A missed menstrual cycle is the most common symptom leading a woman to take a pregnancy test. Most doctors recommend that you wait until the first day of your missed period before taking a home pregnancy test. Home tests are very accurate (around 97%) when used correctly. Some kits come with two tests because mistakes do happen.
Call your doctor for an appointment to get a prenatal checkup as soon as your pregnancy is confirmed or you suspect you are pregnant. While you should avoid alcohol during pregnancy, that doesn’t mean you should stop having fun. A chilled glass of sparkling cider is a great way to liven up the night and to toast your new bundle of joy. Some women plan a romantic dinner to surprise their partners with the news of the pregnancy, others have bigger parties.
What to do when you find out you’re pregnant
- Drink lots and lots of water
- Review your lifestyle – do you party, do drugs, drink, or have risky behaviors? If so, these things must stop immediately.
- How’s your diet? Follow the guidelines of the pregnancy diet.
- Schedule an appointment with your doctor
- Don’t smoke
- Don’t drink alcohol
- Discuss an exercise routine with your doctor
- Take prenatal vitamins
- Read some baby books
- Have fun discussing baby names
The first thing that comes to your mind when you are pregnant out of wedlock is, “What should I do?” It seems like a thousand questions need answered. The first thing you should do is nothing. You have several months to figure out what you are going to do with the baby. Calm yourself as best you can and then pray. Ask God to keep you calm and to give you wisdom in what to do next. Remember, we usually don’t make good decisions when we act out of fear, confusion, and shock.
From the day you find out you are pregnant with your first child, you have crossed over a huge emotional line. These strange maternal emotional instincts kick in so that even before you have your baby you are full of new fears, hopes and dreams. You will never again be the carefree person you were.
Just Found Out Your Pregnant: Now what?
- Be happy – you are healthy enough to be able to have a baby.
- Decide how you are going to tell your partner. Do you want to do it in a special way?
- If you are still living at home, how will you tell your parents. It’s probably best to tell your mom first. Don’t be surprised if your parents are shocked at first but they’ll come around.
- Review your finances, your budget is about to change. If you don’t have a budget, make one.
- To get you in the baby mindset and just for fun, buy a baby outfit or a maternity top.
- Speak with your doctor about prenatal vitamins
- Learn about childbirth, prenatal care, and pregnancy.
You are in for the adventure of a lifetime. Sit back and take a few minutes to realize the gift you’ve been given. Think of the joy and excitement the next few months and several years will bring. Things may seem scary and confusing at first but once you see your newborn, all will make sense. Congratulations!
