Pregnant, If you’ve been trying to get pregnant, chances are you’re going to be excited and want to tell someone right away, whether that’s your partner, a close family member, or a friend.
Many people think they have to keep the news of a pregnancy secret until they’re further along, but remember, there are no rules. You get to decide when and if to reveal your pregnancy. So if you want to keep this news a secret, for now, that’s your right.
That said, some people find it comforting to tell someone — even if they’re not sure they want to be. Talking to someone is a great way to work through your emotions, whether you’re feeling excited, scared, or upset (or some combination of the three!).
If you have a doctor or midwife in mind already, give them a call as soon as possible. They’ll most likely want to schedule a visit, do some blood work, prescribe prenatal vitamins, and make sure you have everything you need.
If you don’t have a preferred healthcare professional, look into getting one ASAP. Ask friends or family for recommendations, or look for a healthcare office near you.
Organizations such as Planned Parenthood also offer affordable access to healthcare, including prenatal care if you’re not sure where to start. Check with your local Planned Parenthood health center to see what services they offer, as not all centers offer prenatal care.
Just make sure you pick a doctor or midwife that you feel comfortable with and that you trust. Not only could this person deliver your baby, but you’ll also be seeing them a lot over the next 9 or so months. Most offices operate as a group, so it’s also a good idea to get to know as many health professionals there as you can.
During your pregnancy, you should generally expect to see your OB or midwife:
If you have a high-risk pregnancy or any complications, you might need additional appointments.
Your first prenatal appointment may involve confirming the pregnancy with an early ultrasound or blood work and going over your medical history and medications to set your pregnancy off on a healthy start.
A healthcare professional will also calculate your due date and provide lots of information about what to expect during pregnancy.
Be sure to ask your pregnancy care professional lots of questions. Feel free to write some down ahead of your visit. Your prenatal appointments are your opportunity to ask any and all questions to better help you care for yourself during pregnancy.
You should let your doctor or midwife know if you’re experiencing any symptoms such as bleeding, cramping, or pain.
If you haven’t started already, you should begin taking a prenatal vitamin right away, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). This will help make sure that you’re getting all the vitamins and minerals you need for a healthy pregnancy.
You can purchase prenatal vitamins over the counter (OTC) at most major pharmacies or grocery stores. Just be sure it has at least 400 mcg of folic acid, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
You can also ask your pregnancy care professional for recommendations or a prescription.
Prenatal vitamins are crucial because your baby’s neural tube — which later becomes their brain and spinal cord — develops during the first month of pregnancy. Folate helps reduce the chances of neural tube irregularities, such as those that cause spina bifida.
Other things your prenatal vitamins should have are:
Your healthcare professional will also generally recommend you separately take an iron supplement as well.
Some prenatal vitamins also include choline, which is essential for brain development and placental function, according to 2018 research.
They also may include docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is important for a baby’s brain growth and function.
Let your pregnancy care professional know about any medications or supplements you’re taking. Not all of them are safe to take during pregnancy because they can pass through the placenta.
However, you should never discontinue medication before talking with your doctor either. Many medications, like antidepressants, can cause severe side effects if you stop them cold turkey.
A healthcare professional can help you make a plan for safely tapering any medications that aren’t recommended during pregnancy.
Some pain medications, such as ibuprofen (i.e., Advil or Motrin) are not safe to take during pregnancy. Your provider can also tell you which OTC medications you can take.
For example, if you have a headache or run a fever while you’re pregnant, you can take acetaminophen (Tylenol). If you have allergies, you can take certain OTC medications, according to ACOG.
Your best bet, though, is to ask your doctor what they recommend for your specific situation, so you can make sure it’s safe for both you and your baby.
You don’t have to tell your employer that you’re until you’re ready. Still, you’re going to need time for doctor’s appointments — and you should make a plan in case complications arise.
Also, be sure that you fully understand your state and employer’s maternity policy. There is no mandated paid maternity leave in the United States, so there’s no guarantee your employer will offer you paid leave when your baby is born.
However, the FMLA entitles you to job-protected unpaid leave with health coverage if you work in certain full-time positions, so it’s a good idea to see if you’re eligible.
In addition, some states, such as New York and California, do provide paid family leave for eligible full-time employees.
If you plan to go back to work after you have your baby, you might want to get an early jump on looking for daycare. While it might seem soon, some daycares have very long waiting lists. That’s why many experts recommend registering your baby for child care about 1 year before you need it.
According to the CDC, there is no known safe amount of alcohol use during pregnancy. All alcohol — including wines and beer — can potentially harm a growing baby and contribute to miscarriage, stillbirth, or a number of disabilities.
You should also quit smoking if you can. All tobacco products (including e-cigarettes) are unsafe because they contain nicotine, which can damage a developing baby’s brain and lungs.
The CDC and ACOG also advise against all forms of marijuana use during pregnancy.
Because pregnant people metabolize caffeine slower and because caffeine crosses the placenta, per 2015 research, it is recommended that you decrease your caffeine intake during pregnancy.
ACOG recommends that you limit your caffeine intake to 200 mg or less per day, which is about 2 cups of regular coffee. Research from 2008 suggests that caffeine intake over 200 mg per day raises the risk of miscarriage.
Keep an eye on all sources of caffeine, including:
Good nutrition is always important, but it’s especially important while you’re because your baby needs the right amount of nutrients to grow and develop.
While you’re pregnant, you should make sure you stay hydrated and eat balanced meals containing lots of:
In other words, foods such as whole grains, legumes, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and cooked lean meats are great choices.
However, there are lots of foods you should also avoid during pregnancy because they can pose a risk to you or the baby. These include:
All meats and fish, including sushi, need to be fully cooked.
Not everyone gets morning sickness — but experts estimate that around 70 to 80 percent of pregnant people do.
And here’s the thing: It doesn’t just strike in the morning. It can hit at any time of day (or night).
Morning sickness generally begins around week 6 of your pregnancy and lasts until the end of your first trimester. For some people, however, it can last longer. In rare cases, a severe condition called hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) can occur.
It’s a good idea to stock up on some supplies to help you get through if morning sickness does strike. Here are a few suggestions for things you can pick up:
It may not be something you’d like to think about, but it’s a good idea to be aware of the signs of a miscarriage in the first trimester, so you know when to call a doctor.
Call your doctor right away if you experience any symptoms such as:
If you’re pregnant and don’t feel ready to be a parent and don’t want to have a baby, you have options, including adoption or abortion.
Some people find it helpful to talk with their partner, a supportive family member, friends, or a therapist if they’re considering termination or adoption. You can also ask your doctor for guidance and support.
No matter what you choose, having a support system before, during, and after can be very beneficial.
Just remember: The decision to continue or terminate your pregnancy is yours alone to make. No one should pressure you to make a decision you’re not comfortable with. You alone know what’s right for you.
If you do decide to pursue a termination, here are some steps you can take:
Whether you’re excited, scared, or unsure about your pregnancy, you can take certain steps after you get a positive pregnancy test.
If you want to be a parent:
If you don’t want to be a parent, you have options, too. Just make sure you know your rights and look for reputable healthcare professional.
Last medically reviewed on July 29, 2021
There are a lot of do’s and don’ts that come along with pregnancy. Learn which ones you should follow for a healthy pregnancy and baby.
Learn everything you need to know about pregnancy here, from how to prevent it to the signs of labor. Discover nearly 20 early symptoms, and find out…
What you eat during pregnancy is important for your health, as well as the health of your baby. Here are 13 foods you should eat when you’re pregnant.
If your toddler just jumped on you and you’re expecting, you may wonder how much pressure a pregnant belly can take. Here’s what to know.
When you’re 7 weeks , you may wonder what to expect next. Now that your baby is the size of a blueberry, find out what else you should know.
If you’re considering a home birth, it’s important to understand the benefits and risks. Here’s a look at the pros and cons.
New research suggests maternal cannabis use is associated with higher levels of anxiety, stress, and hyperactivity in children later in life.
Wondering how we ended up with the 4th trimester? Learn more about what it means, what you can expect, and tips for easing the transition for you and…
An anterior placenta positioning during pregnancy isn’t usually causing for concern. Here’s what your doctor will keep an eye on leading up to labor and…
After delivering your baby, you’re not quite done. There’s still the placenta to contend with.
