The journey to motherhood is exciting and can also be daunting. Whether this is your first pregnancy or your first one in a while, you may wonder what to do after discovering you’re pregnant.
At UChicago Medicine AdventHealth OB/GYN, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Here’s our advice on what to do after finding out you’re pregnant to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Manage Your Health
If you have any underlying health conditions, you should discuss pregnancy plans with your care team or inform them as soon as you find out that you’re pregnant. If you currently take prescription medications to manage a pre-existing health condition, the medication(s) may or may not be safe to use while you’re pregnant. Your provider may need to discontinue or change this medication to another while you’re pregnant to ensure the safety of you and your baby.
Your blood pressure is an important indicator of your health as well. Some women may have high blood pressure before pregnancy, and other women may be at increased risk of developing high blood pressure in pregnancy. If you have high blood pressure or develop high blood pressure during pregnancy, this can increase the risk of preeclampsia, eclampsia, stroke, placental abruption and preterm delivery. Untreated high blood pressure can also affect the mother’s blood vessels and reduce the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the baby. The good news is that much of this is preventable, and your OB/GYN will provide recommendations.
Establish Care With an OB/GYN or Other Women’s Health Care Provider
Calling your OB/GYN should be at the top of your list of what to do after finding out you’re pregnant. It’s important to contact your OB/GYN office to inform them that you’re pregnant soon after you get a positive pregnancy test. Our care team will schedule you with a provider so they can provide you with early pregnancy education and recommend any necessary medication or lifestyle changes. You can trust our obstetrics experts to deliver the best care throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
Track Your Symptoms
Your body will undergo many changes during pregnancy, which can vary by person. From morning sickness to back pain and many other symptoms, it’s important to keep track of them and discuss them with your OB/GYN to ensure they fall within the normal range of a healthy pregnancy. Your OB/GYN provider can also recommend how to safely ease uncomfortable symptoms throughout your pregnancy.
Focus on Your Nutrition
Getting adequate nutrition for you and your developing baby is important. Here’s what to do nutritionally after finding out you’re pregnant:
- Be aware of what over-the-counter medications are considered safe during pregnancy and be cautious about anything not approved by your doctor.
- Eat a balanced diet, avoiding foods that could harm you and your baby, such as unpasteurized dairy and juices, certain seafood/fish, undercooked meats and too much caffeine.
- Talk to your provider about which vitamins are best for you. In general, we recommend taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid and DHA when you’re trying to get pregnant and continue taking them throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
- Weight gain varies for each pregnancy. It is normal and to be expected, but your OB/GYN will discuss a healthy weight gain range for you.
It’s important to remember that you’re eating for two. Whatever you consume, your baby does, too. If you’re looking for guidance, we encourage you to try our healthy recipes. But there are some otherwise healthy foods that should be avoided for a safe pregnancy.
Get Your Rest
Pregnancy can make you feel fatigued, especially in the early weeks through the first trimester. When it comes to what to do after finding out you’re pregnant, be sure to listen to your body and get the rest you need. Take naps, sleep in and try to go to bed early. Do what you must do to nurture your whole health throughout your pregnancy.
Stay Active
Exercise can be a great way to stay healthy and strong during pregnancy and can even aid with energy during labor. However, it’s important that you don’t overdo it. Talk to your provider about recommendations for you. In most cases, after finding out you’re pregnant, you can continue to do the activities you love, such as walking and yoga. But for now, you’ll need to swap potentially hazardous activities such as off-road biking for the stationary version.
Know What to Expect
The first round of tests and screenings for newly pregnant mothers ensures you’re healthy and determines if you need any special considerations during your pregnancy. Some of the tests your prenatal provider may order after learning you’re pregnant include:
- A1C test for diabetes: Diabetes can complicate a pregnancy and may even develop later in pregnancy, so it’s important for your doctor to know what your glucose levels are.
- Blood type: If you have an Rh-negative blood type (O-, A-, B-, etc.) and have bleeding in early pregnancy, you may need to receive a medication called RhoGAM®. You receive this medication in the third trimester of pregnancy.
- Pelvic exam and Pap smear: This is just like your annual exam, where your doctor will look for any signs of cervical cancer or anything else out of the ordinary.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) screening: You’ll undergo a standard range of tests to ensure you’re not carrying any infectious diseases that could harm your baby if untreated.
- Ultrasound: Most women can expect to have two ultrasounds during their pregnancy. The first typically occurs six to 14 weeks after pregnancy is confirmed with a urine or blood test. The second is generally 20 to 22 weeks and may be able to indicate the sex of your baby.
- Urine culture: The urine culture screening ensures that you don’t currently have a urinary tract infection that would need treatment.
We’re here with you every step of the way during your pregnancy journey, supporting your whole health.
Let Us Guide You
If you’re planning for pregnancy, we provide counseling to prepare you for your future. We believe in your and your baby's well-being from pregnancy to birth and beyond.
Samantha Wyatt, APRN, WHNP-BC, is a board-certified women’s health nurse practitioner in obstetrics and gynecology, ready to provide you with expert care. Her office is conveniently located at 1012 95th Street, Suite 4, in Naperville. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Call630-856-8670. You and your baby deserve the highest-quality care.
