notes
You will be asked questions at your first medical appointment. To ensure you do not forget anything, note the date of your last period, your weight, your symptoms, etc. These notes can serve as a pregnancy journal, and make a wonderful souvenir.
Research
Go ahead and do your research. Check out the internet and read books on pregnancy, you’ll certainly find useful information. That being said, it’s important to rely on your own intuition and not be too influenced by what you read and what you hear.
Often, family members have very good advice. Talk to your mother and friends who’ve been there, they have a lot to share. Then again, you have to take some and leave some. Other women’s experiences are their own and you may choose to do things your own way.
