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Congratulations! You have recently found out you are pregnant and whether it was expected or not, you are about to begin a wonderful, question-filled, and dynamic journey! You may be feeling a bit overjoyed and/or overwhelmed, not knowing where to actually begin.
One of the first things you will want to do when you find out you are pregnant is set up your first prenatal appointment with a doctor or midwife you feel comfortable with. It is very important you embark on this experience with someone you feel you can talk to, will listen to you, and will advise you in your best interests. Ideally, you want the same doctor or midwife to be with you for your entire pregnancy, so be certain this is someone you feel you can be open with.
Additionally, when setting up your initial prenatal appointment be certain to ask about any over-the-counter remedies, herbal remedies, or prescribed medication you are currently taking. Some medications are not recommended for use while you are pregnant, so it is important that you tell your doctor or midwife about all medication you normally use or have recently taken.
It is also advised that you start taking a daily vitamin that is designed specifically for pregnant women. Prenatal vitamins usually have an increased amount of calcium, folic acid, and iron, each of which play a vital role during the development of your baby. (Folic acid is highly recommended by doctors for women who are even considering getting pregnant as studies have shown women who take folic acid prior to conceiving and during their first trimester have a significantly lower risk of having a baby born with neural tube birth defects.)
Furthermore, it is recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol while you are pregnant since a "safe" amount has not yet been determined by researchers or doctors.
One final suggestion you can start now and then bring to your first prenatal appointment is create a running list of questions to ask your doctor or midwife. Write down anything you would like discussed and never feel any of your questions are too trivial to ask!
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