Finding out you’re pregnant can be one of the most exciting moments of your life. But along with the feelings of excitement, there may also be anxiety or fear. Even though you have nine months to prepare, the amount of things you have to get done can often be overwhelming.
From setting up a nursery to finding a pregnancy provider–don’t panic if you don’t know where to start. Although there is a lot to get done during your pregnancy, not everything has to be done at once. Having a checklist can help you figure out what your next step is and ease some of the anxiety you feel.
5 Steps to Take After Finding Out You’re Pregnant
To help you get started, here are 5 of the first steps to take once you find out you’re pregnant:
- Find a pregnancy provider
Most pregnancy providers won’t see you until you’re at least eight weeks pregnant, so if you find out early you may still be several weeks away from needing an appointment. However, as soon as you find out you’re pregnant, it’s important to make an appointment with your primary care provider. Your PCP will help you get on the right track as far as your physical health and nutrition.
Even if you can’t see an OB or midwife yet, you’ll want to pick a provider and set up an appointment. Finding the best person can take time, and you might want to meet with more than one provider before you decide. - Examine your options
To find the best pregnancy provider, it’s never too early to think about your birth options. For your pregnancy you can choose an OB or a midwife. Depending on the type of birth you’re planning for, you might choose to give birth in the hospital, a birth center, or at home.
Remember, you don’t have to make all the decisions about your birth in the first trimester, and many women do end up changing providers during the pregnancy when they realize it’s not a good fit. - Share the good news
Who you decide to share your news with and when you decide to share it is completely up to your and your significant other. Many couples wait until after the first trimester to share the news with everyone, while others like to tell close friends and family members right away.
If you have plans to share with friends and family in a clever way, it may take some time for you to plan your announcement. If that’s not your style, telling friends and family in a simple way is nothing to be ashamed of. Do what makes you feel most comfortable! - Check your insurance coverage
Although it’s not the most exciting part of pregnancy, planning for the financial side of pregnancy and birth is still a necessary part of the process. Every insurance plan is different, so it’s important for you to figure out what health insurance plan will cover as far as your prenatal appointments and birth.
Where you choose to give birth will have an effect on this, so make sure the place you choose is in network if you want to use the full coverage available to you. - Take care of yourself
Especially in the beginning of pregnancy, your first priority is to take good care of yourself. Stress can be harmful for pregnancy and can put you at risk for pregnancy complications such as high blood pressure or premature birth.
A healthy diet and exercise are two of the keys to a healthy pregnancy, and your provider can help you determine where to start to implement a healthy lifestyle. If you find yourself still struggling with fear or anxiety surrounding the news, talk to a trusted friend or family member about how you’re feeling. It will be helpful as well to mention this to your healthcare provider so you can get the help you need.
Takeaway
Whether this is your first pregnancy or your third, all mothers have experienced the wave of emotions that come with finding out you’re pregnant. If you’re feeling mixed emotions, know you’re not alone and you still have plenty of time to prepare for your little one’s arrival.
There are many ways to prepare for birth and the transition to motherhood, but none of them have to be accomplished overnight. Enjoy this time as you enter a new season, and go easy on yourself when you start to feel overwhelmed.
