Preparing for Baby: What to Do If You’re Expecting

So, you’ve just found out that you’re pregnant. You might be wondering what comes next, especially if this is your first pregnancy. There are some steps you should take right away—and lots of help along the way—to ensure you have the healthiest, happiest pregnancy possible and are ready for your baby when the time comes.

Research and Plan

Even if the pregnancy itself is unplanned, you can still do your research and make arrangements for the next nine months and beyond. Head to Google, pick up a copy of What to Expect When You’re Expecting, and talk to your partner about what’s to come. From budgeting to baby names, there’s a lot to consider. You don’t need to have all the answers upfront but it won’t hurt to keep these things in mind.

See Your Doctor

Calling your doctor should be a top priority when you’ve found out that you’re pregnant. Book your first antenatal appointment to confirm that you are, in fact, pregnant and discuss your care options going forward. Your doctor will likely go over your medical history and perform bloodwork and other tests to check the RH factor, hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, and the like. This is a good time to discuss any questions or concerns about labor and delivery, too.

Decide How and When to Share Your News

Some parents want to announce their pregnancy as soon as possible, while others prefer to wait until they’ve passed the 12-week point when the risk of miscarriage decreases. Would you rather tell your closest friends and family or make a more extravagant announcement across social media? There’s no right or wrong time, place, or method. The most important thing is that you’re comfortable with whatever you choose.

Window Shop and Compare

When your friends and family learn that you’re expecting, chances are they’ll want to help you stock up on all sorts of baby supplies. You can make sure they know what you want most by setting up a registry at your favorite stores. If you aren’t sure of what to include on your registry, consider checking out reviews and buying guides like Stroller Buzz. Whether you’re in the market for a stroller that you can push along on a jog or one that will hold up through the toddler years, the best way to decide is to see what others—both experts and those who’ve tried them out for themselves—have to say.

Take Your Vitamins

Prenatal vitamins contain extra iron and folic acid as compared to a standard multivitamin. These nutrients will help support your baby’s health and development while preventing anemia and other abnormalities. Your doctor might recommend finding a vitamin that also contains a generous dose of calcium, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, or other nutrients. Of course, you should be sure to eat a nutritious diet in addition to supplementation, as well as practicing healthy habits like exercising regularly and staying hydrated.

Stop Risky Behaviors

Some pregnancy risk factors are obvious, like consuming alcohol, nicotine, or other drugs. It’s important to talk to your doctor and be sure to avoid medications, foods, or activities with the potential to put you or your baby in danger, too. You might not think about certain ingredients or household products being harmful, but that doesn’t mean they’re safe by default. You don’t have to stop living your life by any means, but you should be aware of what precautions to take along the way.
When in doubt, be sure to consult your doctor with any questions that come to mind throughout these early days of your pregnancy and beyond. Take a deep breath and get ready to welcome your new favorite little person to come into the world!