I’m Pregnant – Now What Do I Do?

You take the home pregnancy test and it says: Positive. Now what do you do?

“Important first steps can help you and your baby be as healthy as possible,” said family medicine/OB physician Alisa Reindl, MD, Avera Medical Group McGreevy 7^th Avenue. “Knowing the facts can help you worry less, too.”

Here are key points Reindl recommends.

The Pregnancy Test Itself

A home pregnancy test is among the most common ways people learn they are expecting. They’re a good tool, with 99% accuracy when used according to the directions. Timing is also important.

Wait until the day of your first missed period; in most cases, you don’t need a confirmation test with your doctor.

Make Your Appointment and Check on Medications

Schedule your first appointment six to eight weeks after you miss a period.

Yet contact your provider right away to review any medications you take and whether you should continue. If you have an Avera provider, you can message your care team via AveraChart.

Talk to a clinician about ALL medications you take – right away. Some meds that help you can harm a baby. Make sure you talk to your provider as soon as you can.

The First Pregnancy Appointment

Your first appointment will help get your provider up to speed on your pregnancy. Here’s what to expect:

• An ultrasound – at this stage it may be a vaginal ultrasound. This test will allow your provider to confirm the due date, if you are having more than one baby and measure the baby’s head circumference and head-to-rump length.
• Some clinics might not have ultrasound, so you might get one a day or a few days later.
• Lab tests: These check for your general health, whether you have any infections, your blood type, check for anemia and the presence of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B.
• Discussion about a healthy pregnancy, family history and any other questions you have.
• Discussion about your birth plan and what type of birth you’d like to have.
• Fetal heartbeat detection doesn’t happen until about 11 weeks, so if this isn’t part of your exam, you’ll understand why.

Questions to Ask Your Pregnancy Provider

This is also your first opportunity to talk to a provider. Here are a few things to ask about:

• Questions about your mental health
• What immunizations are safe while pregnant. Expecting moms should consider influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations. “Moms also need to make sure they are immunized against rubella and chicken pox prior to getting pregnant,” she said. Any of these illnesses can cause serious complications for infants.
• What medications you can safely take for common illnesses like heartburn, coughs or nasal congestion.
• Your gestational diabetes risk, which can be a factor in a healthy pregnancy.
• Community resources and classes that help, especially those having a first child.

Changes to Make Right Away

Start prenatal vitamins if you haven’t already. Look for supplements with:

• At least 400 micrograms of folic acid and iron
• DHA Omega 3, a vital nutrient for developing fetal eyes and brains
• Plenty of vitamins like B12 and D

If you have cats, avoid any litter-box duties. Other things to avoid:

• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and vape products.
• Do not use any illicit drugs; none are “OK” for you and baby.
• Watch what seafood you might eat, especially species like swordfish and shark that can be unsafe.
• Keep processed meats like salami and hot dogs to a minimum or forgo them altogether.
• You can keep exercising as you did before, but don’t start anything new. Some things you should avoid include horseback riding or scuba diving.
• You don’t have to increase calories significantly ­but be sure to maintain your weight.

“Keep active, from walking to light weightlifting – don’t just stop,” Reindl said.

What’s Normal During Pregnancy

Reindl said it’s easy for moms, especially first-timers, to worry about every meal, beverage and activity at the start of a pregnancy.

You might have some light bleeding or spotting, especially during the first six to eight weeks. That’s normal.

Heavier, menstrual-like bleeding, especially when pain comes with it, is an emergency. “Call your doctor and get guidance.”

Nausea or “morning sickness” is also common, although it can happen at any time of the day. Try remedies like some soda crackers or dry toast as soon as you wake up, or ginger tea or ginger soda. Taking vitamin B6, at a rate of 25 milligrams three times a day, has been found to help with these symptoms. Reindl said it’s safe, too.

You might also have some issues with sleep – try to get as much rest as you can and don’t let worries keep you awake. Check with your provider if these problems are troublesome. You also might want more sleep or a nap. “That’s normal and OK,” said Reindl.

Keep Reading

• Planning for Pregnancy Checklist
• How to Choose a Pregnancy Provider
• Is Natural Birth Right for Me?