You're Pregnant... Now What?

/ Cincinnati Birth Center/
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Two lines, a plus sign, “positive.” Finding out that you’re pregnant can show itself in many different ways, but all of them point to the same answer. What to do next, on the other hand, can sometimes feel like a mystery. Especially for first-time mothers.

There’s a lot of information out there about what you should do when you find out that you’re pregnant, but in general these are the most important next steps that you can take: 

  1. TAKE A MOMENT.
    Learning that you’re pregnant is a monumental moment - one that you’ll likely remember for the rest of your life. Don’t forget to pause and take it all in.

  2. STAY HYDRATED.
    Drinking water will be more important than ever, as it will help you get nutrients from your food to your baby and will help to prevent pregnancy symptoms such as UTIs, hemorrhoids, and constipation. If the nausea gives you aversions to plain water, try adding a squeeze of lemon or lime and pinch of salt.

  3. CONTACT YOUR PROVIDER
    It’s important to contact your provider and let them know the news. If you don’t already have an OB-GYN or a Midwife, contact your primary care provider until you have determined a care provider for this pregnancy.

  4. BUILD A NUTRITIONAL PLAN
    With a growing human being inside of you, you are no longer eating for one. You need enough daily nutrients to support two healthy humans, so building a nutritional plan early on is important. Starting early on in pregnancy, think protein. Protein is the building block for new tissue. Eating protein-rich foods with every meal and snack will help to stabilize blood sugars and stave off morning sickness. Examples of good protein sources include chicken, beef, eggs, cheese, yogurt, beans, nuts, hemp hearts, seeds, and dark leafy greens. Try to minimize processed foods, candies, sugar, white flour, and large quantities of fruit, as these will spike your blood sugar leading to nausea.

  5. THROW OUT YOUR VITAMINS
    That’s right. Research shows most people carry a genetic mutation that makes it difficult to absorb synthetic folic acid, found in most prenatal and multivitamin supplements. Folic acid is essential for your baby’s development. Instead of synthetic vitamins, choose to support your body with food such as grass fed beef liver capsules, pregnancy tea, dark leafy greens and Juice Plus.

  6. DO YOUR RESEARCH
    Are you interested in having a hospital birth, or a home birth? Have you considered using a midwife or doula? Now that you’re expecting, it’s important that you take the time to think through your birth plan and decide what type of care you feel is right for you. Take the time to find a provider who respects and listens to you.

  7. KNOW THAT EVERYTHING WILL BE OKAY.
    Finding out that you’re pregnant can bring about a tidal wave of mixed emotions. It’s entirely normal to feel nervous and to have tons of questions, but trust that things will be okay.

Do you have questions about midwifery and prenatal nutrition? Contact us to learn more about your options and next steps you can take to build a birth plan.