As a result, you went to the pharmacy and purchased a pregnancy test. After that, you had to wait for the results to appear for what seemed like an eternity.
What's next? Breathe in, then exhale. Whatever the outcome, it's likely that your mind is racing with a slew of ideas and emotions, making it difficult to focus on what you need to do next.
No need to be alarmed. When you discover you're pregnant, this article will help you take the following steps.
Inform a friend or family member (if you want to)
As soon as you've been trying to conceive, you'll be overjoyed and want to share the news with someone close to you.
Many people believe they must keep their pregnancy a secret until they are further along, but this is not the case. You can decide when and if you want to reveal it if you're pregnant. So, you have every right to keep this information a secret for the time being.
People who aren't sure they want children may find it comforting to tell someone about their pregnancy. Whether you're feeling scared, excited, or upset, talking to a friend or loved one is a great way to process your feelings.
Identify and work with a qualified healthcare provider
If you already have a midwife or doctor in mind, don't hesitate to call them. They'll probably want to set up an appointment, run some tests, give you some prenatal vitamins, and ensure you have everything you'll need when you're pregnant.
If you don't already have a preferred healthcare provider, do so now. Ask for referrals from friends and family, or look for a healthcare facility in your area to see if they can help.
Choose a doctor or midwife you feel comfortable with and trust, then relax. In addition to the fact that this person may be able to deliver your baby, you'll see them a lot over the next nine months. It's also a good idea to get to know as many doctors and nurses as possible because most offices are run as a team.
Say no to toxic chemicals
Look out for BPA and phthalates, which can be found in food packaging, beverage cans, and cosmetics, as well as in soft plastics (like shower curtains or children's toys) that are made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Plastics and other manufactured goods contain a variety of chemicals that have been shown to pose health risks to developing humans, including fetuses and infants.
Get up and go!
Moderate-intensity aerobic activity should be done at least twice a week during pregnancy. Moving at a pace that raises your heart rate and causes you to sweat is considered to be of moderate intensity. Gardening, yoga, or swimming are all great ways to get some exercise in. Sometimes, your doctor may advise against hot yoga, contact sports, downhill skiing, water skiing, and scuba diving, among other physical activities.
Draw up a schedule of your upcoming tasks
Until you're ready, you don't have to tell your employer that you're pregnant, but you'll need time for doctor's appointments, so plan in case anything goes wrong.
Also, ensure that you are familiar with the maternity policies of your state and your employer. It's unlikely that your employer will offer you paid leave after your child's birth because no federal law requires it.
If you plan to return to work after your child's birth, you may want to begin searching for daycare as soon as possible. Even though it may seem like a short time away, there are daycares with lengthy waiting lists. As a result, many professionals advise parents to begin registering their children for child care at least a year in advance.
Conclusion
After a positive pregnancy test, you have options, whether you're excited, scared, or unsure about the pregnancy. To avoid becoming a parent, there are other options available. Always remember to exercise caution and to seek the advice of a qualified health care provider.
