YOU'RE PREGNANT! WHAT HAPPENS NOW....
So that pregnancy test is positive....wow! .... what have I done? It is a known statistical fact that most people who become pregnant, whether a planned pregnancy or not (even an assisted reproductive conception!) will feel very ambivalent about the fact they are actually pregnant! So take a deep breath and sit for a minute with your thoughts and feelings....
If, in reality, this pregnancy is unplanned and definitely unwanted, please go to our tab "Life Seasons," to read our section "An unexpected pregnancy---Options."
If, after some quiet and deep reflection, you realize that this is an exciting opportunity that you want to engage and support...
then you have a lot of learning to do, and many choices to make. These include:
After reflection, where to start....
1) Start with a small notebook or journal that you can carry with you....some people are adept at using their phone. As thoughts come to mind jot them down...your questions, how you feel, books to read, etc. and any other information that you may forget, so it is all in one place...
2) Start reading websites, journals, and books....BUT be cautious about the source, and make sure it is reputable and can be relied upon....remember blogs, and other sites may only be one person's experience or opinion...check it out.
Check our Resource Page and Reading List for reputable and reliable sources.
3) Check with your health care coverage and research what options are available for prenatal care, providers-- midwives/doctors and birth site. Check out any reviews, and start talking to friends and acquaintances for input and feedback on providers and facilities.
4) Your "gestational age" or weeks of the pregnancy is calculated from your "LMP" or last menstrual period. The due date is calculated to be 40 weeks from the first day of your last menses/period. If you have NOT had regular monthly menstrual cycles (meaning around every 28-30 days,) are nursing, or have been using a hormonal birth control method, then you may need an early ultrasound to determine the weeks of pregnancy. An early dating ultrasound is the most accurate between 10-12 weeks of pregnancy.
So that pregnancy test is positive....wow! .... what have I done? It is a known statistical fact that most people who become pregnant, whether a planned pregnancy or not (even an assisted reproductive conception!) will feel very ambivalent about the fact they are actually pregnant! So take a deep breath and sit for a minute with your thoughts and feelings....
If, in reality, this pregnancy is unplanned and definitely unwanted, please go to our tab "Life Seasons," to read our section "An unexpected pregnancy---Options."
If, after some quiet and deep reflection, you realize that this is an exciting opportunity that you want to engage and support...
then you have a lot of learning to do, and many choices to make. These include:
- What do I believe about myself?
- What do I believe about pregnancy, labor and birth?
- What is important to me?
- What kind of prenatal care do I want and need?
- What do I want my birth to look like?
- Where do I want to give birth?
- What kind of diet and nutrition do I need?
- What physical activities should I be practicing?
- What should I be reading?
- Should I take childbirth preparation classes? What kind?
- What does my partner think and feel about this pregnancy?
- How do I envision us as parents?
- How will this baby change our relationship?
- How will my/our lives change?
After reflection, where to start....
1) Start with a small notebook or journal that you can carry with you....some people are adept at using their phone. As thoughts come to mind jot them down...your questions, how you feel, books to read, etc. and any other information that you may forget, so it is all in one place...
2) Start reading websites, journals, and books....BUT be cautious about the source, and make sure it is reputable and can be relied upon....remember blogs, and other sites may only be one person's experience or opinion...check it out.
Check our Resource Page and Reading List for reputable and reliable sources.
3) Check with your health care coverage and research what options are available for prenatal care, providers-- midwives/doctors and birth site. Check out any reviews, and start talking to friends and acquaintances for input and feedback on providers and facilities.
4) Your "gestational age" or weeks of the pregnancy is calculated from your "LMP" or last menstrual period. The due date is calculated to be 40 weeks from the first day of your last menses/period. If you have NOT had regular monthly menstrual cycles (meaning around every 28-30 days,) are nursing, or have been using a hormonal birth control method, then you may need an early ultrasound to determine the weeks of pregnancy. An early dating ultrasound is the most accurate between 10-12 weeks of pregnancy.