Finding out you’re pregnant is a big deal. For some, it can be a joyous culmination of years of working and wanting and trying to get pregnant. For others, a positive pregnancy test can come with an overwhelming feeling of dread. No matter the situation a positive pregnancy test finds you in, it’s important to do these three things as soon as possible.
Make a Doctor’s Appointment
When you receive a positive pregnancy test, the first thing you should do is make a doctor’s appointment. Seeing a doctor can help confirm your pregnancy, and also check in with your and the baby’s health to make sure everything’s going fine. It’s important to do this early on to catch any issues, and to get started with a healthy pregnancy. In general, an OBGYN will treat you during your pregnancy. This doctor specializes in pregnancy and birth, and will ultimately be the one to deliver your baby. Find an OBGYN you trust. Depending on your age, you could already have a gynecologist you trust. Whichever doctor you see, it’s important that you get in to see them quickly to make sure everything’s healthy.
Start Thinking About the Baby
As soon as those two lines appear on a pregnancy test, you’ve got some big decisions to make. You have to make several lifestyle changes to get ready for the little one growing inside of you. Besides doctor’s appointments, you also need to start taking prenatal vitamins, learn what foods and drinks you should avoid, and start learning about motherhood. For example, alcohol and other drugs should be off limits during your pregnancy. These can cause great harm to the baby and need to be avoided. It can also be helpful to purchase some literature on pregnancy, or sign up for a class. All of these resources can help you learn what to expect, and the things that will happen to your body and your life. You’re going to go through a lot during and after pregnancy, but these resources can help you be more prepared.
Consider Your Options
As beautiful and miraculous as pregnancy is, a positive pregnancy test isn’t always a cause for celebration. If you find yourself with an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy, it’s time to consider your options. You can parent the baby on your own or with a partner, but this is not always a viable choice for expectant mothers. If you find yourself unable to care for your child, you can also consider adoption. This allows you to place your child with a family that is prepared for parenthood, and with parents that will love and care for your child in ways that you cannot.
When you receive a positive pregnancy test, it can be overwhelming and difficult to determine what you should do next. Pregnancy involves a lot of components and decisions, and managing them all can be difficult (especially on top of the work it takes to grow a person inside your body). As soon as you get a positive pregnancy test, do these three things to stay on track.
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