How to Handle an Unplanned Pregnancy
Posted on: August 27, 2011
Some women try to get pregnant for months or years, preparing carefully for the moment that the pregnancy test is positive. Others are taken by surprise when recognize that something seems different with their body. If you were not expecting a pregnancy, you will probably wonder what to do first. This page will help outline how to handle an unplanned pregnancy.
Prenatal Care: Early Pregnancy Visits
This March of Dimes video features a doctor discussing the goals and objectives of prenatal care. The video also discusses the frequency of prenatal care, as well as the types of tests and exams that are part of routine prenatal care by following the doctor around a prenatal care clinic.
Introduction
Whether you took a home pregnancy test because you missed a period (or two), or your breasts felt tender, or you were just concerned about the consequences of an instance of unprotected intercourse, you may be a bit disconcerted when the test comes back "pregnant". No matter what your feelings about the pregnancy, there are some steps you should take as soon as a home pregnancy test has indicated that you are expecting.
Step 1: Visit Your Doctor
The very first thing you should do is call your doctor. If you are not planning on continuing with the pregnancy, he or she can help you explore your options. If you are planning on continuing with the pregnancy, you'll want to begin your prenatal care as soon as possible. Your doctor will perform a blood test, which will both confirm the pregnancy, and give him or her information about how far along you are, and whether the pregnancy is progressing normally. The doctor will also give you advice about how to have a healthy pregnancy.http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007214.htm
Step 2: Make Lifestyle Changes
If you smoke cigarettes or partake of illegal drugs, you should stop immediately. While many women continue to have an occasional glass of wine while pregnant, the CDC maintains that ll pregnant women should avoid alcohol. This is especially important during early pregnancy.http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/factsheets/FAS_alcoholuse.pdf You should also check with your doctor about any prescription or over the counter medications that you are taking.
Step 3: Pay Attention to Nutrition
Eating a healthy diet is always important, but it is especially important to both your health and that of your baby. Your doctor will also prescribe prenatal vitamins to supplement your diet.http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007214.htm Your doctor will also discuss what a healthy weight gain for you will be, which will depend on how much you weighed before getting pregnant, as well as how many fetuses you're carrying.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pregnancy-weight-gain/PR00111