If you have recently found out you are expecting a new bundle of joy then you may be in the early stages of enjoyment. There can be many emotions involved when you first find out, from fear and anxiety to complete elation. There are a whole host of things you need to do when you get that positive line on that test, you may know some of them but not all. If you are unsure and need some inspiration on what to do then take a look at the article below.

Make Doctors Appointments

One of the first things you need to do, once you have calmed down of course, is ring the doctors to inform them of your pregnancy. You won’t need an appointment straight away unless you have had previous complications. You will typically be scheduled for your first prenatal appointment around eight weeks after your last period. Make sure you know this date, or you know roughly when you last had a period. At your initial appointment you will be asked about previous births and any complications you had with these. You will also be asked about any family history that might be relevant to this pregnancy.

Choose Your Birthing Method

Once you have your maternity notes there will be a section in there about your birthing plan. You don’t have to fill this in but it will give the doctors and midwives a rough idea of what you want if you aren’t in any fit state to say it out loud. You will need to decide on things like where you will give birth, either at home or in the hospital. You will also need to say if you want any specific type of birth, such as one with no pain relief or even a water birth. Speak to your midwife at one of your appointments if there is anything related to your birth plan that you are not sure about.

Manage Any Aches

Pregnancy can take its toll on your body, you can develop various aches and pains on your nine month journey. How you deal with these will depend on the type of aches and pains you have. For instance, if you are experiencing SPD which can be extremely painful then you could consult the help of GA upper cervical. You can manage any pain you have with paracetamol, however, anything stronger will need to be prescribed by your doctor.

Buy Maternity Clothes

At some point you may become uncomfortable in your normal clothing. Maternity clothing has been made to accommodate you and your growing bump. Shop around for the best fit for you, you can usually buy your current size and it will fit beautifully. You might find that maternity clothes aren’t your usual style so you will need to decide if you want to be comfortable or stylish. The good thing about maternity clothes, especially tops, is that they will also last into your breastfeeding journey. If you do choose to breastfeed, then you know the maternity clothes will be well spent.

Hit The Shops

Once you are nearing the end of your pregnancy it is time to hit the shops and ensure you have everything you need. If you had a baby shower then you may have already received some lovely items for both you and your baby. However, the things you haven’t yet ticked off your checklist will need to be purchased. There are some things that you will need straight away and other things you can get later on after your beautiful baby has been born. The priority items on your list should be a crib, moses basket, and a pram with a car seat. You will need a carseat in order to leave the hospital with your newborn.

Take It Easy

Lastly, you need to remember that taking it easy is paramount in pregnancy. The slightest bit of stress, worry, or anxiety can cause things to go wrong. Staying calm and enjoying every step of the process will ensure you are a lot happier. If you have worries or concerns then it might be worth speaking to a professional about this. If you have money woes then there are charities out there who can help.

We hope you found this article helpful and that it gave you some idea on what you need to do once you find out you are pregnant. It can be a pretty daunting time in your life but the important thing is not to panic.

What To Do Once You Get That Big Fat Positive