Here's What To Do When You Find Out You’re Pregnant

First thing’s first: congratulations are in order!

You’ve just found out that you’re pregnant, which calls for celebration. Whether you are jumping for joy, feeling shocked, or experiencing a mixture of the two, the good news is that you have around 40 weeks to get comfortable with the idea of welcoming your little one into the world.

For many women, it’s common to experience symptoms of pregnancy such as nausea, headaches, and appetite changes in the first six weeks. However, this isn’t always the case. According to a survey by the American Pregnancy Association, 30% of women didn’t experience any symptoms until after their first missed period. 

No matter what you’re feeling or experiencing right now, it can seem like there are an overwhelming amount of things to do in preparation now that you’re expecting—but don’t panic.

You’ll have plenty of time over the coming months to search through baby names, plan and design your nursery, and make sure you feel ready to give birth. 

In the first few days after finding out you are pregnant, however, there are several small tasks you can do that will set you up for success. 

1. Start drinking plenty of water

When you’re pregnant, it’s time to get serious about hydration. Even if you’re usually good about staying hydrated, it’s important to drink more water than usual during pregnancy.

A good rule of thumb is to drink between 12 and 13 8 oz. glasses of water each day.

Drinking plenty of water will help move the nutrients your baby needs to your uterus and can also help prevent constipation, UTIs, and hemorrhoids—which are three (unfortunate) symptoms of being pregnant.

Now that you’re eating not just for yourself but also for your developing baby, you want to make sure your diet is balanced, healthy, and rich in vitamins and nutrients.

Foods that are high in sugar, salt, or fat should be eaten sparingly. There are also several foods you should avoid entirely over the next 9 months, including certain cheeses, unpasteurized milk or dairy products, and undercooked ready meals.

To make sure you’re piling on plenty of protein, healthy fats, and calcium, which are all important for your baby’s growth, check out these 15 healthy recipes for pregnancy.

After sharing the news with your partner or your family, your doctor should be one of the first people you call when you find out you’re expecting.

Typically, your first appointment will be about eight to 10 weeks into your pregnancy. The appointment will include an initial exam that will help to determine your due date, as well as prenatal tests to make sure you and the baby are healthy.

It’s a good idea at this first appointment to ask about prenatal vitamins, as your OB-GYN will know which one is most ideal for you based on your exam.

A whopping 50% of pregnant women deal with insomnia as a result of physical discomfort, changing hormones, and anxiety about being a new mother.

Getting plenty of rest, however, is incredibly important to your baby’s healthy development, so sleep must become your top priority.

Research shows that women who get too much or not enough sleep in early pregnancy are prone to developing high blood pressure in their third trimester.

By sticking to a consistent bedtime, doing a calming activity before bed (like meditating or reading), and avoiding screen time before bed, you can kickstart healthy sleep habits for the remainder of your pregnancy,

While you’re at it, you can also begin learning about the importance of sleep for your baby once they arrive. A healthy baby sleeps between 10 and 14 hours a day, meaning their crib—and their crib mattress—is where they will spend a majority of their early lives. Here’s what you need to know about crib mattresses and why choosing an organic one is essential to your baby’s health.

Finding out you are pregnant is one of life’s biggest moments, and one you will likely look back on in years to come. Sit back, take a deep breath, and get excited—the fun is just beginning.

At Naturepedic, we care deeply about the health and safety of your little bundle of joy, which is why we make sure our crib mattresses are breathable, washable, and certified organic. Learn more about our organic baby crib mattresses and our premium materials on our website here.