Welcoming a new child into the world can be a joyous event. But an unplanned pregnancy can initially be very stressful, especially if a baby does not fit into your current life plans. In the days and weeks after discovering you are pregnant, there are several things that you should do, such as:
Seek Pregnancy Counseling
Seeing a positive pregnancy test when you are not expecting one can bring forth a wide range of emotions. You may not be thinking clearly and you may not know what to do. One thing that can help is seeking pregnancy counseling from a women's health center. During a pregnancy counseling session, you will have the opportunity to speak with a professional about your options, such as keeping the baby, putting the baby up for adoption, or terminating the pregnancy. If you choose to keep the baby or put the baby up for adoption, your counselor can provide you with valuable resources.
Discontinue Vices
Whether you plan to keep the baby or put the baby up for adoption, it is important for you to be as healthy as possible throughout the pregnancy. If you smoke, consume alcohol, or use drugs, it is important to quit these habits. If you have any type of substance abuse issues, it may be in your best interest to seek professional help to become sober for the sake of yourself and your baby's health.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
Your body needs a variety of essential vitamins and minerals to help the fetus grow and develop properly. While eating a healthy diet of whole foods is highly recommended during pregnancy, it is also important to begin taking prenatal vitamins on a daily basis. These vitamins provide your body and the fetus with essential elements that aid in healthy development during the pregnancy.
Schedule an Appointment with an OB/GYN
After deciding to continue your pregnancy, it is important to schedule your initial prenatal appointment with your OB/GYN. If you do not currently have an OB/GYN, your pregnancy counselor can help you find one that accepts your insurance or can make payment arrangements if your do not have health insurance.
Early and regular prenatal care, such as from All Women's Clinic, is a major key for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby, so don't put off scheduling your appointment. During your first prenatal appointment, your estimated due date will be determined and your doctor may order an ultrasound to establish the age of the fetus.
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