The First Steps After a Positive Pregnancy Test
If you have recently taken a pregnancy test and have gotten a positive result, congratulations! Pregnancy is a special time in a woman’s life with many exciting things coming in the future. Of course, with big changes come feelings of being overwhelmed, which are natural and expected. For what to do “first” now that you have a positive test, keep reading.
First, start taking prenatal vitamins. Your nutritional health is vital throughout your entire life, but it is never more important than when you are growing another life inside you. Prenatal vitamins have the correct increased amounts of folic acid and other necessary vitamins and minerals your pregnant body needs to protect against birth defects.
Second, kick all of your bad habits to the curb. Lifestyle habits such as smoking, vaping, drug abuse, or alcohol abuse can harm your growing baby. You must stop all of these habits immediately so that you reduce the risk of birth defects, low birth weight, and miscarriage.
Third, research your family history. Your growing baby is a combination of both you and your partner. Knowing pertinent medical history from both sides will help doctors monitor any situations that could put you or your baby at risk. Genetic conditions that exist in extended family members can pose a threat to your baby. Knowing these risk factors can influence your level of prenatal care from the very beginning.
Forth, make an appointment with your obstetrician. As soon as you have a positive pregnancy test, it is time to make an appointment for your first prenatal appointment. During this visit, your pregnancy will be confirmed, blood samples will be collected, and a prenatal care approach will be designed specifically for you. If there are any high-risk flags in your medical history or screening, special monitoring will begin right away.
When choosing Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates for your prenatal care, you are in good hands. Our dedicated team of professionals offers thorough and sensitive care.
