Congratulations! If you’re staring at a positive test and wondering what to do next, you’re not alone.
The first weeks of pregnancy are a flurry of excitement, nerves, and the occasional urge to weep at a pet food commercial.
Busy parents don’t have time to wade through encyclopedias of advice, so here’s exactly what to tackle early on—without the fluff or the pressure.
1. Book in With Your Healthcare Provider
Nothing says “this is really happening” like making that first appointment. Whether you have an obstetrician, midwife, or GP in mind, get on their books as soon as possible.
Early visits help confirm your pregnancy, establish a rough due date, and give you time to ask all those burning questions—like whether eating soft cheese will indeed summon the food police.
If you’re choosing between providers, this practical guide to finding prenatal care from March of Dimes offers solid tips.
2. Start (or Keep) Taking Prenatal Vitamins
Even the most saintly eaters can struggle to get enough folic acid, iron, and other nutrients in early pregnancy. If your multivitamin is gathering dust, now’s the time to pop it back on the kitchen bench.
Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects, and iron keeps energy up—vital, considering you’ll need to chase after older siblings (or your own sanity) soon enough.
If you’re overwhelmed by the options, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists breaks down what to look for in a prenatal vitamin.
3. Give Your Pantry a Pregnancy Makeover
No one’s asking you to toss out every beloved brie wheel or run screaming from sushi (well, maybe a gentle sidestep). Some foods are best avoided for now—think undercooked meat, raw eggs, certain fish high in mercury—while others will be your new best mates.
If you’re itching for a simple list to stick on the fridge, NHS offers a straightforward guide on what’s in and what’s out.
4. Rethink Your Caffeine and Alcohol Habits
That morning coffee? It doesn’t have to disappear, but it might need to shrink.
Health experts generally agree that up to 200mg of caffeine per day is safe (about a mug of filter coffee), but now’s a good time to check your serving sizes and swap the odd brew for herbal tea or water.
And if you’ve been used to a glass of wine with dinner, hold off for now—official advice is to avoid alcohol during pregnancy. CDC explains why here.
5. Announce—or Don’t—on Your Own Terms
The pressure to share the news right away can be real. The “when to tell” conundrum is deeply personal.
Some parents spill the beans the minute the stick turns pink, others wait until the first scan, and some hold out until they can no longer button their jeans.
There’s no right answer, but having a plan can help you sidestep awkward moments—like when Aunt Margaret asks why you’re skipping the prawn canapés at family dinner.
6. Tune Into Your Body
Early pregnancy is not for the faint of heart (or stomach). Fatigue, nausea, and the sudden ability to sniff out a banana from three blocks away are all perfectly normal. Cut yourself some slack.
If you need a nap at 3pm, consider it self-care, not laziness. Little tweaks—like eating small, frequent snacks or switching to ginger tea—can help.
And if symptoms become severe, especially vomiting, don’t soldier on alone; touch base with your doctor.
7. Sort Out Medications and Supplements
Not every medicine or herbal tea is safe for pregnancy. Even that innocent-looking cold remedy might be on the “no” list.
Bring a list of everything you take (including vitamins and over-the-counter stuff) to your first appointment.
Your healthcare provider can help you decide what’s safe to keep, what to swap, and what to bin for now. Mayo Clinic provides a handy overview.
8. Keep Moving—Gently
Exercise isn’t cancelled, promise. Moving your body—even if it’s a gentle walk or a prenatal yoga video between meetings—can ease aches, improve mood, and help fend off that legendary pregnancy constipation.
The magic words? Listen to your body.
You’re growing a human, not training for a marathon (unless you actually are, in which case, hats off). The American Pregnancy Association outlines safe ways to stay active.
9. Start a Symptom Log or Journal
It sounds twee, but jotting down how you feel each day is a game-changer. Not only does this help spot patterns—like the exact time of day you’re most likely to need a nap—but it’s handy when chatting with your doctor.
Plus, keeping a record of cravings and aversions gives you something to laugh about later. (Pickles and ice cream at midnight? Classic.)
10. Give Yourself Permission to Worry—and Get Support
Anxiety is a silent passenger for many expecting parents, and that’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Googling every twinge is nearly a rite of passage.
If your worries keep you up at night, reach out. Friends, family, online groups, or your midwife can help.
And if you need professional support, Postpartum Support International is a judgement-free starting point.
Looking After You Means Looking After the Baby
Those first weeks can be a blur of to-dos, cravings, and questions.
The most important thing? You don’t need to have it all figured out.
Ticking things off this list (or even just some of them) is enough. Go easy on yourself. Every pregnancy is unique, and some days, getting out of bed is a win worth celebrating.
Pass the ginger biscuits and try to savour the ride—chaotic, beautiful, and all yours.
